White rice
Usually fineStarches
Low in potassium and phosphate, and a good everyday base for meals.
The journey · Step 5
Living well, not just living with it
Food, fluid, energy, work, travel, faith and family. This is the part of dialysis you have the most control over — and small habits make a large difference.
Food explorer
What can I actually eat?
A general guide to foods commonly eaten in South African homes. Your own limits depend on your blood results, so treat this as a starting point for a conversation, not a prescription.
White bread
Usually fineStarches
Generally lower in potassium and phosphate than wholewheat and bran breads.
Pap (maize meal)
Usually fineStarches
A staple that is usually well tolerated. Watch what you add to it — cheese and gravy add salt and phosphate.
Potato
With careStarches
High in potassium unless peeled, cubed and boiled in plenty of water, which draws some out.
Chicken
Usually fineProtein
Dialysis increases your protein needs. Grill, bake or stew rather than adding salty sauces.
Eggs
Usually fineProtein
Good quality protein. Egg whites are especially useful because they are low in phosphate.
Fresh fish
Usually fineProtein
Useful protein. Avoid heavily salted, smoked or tinned-in-brine varieties.
Processed meats
Best limitedProtein
Polony, viennas, boerewors and bacon are very high in salt and phosphate additives.
Beans and lentils
With careProtein
Good protein but high in potassium and phosphate. Portion size and preparation matter.
Apples and pears
Usually fineFruit
Lower-potassium fruit choices that fit most renal plans in normal portions.
Banana
Best limitedFruit
Well known for being very high in potassium, which can affect your heart rhythm.
Oranges and naartjies
Best limitedFruit
High in potassium, as is the juice. Ask about lower-potassium alternatives.
Cabbage and green beans
Usually fineVegetables
Lower-potassium vegetables, especially when boiled in plenty of water.
Spinach and morogo
With careVegetables
Nutritious but high in potassium. Boiling and discarding the water helps; portions matter.
Tomato and tomato sauces
Best limitedVegetables
Concentrated tomato products are high in potassium.
Milk, cheese and yoghurt
With careDairy
High in phosphate and potassium. Small measured portions are usually allowed.
Cola and dark fizzy drinks
Best limitedDrinks
Contain phosphate additives, and all fluids count towards your daily limit.
Tea and coffee
With careDrinks
Fine in itself, but every cup counts towards your fluid allowance.
Salt and stock cubes
Best limitedSeasoning
Salt makes you thirsty and holds fluid. Use herbs, garlic, lemon and spices instead.
Salt substitutes
Best limitedSeasoning
Most replace sodium with potassium chloride, which is unsafe on dialysis. Avoid unless your team approves it.
This food guide is general education, not a personal meal plan. Potassium, phosphate, protein and fluid targets differ from person to person and change with your blood results. Always follow the guidance of your own nephrologist and dietitian.
The four things people ask about most
Fluid, movement, relationships and travel
Fluid
Because your kidneys no longer pass much urine, fluid stays in the body between sessions. Your team gives you a daily allowance — and it includes soup, tea, ice, jelly and the water you take tablets with.
Movement
Gentle regular activity helps blood pressure, mood, appetite and sleep. Walking is ideal. Avoid heavy lifting or pressure on your fistula arm.
Relationships
Dialysis affects the people around you too. Being open about tired days, mood and intimacy makes life easier for everyone. Sexual health concerns are common and treatable — please raise them.
Travel
Holiday dialysis at a unit near your destination is often possible with enough notice. We help arrange it and share your treatment details with the receiving unit.
Thirst, practically
Six things that genuinely help with fluid limits
- Cut salt first — thirst follows salt more than anything else.
- Use a smaller glass, and know how much it holds.
- Freeze part of your allowance and suck it slowly as ice.
- Rinse your mouth with cold water without swallowing.
- Suck a sugar-free sweet or chew gum for a dry mouth.
- Take tablets with a meal rather than several separate glasses of water.
Living well: your questions
Want guidance built around your own results?
Our team goes through food, fluid and medication with you at the clinic, using your own blood results rather than a generic list.