My family member has ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) and is on peritoneal dialysis three times a day. What diet and foods may help maintain good nutrition and support his health safely?
People with ESRD on peritoneal dialysis often need a carefully balanced diet because dialysis can remove protein and minerals from the body, while the kidneys are unable to control fluid and waste properly. Weakness, poor appetite, swelling, muscle loss, and low energy may develop if nutrition is inadequate. Since dialysis is performed several times daily, protein requirements are usually higher than those of other kidney patients. Diet plans commonly focus on high-quality protein in controlled amounts, such as eggs, fish, chicken, paneer, or prescribed protein supplements if allowed by the kidney specialist. Salt, excess fluids, potassium-rich foods and high phosphorus foods may need to be restricted depending on blood test results. Rice, roti, cooked vegetables, apples, berries and low potassium fruits are often preferred. Processed foods, packaged soups, cola drinks and very salty snacks may worsen the fluid balance and blood pressure. Routine monitoring of potassium, phosphorus, weight, swelling and dialysis adequacy is important, because dietary needs may change over time.
