What Can You Eat on Peritoneal Dialysis? A Simple Guide to Food, Fluids, and Feeling Better

If you’ve recently started PD, one of the first questions that comes up is:
“What can I actually eat on peritoneal dialysis?”

And let’s be honest – it can feel a little overwhelming at first.

But person to person?
It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Let’s Start Here: Food Is Now Part of Your Treatment

When you eat on peritoneal dialysis, your nutrition becomes part of how you feel every single day.

The good news?
You actually have more flexibility on PD than other forms of dialysis.

But there are a few things that matter more now:

• Protein – your body needs more of it on PD to help maintain strength, energy, and muscle
• Phosphorus – this is a big one to monitor, as high levels can affect your bones and heart health over time
• Potassium – important for muscle and heart function, but levels that are too high or too low can cause serious issues, so balance is key
• Sodium (salt) – impacts fluid retention, swelling, and blood pressure
• Fluids – balance is key, and your care team will regularly guide you on how much you should be drinking… listen to them!!!

It’s not about being perfect – it’s about being aware.

Protein: Your New Best Friend

On PD, your body loses protein during treatment.

So instead of avoiding it…
—> you actually need to lean into it.

Think:

• Eggs
• Chicken, fish
• Greek yogurt
• Protein-rich snacks

More protein = more energy, better recovery, and feeling stronger overall.

Phosphorus, Potassium & Sodium: The Sneaky Ones

Phosphorus, potassium, and sodium all play a role in how your body functions – when they’re out of balance, you’ll feel it. On PD, your kidneys aren’t doing this work the same way anymore – so these levels depend a lot more on what you eat and how your body responds. 

Phosphorus can build up in your body and affect your bones and heart over time. Potassium helps control your muscles and heartbeat, but too much or too little can cause real issues. And sodium? That’s the one that can sneak up on you fast – impacting swelling, fluid retention, and blood pressure.

The tricky part?
They hide in a lot of processed and packaged foods.

That’s where a new habit comes in…

Reading Labels (This Is Your Power Move Now)

If you haven’t adopted the habit to read labels yet –
—> this is your moment!

And honestly? It’s a good thing.

When you start paying attention to ingredients, you naturally begin choosing higher-quality foods.

Like Lucy says:
“Reading labels is now just a part of my regular routine, and I actually enjoy it. We’ve all gotten healthier for it.”

Look for:

• “Phos-” ingredients (phosphate additives)
• Sodium levels
• Hidden sugars and preservatives

It’s not restriction – it’s awareness.

Save

Fluids: Finding Your Balance

Fluid intake on PD is different for everyone.

Some people can drink more than they expected…
others need to be more mindful.

Pay attention to:

• Swelling
• Weight changes
• How you feel

Your care team will adjust your fluid intake as your body changes, so the amount you need may not stay the same. Listen to their guidance, drink what they recommend, and let them know what you’re noticing – your body is always giving you clues. 

What Eating on PD Really Looks Like

It’s not a perfect diet.

It’s:

• Making better choices more often
• Listening to your body
• Learning what makes you feel good (and what doesn’t)
• Reading labels
• Eating clean, whole foods

And yes… still enjoying your food.

The Bigger Picture

Feeling good starts with how you eat on peritoneal dialysis.

Feeling secure starts with how your setup supports you.

When your nutrition is working with your body – and your setup is working with you – you’ll notice a real difference.

The PD Essentials Bundle was designed for exactly that:

• fewer disruptions
• more comfort
• better nights

Because when your days and nights both feel better…
everything starts to change.