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Getting Started

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Here is the basic information you need to follow your diet. Your nutritionist will give you more detailed information as you need it, but this should get you started. There are several factors you need to restrict: sodium, fluid, potassium, and phosphorus. And some you want to increase: protein and calories.

1. Sodium

Ordinary table salt is Sodium Chloride. Cook your foods without salt and don't add it to food at the table. Some foods that are very high in sodium are:

• Convenience foods (TV dinners, canned or dried soups, stews, or casseroles).

• "Fast foods" (commercial hamburgers, pizzas, tacos).

• Processed meats and cheeses (like lunch meat, cheese spread).

Try to avoid these foods or limit their use to once a week.

2. Fluid

You can drink 3 cups of fluid daily plus the amount equal to your urine output. Fluids include all beverages and foods that are liquid at room temperature (or become liquid, like Jell-O or ice cream).

3. Potassium

To avoid high-potassium foods, limit fruits, vegetables, and juices to 3 one cup or 6 half-cup servings per day. Do not use salt substitutes that are usually potassium chloride.

4. Phosphorus

Use only 1 milk product per day, such as:

5.   Protein

Eat all the unsalted meats, fish, poultry, or eggs you want. If you have been on a low-protein diet, check with your doctor.

6. Calories

Eat high-calorie foods such as:

Some convenience or ready-made cookies, pastries, gravies, and sauces are very high in sodium, but homemade are usually much lower.

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