Nutritional Education

Nutrition Matters

A person may prevent or delay some health problems from chronic kidney disease (CKD) by eating the right foods and avoiding foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Learning about calories, fats, proteins, and fluids is important for a person with advanced CKD.

A person may prevent or delay some health problems from chronic kidney disease (CKD) by eating the right foods and avoiding foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Learning about calories, fats, proteins, and fluids is important for a person with advanced CKD.

Protein foods such as meat and dairy products break down into waste products that healthy kidneys remove from the blood. As CKD progresses, nutritional needs change. A registered dietitian may recommend that a patient with reduced kidney function choose foods carefully.

At ARC Dialysis, our care teams include registered dietitians who work directly with patients to create personalized meal plans that fit their lifestyle, cultural preferences, and medical needs. Small changes—like choosing fresh vegetables over canned, reading nutrition labels for hidden sodium, or balancing protein intake—can make a meaningful difference in how you feel day to day.

We're here to guide you through every step, so managing your diet doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

Understanding Your Dialysis Lab Results

Monthly laboratory tests help your care team monitor important parts of your health and treatment. Ask your nurse or nephrologist what each result means, what goal applies to you, and what steps may help. Do not change medicines, diet, or treatment without speaking with your care team.

Why Keeping Treatments Matters

Dialysis follows a prescription designed for your needs. Missing or shortening treatments can allow waste and extra fluid to build up and may affect how you feel. If you cannot attend, contact your dialysis center as soon as possible so the team can advise you.

Handwashing and Infection Prevention

Patients, visitors, and staff all help prevent infection by cleaning their hands as directed. Wash or sanitize your hands before treatment, follow your center’s instructions for cleaning your access, and clean your hands again after treatment.

Understanding Dialysis Options

Hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis have different schedules, equipment, training, and support needs. Your nephrologist and care team can help you understand which options may be appropriate for your health and daily life.

Influenza Vaccination

Seasonal influenza can be serious for people with kidney disease. Ask your physician or care team whether an influenza vaccine is recommended for you and when you should receive it. Recommendations can change each season.

Questions? Bring your questions to your next appointment or contact your ARC center. This information supports education and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.