Frequently Asked Questions about Eating & Dialysis

Are there times when I shouldn't eat?

Definitely!  The worst time to eat is when you are on the hemodialysis machine.  Eating during hemodialysis is bad for your treatments and can make you feel awful.  Remembering to eat before being dialyzed will help you feel much better as you are dialyzed.

Why is eating in the dialysis chair such a bad idea

Eating in the dialysis chair can make you feel ill.  Remember, when you were a child and were told not to swim after you had eaten to avoid getting muscle cramps?  The same idea holds true for eating while undergoing dialysis.

When you eat, blood from your muscles, arms and legs rushes to your stomach.  Blood rushes to your stomach, which causes cramping.  Low blood pressure and nausea -- even vomiting --are all signs of blood shifting to your stomach.

Is it dangerous to eat while undergoing dialysis?

Most people on dialysis, especially those with diabetes, have a reduced ability to swallow.  Combining that risk with eating while lying down and the increased chance of your blood pressure dropping is very dangerous.  Choking can be life-threatening.

Any other reasons for not eating on dialysis?

A dialysis unit has lots of blood in it.  Though we all work hard to keep it clean, it can still be unsanitary.  No one, including family members, friends or staff, should ever eat around blood.

Viruses, including Hepatitis and Cytomegalic virus, would welcome the opportunity to infect a patient undergoing treatment.  Keeping dialysis units free of food helps keep germs away.

When should I eat?

Eat at least two hours before you begin treatment. Be sure to carefully consider what you eat. Foods that are higher in fat stay in the stomach longer and are more likely to cause problems. High-starch or sugar meals leave your stomach sooner and are the best choice.

Limit high-fiber and high-protein foods, which take longer to digest.  For diabetics, whose stomachs take longer to empty, liquids are good choices because they leave the stomach sooner.

What are some recommended foods while I get ready to start my treatment?

A good pre-dialysis breakfast might be:

• A poached, soft-cooked or hardboiled egg

• Hot or cold cereal, such as cream of wheat, rice, or cornflakes, or puffed wheat/rice

• Non-fat milk

• Jam on bread (no margarine or butter)

• Applesauce

A lunch might include:

• Jam or honey sandwich

• Rice cakes

• Applesauce

• Soda pop or Kool-Aid®

Dinner might include:

• Pasta with red sauce

• Garlic bread (use margarine spray)

• Canned peaches • Sherbet

Why is it a bad idea to eat food prepared by other patients?

Dialysis patients have a higher incidence of hepatitis and tend to get infections more often.  Sometimes, they have open wounds from their access or other sores.  As a result, they are more likely to taint food with germs.  Blood on unclean clothing, old bandages, or unwashed hands can contribute to contaminated food a patient might share with you or staff.

Eating at least two hours before being dialyzed is the best idea for your health and comfort.

Washing your hands before and after dialysis will reduce your chance of infection.

If you are a Northwest kidney centers patient, you can e-mail our nutrition department at info@nwkidney.org.