I started dialysis about a month ago and the diet about three months ago. I am having a bit of a hard time because I just don't eat at home.
I'm 26 and work at an internet startup. Food is often provided for us. Even if it is not we are expected to go eat dinner and quickly get back to work. I am used to eating out every meal and I do not enjoy home cooking. What do I do?
Is there any sort of guide for eating out? I have something from the NKF, but it does not go into specifics. I would love something that says McDonalds: these items are ok. Does anyone know of something like that?
Also I have always been a big fan of soda. I drink soda almost as a form of recreation. The Renal diet is pretty hard because of this. Not only for the fluid restriction but becasue of the phosphorus. Has anyone figured out which sodas are ok? It seems all cola, and almost all Coke products include phosphoric acid
Sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't think anything on the fast food menu is renal compliant. If nothing else, they contain way too much sodium which will make following your fluid restriction unbearable. Maybe the salads without the cheese. All cola drinks contain phospherous. I'd stick with the clear drinks like sprite or gingerale. I drink cola sparingly. I have been on dialysis four years. and for me the fluid restriction has been the hardest. To be conpliant, I can only drink 32 oz. a day. I do drink two cups of coffee a day, and my blood tests show it. But I stay away from other high phos. drinks. Hope this helps. Walt Kelly
Posts: 10 | Location: Providence, RI., USA | Registered: 18 June 1999
Originally posted by wkelly1: Sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't think anything on the fast food menu is renal compliant. If nothing else, they contain way too much sodium which will make following your fluid restriction unbearable. Maybe the salads without the cheese. All cola drinks contain phospherous. I'd stick with the clear drinks like sprite or gingerale. I drink cola sparingly. I have been on dialysis four years. and for me the fluid restriction has been the hardest. To be conpliant, I can only drink 32 oz. a day. I do drink two cups of coffee a day, and my blood tests show it. But I stay away from other high phos. drinks. Hope this helps. Walt Kelly
They are a distributor of 200 sodas. Most of them great. Their list gives ingredients of most of their products and seem to be accurate. Look for the ginger ales, root beers, birch beers and leamonades. BE careful, even orange soda has lots of PHOZ.
JIM, WHEN MY HUSBAND WENT ON DIALYSIS 1 1/2 YEARS AGO I WENT TO A MEDICAL LIBRARY IN TOWN AND LOOKED UP FOOD INFO MAINLY TO FIND OUT HIGH PHOS. AND POTASS. FOOD. CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT BOOK I WAS IN BUT I COPIED A WHOLE CHART, 16 PAGES LISTING VAST NUMBER OF FOODS AND LISTS AMOUNT OF NUMEROUS READINGS FROM CARBS, PROTEIN, IRON, PHOS, POTAS, ECT. ON EVERYTHING FROM ALFALFA SEEDS TO 2 1/2 PAGES OF FAST FOOD ITEMS. I LOOKED ON THE CHART TO TRY AND GET AN IDEA OF WHERE I GOT THIS AND THE HEADING STATES THE FOLLOWING FOOD COMPOSITION TABLE WAS DEVELOPED BY POSITIVE INPUT CORP. AND INCLUDES A SAMPLING OF THE FOODS LISTED IN MOSBY'S NUTRI-TRAC SOFTWARE. A LIBRARIAN COULD PROBABLY HELP YOU AT A MEDICAL LIBRARY.GOOD LUCK.
Jim you have a thousand really good questions. Fast food, most of the burger type stuff does not meet the limits, but a roast beef submarine without the mayo, or salt or cheese works really well, I also find that many bagel places have veggie bagels with cream cheese which works too, you could have a plain hamburger, no fries. These are just a couple of ideas. Since you are so new to this, I have been on hemo for 2 1/2 years and meal planning can be gradually worked into your day. I would suggest you have a LONG talk with your dietition who would likely be able to help more.
[This message has been edited by Michael Williams (edited 05-02-2000).]
Posts: 31 | Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada | Registered: 01 May 2000
