Diet to be followed after kidney transplantation.

Although an individual who received a kidney through transplant must follow dietary guidelines, the diet is usually less restrictive that the one followed during dialysis treatment. If your transplant works well from the start, limitations on what you can eat and drink will usually be relaxed quite quickly. Other people may need to stick to restrictions for longer, or if they have had a difficult time, they may need supplements of calories or protein. Because the diet is affected by medication taken to prevent rejection of the new kidney, however, the doctor and dietitian will continually make adjustments as recovery progresses. The medicines you take to prevent rejection of the transplant also make you more prone to infections.

In the weeks immediately following transplant, most people are advised to eat more protein, such as eggs, low fat meat, fish, poultry, skim milk and low fat cheese. Carbohydrates are generally limited to prevent interactions with the high doses of steroids that must be taken to prevent rejection. Complex carbohydrates from starchy foods are allowed, but simple sugars should be avoided. Salty foods and most processed foods should be eliminated, and no salt should be added. The doctor will provide guidelines regarding potassium-rich foods. Supplements may be prescribed.

A moderate weight gain after receiving a kidney transplant is not usual; however, if weight does become a problem, high-fat foods should be avoided. Between meal snacks can include raw vegetables and fruits and nonfat yogurt.