Diet Plan For Kidney Transplant

Diet plans after a kidney transplant are most important and it is a critical consideration after the surgery. Your diet plan should help your body to accept your new kidney as there is a possibility of a dangerous level of weight gain after a transplant. This is due to the increased appetite of your new healthy kidney. Also, it is quite common for people with a new kidney to gain weight after the transplant. Hence it is very important that you must strictly follow the diet plan after a kidney transplant. Though your doctor will monitor your diet, it is your responsibility to adopt the diet plan prescribed by the doctor to make sure that you remain healthy.

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Bone Health – Phosphorus to be added to the Diet Plan

When your kidney is damaged or failing it is obvious that your bones do not get the amount of phosphorus that they need to stay healthy. When a new kidney is in place and producing healthy levels of phosphorus to rebuild bone mass, you may start to experience the hungry bones syndrome. In order to overcome this, your doctor may prescribe phosphorus pills. An increase in phosphorus added to your diet can be achieved by eating low-fat dairy products and whole-grain foods.

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Protein to be added to the Kidney transplant patient Diet Plan

After kidney transplantation, your body will need immediately protein. Protein helps the body rebuild the muscles and tissues that were damaged when the kidney was malfunctioning. Because of the body’s healing and replenishing of nutrients after surgery, it is necessary to increase the intake of protein in your diet. Lean meats, eggs, dairy products such as milk and cheese, and whole-grain foods are good for this purpose. More importantly, your doctor will help in monitoring your protein intake.

Post-surgery there is a chance of your potassium levels increasing or decreasing. These levels can be controlled by eating the foods the dietician recommends.

Many people experience fluid retention or high blood after kidney transplant surgery. If you are one, make sure to include in your diet foods with less salt.

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Other Important Food Handling Tips For Kidney Transplant patient

•  Fresh food is very vital for kidney transplant patients, as it is important to keep fresh nutrients entering the body as it heals and tries to accept the new kidney.
• When you buy frozen foods, get them into the freezer immediately to prevent any contamination.
• Clean all foods separately before preparing them. i.e., wash your lettuce and then wash your hands before going on to clean the potatoes and meat.
• Always wash your hands repeatedly when handling food, and especially when moving from one food to another.
• Make sure frozen foods are thoroughly and properly defrosted and washed thoroughly before preparing them.
• Limit high calorie and fatty foods add more fibrous foods.