If you are on a fluid-restricted diet, then follow your doctor’s instructions for how much fluid you can have.
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Check with your doctor if you are not sure if you are supposed to follow a potassium restricted diet. Foods that are high in potassium include bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, squash, cabbage, dried fruits, grains, and salt substitutes. If you need to limit your potassium intake, then you will need to check the potassium content of all of the foods that you eat and keep track of your potassium intake.
Steer clear of high-protein diets if you already have poor kidney function. High-protein diets can harm your kidneys. Choose lean proteins such as fish, skinless chicken, beans, and low-fat cheese.
For example, if you have high blood pressure, then talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower your blood pressure. If you have diabetes, then do what you can to get your diabetes under control. A family history of kidney disease may also predispose you to kidney disease, so make sure that you take extra precautions if you have a parent, sister, or grandparent who has kidney disease.
Check with your doctor to be sure that exercise is a good idea for you. Try to find something that you will enjoy so that you will stick with it. For example, you might find that you enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, dancing, or a combination of these activities.
Ask your doctor about smoking cessation programs and medications that may help you quit smoking.
Keep in mind that it is okay to use over-the-counter medicines for occasional pain, but frequent use can lead to kidney damage.
Ask your doctor if you should go on a low-protein diet. If you need to go on a low-protein diet, your doctor will most likely have you meet with a dietician so that you will know what to eat.
If reducing your dietary intake of phosphate does not work, then your doctor may prescribe phosphate binders. These medications have to be taken along with meals to absorb some of the phosphates in your food.
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Hemodialysis is performed with a machine that filters the waste and excess fluids from your blood. You will need to go to a clinic a few days per week to have this type of dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is also done with a machine that fills your abdomen with dialysis solution that attaches to waste and unnecessary fluids and then drains them from your body. This form of dialysis can be done at home with a special machine, but you will have to do it every day.
Keep in mind that for the rest of your life after you have a kidney transplant, you will have to take medications to prevent the donor kidney from being rejected.
