When dialysis begins, everything changes.

Dialysis removes harmful waste products from the blood, but it also removes small amounts of amino acids and protein during every treatment.

Signs of Protein-Energy Wasting

Many dialysis patients also have inflammation, infections, poor appetite, or repeated hospital admissions, all of which increase muscle breakdown.

• If you continue eating a low-protein diet after starting dialysis, your body has no choice but to break down its own muscles for energy.
• This can lead to a condition called Protein-Energy Wasting, which is common but preventable.
• Signs of Protein-Energy Wasting
• Muscle loss
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Constant tiredness

The Protein Myth

Frequent infections

Slow wound healing

Reduced quality of life

THE PROTEIN MYTH

Many patients continue following the same “kidney diet” they were advised before dialysis.

This is one of the most common mistakes.

Remember this simple rule:

Your Diet Must Change When Your Treatment Changes

CKD (Not on Dialysis)

• Control protein → Protect the kidneys.
• On Dialysis
• Increase protein → Protect your muscles, strength, and overall health.
• Your Diet Must Change When Your Treatment Changes
• There is no single kidney diet that suits every patient.
• Your protein requirement depends on:
• Whether you are on dialysis

What determines your protein requirement?

Your body weight

Your nutritional status

Your blood tests

Your overall health

Speak to your nephrologist or renal dietitian about how much protein is right for you.

Remember…

Dialysis removes waste.

Protein builds muscles.

The key message

Good nutrition keeps you strong enough to enjoy life.

The goal is not just to live longer—it is to live stronger