comprehsive guide to nutrional values for renal diet

Question
Good Morning:

My father has been a diagnosed type 2 diabetic for almost 20 years.  He is now legally blind and has stage 4 renal failure.  Cooking for him has become very confusing, frustrating and difficult.

I recently became a member of a community sponsored farm and every week I receive vegetables I've never cooked before.  Every week I search for 20 - 60 minutes online to find information regarding a new vegetable and whether or not it is renal-friendly.

We have gotten lists with common foods from his dialysis center.  But he is bored with those choices and if I can spice things up for him, I want to do so.

My question is 2 part, first are collard greens renal-friendly?  The second, is there a comprehensive online resource for the renal diet?  Barring that guide, are there potassium/phosphorus maximum/minimums I can use as a general rule?

Thank you:
Holly White

Answer
Hi Holly,

I certainly appreciate your frustration--the diabetic renal diet is by far the toughest diet there is to follow, as well as to prepare for.

Collard greens have a significant amount of potassium, but generally most foods can be worked into a diet by eating a bit less of something else to keep the total within the prescribed level.

I cannot give you levels of potassium and phosphorus for your father, though, because these vary from patient to patient depending on their blood levels and other factors.

There is a registered dietitian who works at his dialysis center, and she will be available to make an appointment with you to work out some meals and menus with you. She has your father's specific diet prescription in his medical records so she'll know what he can have and how much.

And here is a site from a reputable dialysis company for lots of information on foods and cooking for a renal diet:  http://www.kidneydiettips.com/

Hope this helps you out!

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