Are you confused about safe food choices? It's important to take these questions to your renal dietitian. A registered dietitian (RD) is specifically trained in the basics of nutrition as well as the chemistry and psychology of foods. A registered renal dietitian is a specialist in renal nutrition, and the impact of foods and medications to your laboratory values.
 
Your RD can help:

• Develop a meal plan tailored to your needs
•  Assess your nutrition goals based on your age, size, gender, cause and type of kidney disease, and treatment modality
•  Design specific food lists and appropriate substitutes
•  Assist you in modifying food types, such as soaking potatoes to reduce potassium. 

A registered dietitian is an invaluable tool each kidney patient should utilize. If you have not met with a RD, speak to your physician to refer you.

This article originally appeared in the December 2008 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.