Who are we?
We are a small team within the larger Dietetic Department based at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Our team consists of four Dietitians and one Dietetic Assistant.
How can a Renal Dietitian help me?
Changes to your diet can often help the treatment and complications of kidney disease. A Renal Dietitian can give you food-related advice that suits your individual lifestyle and medical condition. Individualised information will be provided to you. This may vary, depending on the cause and stage of your kidney disease, the treatment you are receiving and your blood test results.
What can I expect if I see a renal Dietitian?
If you see a Renal Dietitian, they will ask you about the types and amounts of food and drinks you consume. They will ask you questions about your current medical conditions (for example if you have diabetes) and what medicines you are taking. They will look at blood test results to help develop a plan which is best for you. Together, you can discuss any changes you could make to what you eat and drink which would reduce the impact of your condition on your health.
A Renal Dietitian will discuss many different aspects of food and drink with you. This could include advice on how to regulate the amount of salty foods you eat and how to control your potassium and phosphate levels. They can support you in working out the amount of fluid you drink, which is particularly important with advanced kidney disease.
Do I need to change what I eat because of my kidney disease?
If you are already eating a healthy, balanced diet there is no need to make any changes to what you eat or drink unless this has been discussed with a Renal Dietitian, Nurse or Doctor. Dietary advice will be different for everyone. It is important that you do not change your diet just because someone else has or because you have read something on the internet. Everyone has different needs, even if they have the same medical problem, so it is important that you only follow advice which has been given to you personally. If you are advised to change your food or drinks this will be monitored over time to make sure it is still right for you. You can still enjoy a healthy and varied diet with kidney disease.
Below are some fact sheets and videos which you may find useful:
How can a Renal Dietitian help you?
Eating Out with a Kidney Disease
Healthy Eating with Diabetes and Kidney Disease
A Healthy Diet and Lifestyle for your Kidneys
Following a Low Potassium Diet
Following a Low Phosphate Diet (Don’t worry about the quantity of PO4 per food in this video!)
Plant-based Diet and CKD (not on dialysis)
Plant-based Diet when having Dialysis
Plant-based Diet with a Kidney Transplant
Kidney Beam is an online platform to help you improve your wellbeing through live and on-demand activity classes of all levels. Classes are run by specialist physiotherapists, trained in, or living with Kidney Disease. They also have useful blogs and videos. Sign up for free here!
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