Healthy Eating on Haemodialysis

If you're undergoing haemodialysis (or hemodialysis), your diet plays a crucial role in staying healthy and avoiding complications. The main goals are to manage fluid balance, reduce waste buildup in your body, and protect both your heart and bones.

Some people may have more flexibility in their diet, while others will need to follow specific restrictions. It’s important to know your potassium and phosphate blood levels—this helps guide what you should eat or avoid. If you’re unsure, speak with a dietitian at your dialysis unit. Most people on dialysis have access to a renal dietitian for tailored advice.

Being mindful of foods high in potassium and phosphorus and enjoying them only occasionally can help you stay well.

Key Dietary Guidelines for Haemodialysis

Here are the essential nutrition tips to support your treatment:

1. Eat High-Quality Protein

Protein helps maintain muscle strength. People on dialysis need more protein than those without kidney disease.

2. Limit Sodium

Sodium can lead to fluid retention and high blood pressure. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavour food.

3. Control Potassium

Too much potassium in the blood can affect your heart rhythm. Know which foods are high or low in potassium.

4. Limit Phosphorus

High phosphorus levels can weaken your bones. Learn to identify and limit foods with added phosphate preservatives.

5. Monitor Fluid Intake

Excess fluid can cause swelling and put stress on your heart. Be mindful of both drinks and foods high in water content.

Best Foods to Eat on Haemodialysis

High-Protein Foods (2–3 Servings Daily)

• Lean meat, chicken, fish, and eggs
• Plant proteins like beans, lentils, tofu, and soy products

Low-Potassium Grains

• White rice, pasta, couscous, noodles, white or refined bread

Lower-Potassium Vegetables (2 Servings Daily)

• Cucumber, bell peppers, boiled carrots, swede, bean sprouts
• Boiling vegetables helps reduce potassium content

Lower-Potassium Fruits (2 Servings Daily)

• Apples, grapes, pineapple, berries, watermelon

Low-Phosphorus Dairy Alternatives

• Small amounts of ricotta or cream cheese
• Non-dairy milk (check for phosphorus additives)

Low-Sodium Options

• Fresh, home-cooked meals without added salt
• Use herbs, garlic, lemon juice or spices for flavour

Foods to Limit or Avoid

High-Potassium Foods

• Bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, avocado

High-Phosphorus Foods

• Processed cheese, chocolate, dark sodas, nuts
• Foods with phosphate additives (check labels for ingredients containing "phos")

Excess Fluids

• Large amounts of water, soup, juice, ice cream, juicy fruits like oranges and watermelon

Salty & Processed Foods

• Canned goods, fast food, chips, deli meats, pickles

Too Much Red Meat

• Can lead to a phosphorus build-up and may need to be limited

Additional Tips for Managing Your Diet

• Speak with your renal dietitian regularly to tailor your nutrition plan
• Try to eat three balanced meals per day, with snacks as needed
• Choose fresh, minimally processed foods when possible
• If you rely on ready-made meals, choose the best quality you can afford

Managing High Phosphate Levels

If your phosphate levels are high:

• Check if your dialysis is effective (no line problems or shortened sessions)
• Take phosphate binders with meals and snacks exactly as prescribed
• Phosphate binders only work with food—if you forget a dose, take it with your next meal (don’t double up)
• Avoid foods with phosphate additives like:
  • Phosphoric acid
  • Sodium phosphate
  • Potassium phosphate
  • Ingredients containing "phos" in the label
• Limit chocolate, nuts, and large amounts of dairy
• Whole grains are okay in moderation—they contain fibre that reduces phosphate absorption

Managing High Potassium Levels

If your potassium level is high:

• Consider whether your dialysis is adequate
• Have you started eating foods you don’t normally eat?
• Familiarise yourself with high and low potassium foods—speak to your dietitian if unsure

High potassium foods to watch out for include:

• Smoothies, juices, soups
• Baked potatoes, crisps (potato chips), french fries
• Dried fruits, bananas, large portions of vegetables
• Chocolate and nuts

Final Thoughts

Managing your diet on haemodialysis doesn’t mean missing out—it’s about making informed, balanced choices to support your treatment and overall wellbeing. Work with your healthcare team to create a diet plan that meets your unique needs.

Ready for Personalised Support?

If you’d like tailored advice for your kidney health or help putting your diet into action, you can book a one-on-one consultation with a renal dietitian at any time.
We’re here to support you on your journey.

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