What is one recommended dietary change for dialysis patients?

Adopting a heart-healthy diet is one recommended dietary change for dialysis patients because it focuses on promoting overall cardiovascular health, which is critical for individuals with kidney disease. Patients on dialysis often face increased risks of heart disease due to factors such as high blood pressure and fluid retention related to their condition. A heart-healthy diet typically emphasizes the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while reducing sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. This dietary approach not only supports cardiovascular health but also helps manage fluid balance and other complications associated with dialysis.

Other options, such as significantly increasing protein intake or consuming a high-potassium diet, may actually pose risks depending on individual patient needs, as kidney function impacts protein metabolism and potassium levels. Water intake must also be carefully managed, but drastically limiting water intake without proper assessment may lead to dehydration and other complications. Thus, a heart-healthy diet serves as an important framework for managing health in dialysis patients while balancing their unique dietary restrictions.