Sodium is a mineral found in many foods and in salt, and can actually help control blood pressure. When your kidneys are not working properly, too much sodium makes your body retain fluid and this could be detrimental to your health. This can result in high blood pressure, edema and rapid weight gain. Sodium also makes you thirsty, making it difficult to adhere to your fluid allowance. The amount of sodium one is allowed on hemodialysis varies from two to three grams per day depending on your urine output. The more you urinate the more sodium is removed in the urine and the more sodium that is allowed in your diet. Your renal dietitian will teach you about the amount of sodium allowed in your diet.
 
This article originally appeared in the May 2003 issue of aakpRENALIFE, Vol. 18, No. 6.

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