Nothing Beats a Healthy Heart

People on dialysis are at higher risk for heart disease. It is the

leading cause of early death for dialysis patients. It is a challenge to follow a traditional heart healthy diet when you are on dialysis because many heart healthy foods are also high in potassium and phosphorous. The dietary guidelines below will help to protect your heart.

Include these foods Lean meat such as white meat of turkey

and chicken (without the skin), fish, canned tuna, lean ground meats.

1 whole egg a day plus egg whites, and

egg substitutes

Fruits – apples, grapes, berries

Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, onion,

green beans, zucchini, cabbage, bell peppers

Choose healthy fats like safflower oil,

olive oil and canola oil

Include omega-3 fatty acids. Good

sources are fish, such as salmon and tuna

Limit these foods

Limit high fat/high sodium meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and luncheon meats (pastrami, bologna, ham)

Limit saturated fats. Examples of saturated fat are butter, shortening, fried foods, fast food, and whole milk

Avoid trans-fats. This “hidden” fat is found in many processed foods. Be sure to look at the nutrition facts panel on your snacks for trans-fat.

These tips will also help keep your heart healthy:

• Control blood sugar if you have diabetes

• Keep high blood pressure controlled by taking your medications as instructed and talking to your doctor and dietitian about fluid and sodium restrictions.

• Talk to your doctor about your physical activity and what exercise plan is right for you.