Tag: End stage kidney disease

For patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the kidneys' ability to regulate potassium is largely or completely lost. This loss of function means that potassium levels can fluctuate, and proper management is essential to prevent dangerous cardiac events. The potassium threshold for dialysis patients is typically higher than for healthy individuals, but the optimal range requires careful, individualized monitoring.

Over 550,000 Americans are on hemodialysis for kidney failure, a condition that necessitates strict dietary modifications to manage fluid and waste buildup. The diet for HD patients focuses on carefully controlling fluid intake and managing minerals like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus to reduce the burden on the kidneys and prevent complications.