5 ways for dialysis patients to keep healthy!

5 ways for dialysis patients to keep healthy!

Maintaining optimal health is very important for individuals undergoing dialysis. Dialysis is a life-saving procedure. But it can be physically and emotionally draining. This can lead to undesirable consequences and detrimental outcomes. Therefore, dialysis patients must consider these 5 recommendations: 

1. Follow a balanced diet

Undergoing dialysis can be an exhausting experience. Following a balanced diet can curb much of this exhaustion. As per reputed dieticians specializing in nephrocare, following such a diet can benefit the kidneys greatly. One of the foremost functions of the kidneys is to maintain the mineral balance of our body. It also keeps our hormones stable. Therefore, dialysis patients must restrict certain foods to halt the accumulation of electrolytes in their bodies. The body requires appropriate vitamins, proteins, and calories to maintain functional stability. Dialysis patients should thus include more grains, vegetables, and fruits in their daily diet. In contrast, unhealthy food sources such as candies, sugar-rich drinks, certain hard and soft drinks, and candies must be avoided. Plus, foods that are rich in sodium must also be ignored. This includes packaged food items.        

2. Embrace a physically active lifestyle

Physical activities can do wonders for dialysis patients. It is a common misconception that when a person is going through dialysis, physical activities should be limited. Many dialysis patients have stated that regular exercise has helped them to feel normal again. Considering this, the most favourable form of exercise in this state would be to practice stretching regularly. Stretching can remove any form of cramping that is often linked with dialysis. Regular walks are also preferred. In fact, walking is one of the least physically taxing exercises for dialysis patients. Plus, indoor exercises such as squatting, jumping jacks, and dips are also very beneficial.  Other forms of exercise such as swimming and biking can also be practiced. However, only receiving the approval of the doctor. Overall, engaging in regular exercise can help dialysis patients improve their digestion, maintain normal sugar levels, and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.      

3. Limit the chances of infections

Dialysis patients are highly prone to coming into contact with infections. The treatment requires access to the patient’s bloodstream. This accessibility is often ensured by penetrating the patient’s body with needles and catheters, leaving them prone to infection. In case germs gain access to the blood through the needles or catheters, they can cause fatal infections leading to the development of a sepsis. Among these germs, the most common is the Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Infections caused by this germ are fatal, and doctors often struggle to treat them. The only way to curb this risk is to encourage dialysis patients to engage in practices that have proven to be effective against infections. In addition, healthcare providers should try to reduce their dependence on the use of central venous catheters. Proper disinfecting methods are also crucial in dialysis care. Blood and surfaces should be cleaned properly, and hand hygiene must also be practiced to keep infections at bay.      

4. Take the prescribed medications

Medications are an important part of ongoing dialysis health. Dialysis patients are highly vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases. An alarming level of homocysteine is seen among heart patients and is also observed among dialysis patients. Taking appropriate medications can reduce such a risk significantly. Certain types of medications like anti-hypertensives must be only taken after the doctor passes the green light. In addition, in order to reduce the chances of infection, antibiotics such as vancomycin and gentamicin are also given. Dialysis patients must follow their medication routines very strictly. In case such a routine is not followed, it can lead to detrimental consequences. The worst among these consequences is the death of the concerned patient.    

5. Pay attention to emotional needs

Maintaining and meeting the emotional needs of dialysis patients is also important to keep them healthy. Some of the most common emotions that have been reported among patients going through dialysis are fear, anxiety, and denial. Oftentimes, these emotions combine and lead to depression. If neglected, this can lead to detrimental consequences. Affordable therapy options are the best for dialysis patients. Considering this, Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is the ideal option. Generally known as Talk therapy, this is a very cost-effective procedure. Here, the appointed therapist works with the dialysis patient to modify their existing emotional patterns with positive thinking. This can do wonders for the concerned patient. In addition, the patient’s family must encourage them to partake in activities such as indoor exercises and relaxation techniques. These methods can boost their mood by a lot. 

Stay healthy while undergoing dialysis! Do not give in!

Going through dialysis is not the end of the world! Millions like you go through this process regularly, so there is no reason to feel alone. Just remember that this procedure is important to your kidney health. So take care of yourself. Practice hygiene, exercise, go to therapy, and maintain a positive mindset. Stay away from negative thinking and focus on improving your kidney health.