What to Eat and Drink on Peritoneal Dialysis
Choosing peritoneal dialysis (PD) for kidney failure treatment at stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) can give you more flexibility in lifestyle, scheduling and diet compared to other treatments. There are some kidney diet basics for people on any kind of dialysis—like choosing high-protein, low-sodium foods and drinks, following a low-phosphorus diet and managing potassium intake as directed by your care team. However, people on home dialysis may have fewer restrictions for eating and drinking because treatment is done more frequently.
Why does PD give me more freedom with my diet?
Whether you choose to do PD throughout the day or overnight, daily PD treatment gives wastes and toxins less time to build up in your blood between dialysis sessions. The frequency of home dialysis also is closer to natural kidney function and can mean better results.
What can I eat on a peritoneal dialysis diet?
Your dietitian will help you create a personalized meal plan that’s perfect for what your body needs on a peritoneal dialysis diet—and incorporates your favorite flavors and foods. If you’re going to stick to a dialysis diet, it’s best if you enjoy it.
Proteins
Beans, beef, chicken, eggs, fish, pork... and much more
Breads, cereals & grains
Fruits
Apple, blueberries, cherries, grapes, pear, strawberries... and much more
Vegetables
Broccoli, carrots, cherry tomatoes, corn, mushrooms, spinach... and much more
Dairy
Fluids
Desserts & snacks
Can I drink more fluids on PD?
Daily peritoneal dialysis sessions help prevent fluid buildup in the body, so you may be able to drink more fluids than you would if you were treating less frequently with another option. It is still important to keep your fluid intake to the amount recommended by your care team. Your dietitian can tell you what’s right for you—and give you tips for recognizing foods that are mostly fluid and count toward your fluid intake (e.g., soup, popsicles and ice).Dialysate and extra calories
| CALORIES IN DIALYSATE | |
|---|---|
| Solution strength | Numbers of calories absorbed |
| 1.5% dextrose | 100-200 |
| 2.5% dextrose | 150-250 |
| 4.25% dextrose | 200-400 |
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