Routinely undergo hemodialysis, watch this food

When the kidneys are not functioning optimally in removing the remnants of metabolic substances or reducing excess fluid in the body, then this kidney function can be replaced with hemodialysis (dialysis). To better understand about hemodialysis, consider the following explanation. Hemodialysis or better known as dialysis procedure is the process of cleansing the blood of substances that are not needed by the body using special machines. Hemodialysis is needed if kidney function in the body has been disrupted. Apart from cleansing the blood, this method can also help control blood pressure and balance the levels of vitamins and minerals in the body. Usually, this treatment procedure is used in patients with end-stage renal failure.

How Does Hemodialysis Work?

Hemodialysis method can be done by inserting two needles into a vein in the arm. The two needles are attached to a flexible plastic hose that is connected to a blood purifier filter or dialyzer. Slowly, the blood is then pumped through one of the tubes from the body into the dialyzer to be filtered. The filtered blood is then pumped back into the body through another tube. During the dialysis process, the patient can sit in a chair while watching TV, reading a book, or sleeping. The duration of dialysis is around 3-4 hours. A patient who wishes to undergo dialysis with this method can do so in a hospital or dialysis center, three times a week or as recommended by a doctor. Although beneficial in maintaining the availability of clean blood in the body, but hemodialysis is not free from various side effects. Some side effects that may occur during or after the hemodialysis process include low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, itchy skin, nausea and vomiting, and infections.

Foods that need to be restricted when undergoing hemodialysis

Eating the right foods and drinks can help you improve your health during the hemodialysis process. The doctor may ask the patient to limit certain foods while still undergoing the hemodialysis procedure. Here is a list of some substances that need to be limited in food:

• Fluid

After you have done the hemodialysis method, your doctor or nutritionist will determine how much fluid you can consume each day. Limitation of fluid intake is so that the body does not experience excess fluid, due to decreased kidney function to filter fluids.

• Phosphor

During the hemodialysis procedure, you are advised to limit consumption of foods containing phosphorus. This is to prevent muscle cramps and low blood pressure. In addition, consuming too much phosphorus can also weaken bones and make the skin itchy. Therefore, avoid consuming foods that are high in phosphorus, such as milk, cheese, dried beans, peas, soda, and peanut butter.

• Potassium (potassium)

Eating too much potassium when your kidneys are sick can harm your heart and even cause death. Consuming too much potassium can affect your heart rate. Therefore, you are encouraged to limit foods that have a high potassium content, such as oranges, bananas, tomatoes, dates, and potatoes.

• Salt

Other substances that you need to limit while undergoing hemodialysis are salt (sodium). Limiting salt consumption can help you control blood pressure and reduce the risk of excess weight gain due to fluid buildup. Avoid foods that are high in sodium or sodium, such as instant noodles, canned foods, and crackers.

Instead, you are encouraged to eat foods that contain protein, such as fish meat, chicken meat, and eggs. The point is to replace the wasted protein intake during the dialysis process. In addition, protein foods produce less waste when hemodialysis. Hemodialysis can improve the quality and life expectancy of kidney failure patients, although this procedure cannot cure chronic kidney disease or advanced kidney failure. If you feel a complaint after hemodialysis, you should immediately consult a doctor. Everyone can have different reactions to these medical procedures.