What is constipation? Constipation is when you open your bowels (poo) less than usual or you are having a difficult time trying to push out a bowel motion (poo). What are the signs and symptoms of constipation? You may notice that your bowel motions become very large, hard, dry or lumpy. A normal bowel motion is one that is smooth … Read More
Folate Information for Renal Patients – Information to increase folate in your diet
Folic acid Folic acid, known as folate in its natural form, is one of the B-group vitamins. Folate works together with vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells. A lack of folate can lead to folate deficiency anaemia. How much folate do I need? Adults need 0.2mg (milligrams) of folate a day. Folate cannot be stored in the body so you … Read More
A Nourishing Guide for Kidney Patients
Introduction Often people with kidney problems have a reduced appetite. There are many reasons for a poor appetite; it can be due to tiredness, taste changes or feeling sick. This can cause you to lose weight. If you are unable to eat enough, it is important to plan how to get the nutrition you need. A nutritious diet can: Help … Read More
Guide to a Low Potassium Diet
The aim of this leaflet is to provide information on the potassium content of foods and drinks that will help you to control your potassium level. Introduction Potassium is a mineral found in many foods and drinks. It is required to ensure healthy functioning muscles, including your heart muscle. Your kidneys normally control the levels of potassium in your blood. … Read More
A Guide to a Low Phosphate Diet – Improving your understanding of following a low phosphate diet
Introduction This leaflet is for anyone who has been advised that they need to follow a low phosphate diet. What is phosphate? Phosphate is a mineral found in many foods and drinks. It helps to build healthy bones and teeth. Healthy kidneys usually filter and get rid of excess phosphate from the blood and help to keep the phosphate levels … Read More
Guide to a Low Potassium and Low Phosphate Diet
Introduction The aim of this leaflet is to provide information on the potassium and phosphate content of foods and drinks that will help you to control your blood levels. What are potassium and phosphate? Potassium and phosphate are minerals found in a range of foods and drinks. Why are the levels in my blood too high? Healthy kidneys normally control … Read More
Teduglutide™ (Revestive) Patient Information
Introduction This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about Teduglutide. Teduglutide is a drug that can help the absorption of nutrients, fluid and electrolytes from the small bowel. Most of your questions should be answered in this leaflet. You can speak with members of the Nutrition Team to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Teduglutide before … Read More
Low Residue Diet
What is a low residue diet? A low residue diet is made up of foods that will leave a minimal amount of undigested material in the digestive tract. Why do I need to follow a low residue diet? A low residue diet may be used when the bowel needs temporary rest, to reduce bowel secretions or prevent bowel obstruction. It … Read More
Dietary Advice for Strictures and Adhesions
Introduction The aim of this leaflet is to provide dietary advice for strictures and adhesions of the bowel. Stricture: a narrowing of the bowel that could be caused by inflammation or scar tissue. Adhesion: a band of scar tissue that may form after surgery or due to inflammation. Severe strictures and adhesions could lead to obstructions, which can cause bloating, … Read More
Diet with a Colostomy
Introduction A colostomy is made by surgically bringing part of your large bowel (colon) through your abdominal wall, to form an opening on the surface of your skin. The surgeons will advise you when you can start to eat and drink after your operation. Usually you will start with soft foods and should be able to progress to a normal, … Read More