the
ki ney citizen
21
Protein and Dialysis
By Shadi Fattah , RD , LDN , Registered Dietitian
Eating a high protein diet is very important in general , but even more so for people on dialysis . Protein plays a major role in growth and repair of body tissues , wound healing , fighting infections , muscle growth and fluid management .
Protein also plays an important role in dialysis treatments . Albumin is a protein found in the liver and is used to measure protein levels in the blood . People with low albumin generally also have muscle loss , weight loss , hair loss , fatigue , higher chance of infections , body swelling ( edema ), longer hospital stays and increased risk of heart disease .
Dialysis patients lose amino acids ( building blocks for protein ) with hemodialysis and protein with peritoneal dialysis . Patients on peritoneal dialysis need a bit more protein to maintain adequate protein levels . Up to 7 grams of protein is lost each day during peritoneal dialysis .
7 grams of protein is equivalent to
1 large egg 1 oz of meat 1 / 2 protein bar 1 / 4 cup of cottage cheese 3 pieces of medium size shrimp 1 / 2 cup of chickpeas
Patients undergoing hemodialysis should eat 1.2 g / kg of protein every day , while peritoneal dialysis patients should aim for 1.3g / kg ( grams of protein per kg of body weight ). A 150 Ibs ( 68kg ) person on peritoneal dialysis then needs approximately 89 grams of protein each day . Most patients need between 80- 100 grams ( 10-12 oz ) of protein each day . Best sources of protein include eggs , chicken , beef , turkey , pork , tuna , fish , beans and some dairy products such as cottage cheese and Greek yogurt . Always check with your renal dietitian before introducing beans and dairy products into your diet due to their high phosphorus and potassium contents .
How to get at least 80 grams of protein
Breakfast 2 eggs ½ cup milk ½ cup of berries
Lunch Tuna sandwich ( 1 / 2 cup of tuna ) Or roast beef sandwich
Snack Small protein bar or ½ cup cottage cheese Or 1 small Greek yogurt
Dinner 3 oz of chicken ½ cup of green beans 1 small roll
Many people on dialysis need to add a protein supplement to their diet to increase protein intake . This can include ready to drink protein shakes , protein bars , protein powders and protein shots . Always check with your renal dietitian before starting a protein supplement .
Make sure you are getting adequate protein from your diet . Remember to always eat your protein first ( before starch and veggies ) since it ’ s the most important part of your meal . Work with your dietitian on ways to increase your protein intake . To lead a long and healthy life , you need to eat a high protein diet .