I’m new here and rather intimidated by all the changes we are facing with my husband beginning dialysis. Looking for ideas, recipes, seasoning tips for diabetic dialysis, sources for low sodium products, including snacks. Are there any sources for pre-made meals?
What apps are useful and simple to use to record fluid intake, weight, etc?
Hi and welcome,
There are lots of places but I use davita.com. However, I use their recipes as a guide. I exchange vegetables I don't like for ones I do and since I don't use salt I substitute various herbs and spices for flavor.
There should be a renal dietitian at the dialysis center and they can better advise you on fluids restrictions and the various options available. You should be hearing from others before long on their best practices.
Hello! My husband also has diabetic kidney disease and recently went on dialysis. The diet does change as you move from kidney maintenance to dialysis...more protein is needed, which is nice, and your fluid intake is strictly limited, and so forth. Depending on type of dialysis, fiber may be brought up. Then, depending on type of dialysis, your sugar levels may drop. And more. So there may be lots of moving parts for you to consider. We have become label readers, as there aren't many nutrition trackers that address both issues (diabetes and kidney failure) well in our opinion. In my husband's case, our diabetes management doctor has limited my husband's diet to 70 carbs daily (may be low for some) along with the usual potassium, phosphorus, and water restrictions, etc. If you're interested in consulting with a dietitian, I would seek out a "registered" dietitian who will examine your entire profile, including the diabetes, via blood tests and then offer customize food plans for you. If you're using Medicare, Medicare generally covers the cost. (In our situation, the dietitians at the dialysis centers focused only on the kidneys, even though the vast majority of kidney failure is diabetes. ) Because my husband is now on dialysis, we often turn to low-carb recipes and then remove or replace those items high in potassium/phosphorus, etc. But please check with your care team, including your diabetes doctor, regarding your nutrition and diet. We are all so very different! By the way, my husband has done well on dialysis. I hope yours is doing well too!
The phosphorus is a real mystery, since it seems to get lost in the fine print of the labels. And, he hasn't gotten the Rx for the phosphorus blocker yet. Supposed to see a nutritionist at the clinic on Friday. I know there are low sodium products out there, but I'm wondering if there are any "no salt" products, like ketchup and other condiments.
I use an app called HealthWatch360 to track my phosphorous etc. you can take pictures of product bar codes in the store. It will then tell you exactly how much phosphorous in a serving of the item as well as potassium, sodium, etc. if you enter all you food intake daily it will also give you your total daily intake of these same nutrients.
As far as snacks go, the renal dietician at the transition pant center last summer told me about a dietician-created protein drink and other snacks that are both renal friendly and diabetics friendly (assuming you adhere to appropriate daily intake serving suggestions).
The product line is called VidaFuel. I’ll include the link here but am not sure it’s allowed as it may be viewed as an advertisement for the product...
Jayhawker
If your husband is on hemodialysis, it's highly likely he will be given a phosphorus blocker soon. We expect to move to peritoneal dialysis, and there may be other outcomes with that one. In short, as soon as my husband was put on hemodialysis, his trajectory went from diet only, to over-the-counter Tums, to potassium blocker. Throughout, we've remained conscientious with the diet. After the potassium blocker was added, concern levels dropped. Your husband's path may be completely different. As for food selection, most everything has phosphorus/potassium/salt in it. Content on labels is usually listed in order of most to least. Be mindful that many salt substitutes use potassium chloride, a big no-no, so look for herbal based replacements...there are many and they are good. We don't use a lot of prepared foods anymore, mostly making our own. And we do a lot of substitutions being mindful of both kidneys and diabetes...salsa or unique mustard for ketchup, berries instead of sweet fruits, water or unsweetened juices instead of colas, low-carb bread instead of regular bread, cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or potatoes, etc. Over time, it's become a way of life. We are always mindful of my hubby's chemistry - recognizing that diabetes took out the kidneys and is on the prowl looking for another target. You have a big interest in the subject, so you're well on your way. Blessings on your journey!
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