First off, congrats on your new kidney! Now that you’re in recovery, your body’s adjusting, and it’s time to fuel it with the right foods. Your diet post-transplant will look a little different from what you were used to before the transplant, so it’s important to make some tweaks to support your kidney’s new role.
1. Get Your Calcium On!
Your bones need some extra TLC after a kidney transplant, especially since medications like corticosteroids can sometimes weaken them over time. So, time to boost your calcium intake and show those bones some love!
How to do it:
- Treat yourself to a smoothie made with milk or fortified plant-based milk – almond or soy (avoid oat due to the high sugar).
- Snack on cheese (yes, please!) or yogurt for a creamy calcium boost.
- If you’re not into dairy, no worries—dark leafy greens, tofu, and fortified cereals are calcium-packed, too. You’ve got options!
2. Up your Phosphorus
Phosphorus plays a big role in keeping your bones strong and your body functioning smoothly, so after your transplant, you’ll want to keep your phosphorus levels in check. You might be given phosphorus tablets as part of your recovery.
How to do it:
- Munch on nuts and seeds (almonds and sunflower seeds are your friends).
- Incorporate beans, lentils, and whole grains into your meals.
- Lean meats, fish, and eggs also give you a healthy dose of phosphorus—yum!
3. Drink Up—But Make It Fun!
Water is your kidney’s best friend, helping to flush out waste and keep everything running smoothly. But let’s be real—sometimes plain water can be a bit meh. So, let’s get creative with hydration!
How to do it:
- Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to your water for a refreshing twist—fancy, right?
- Tea and herbal infusions are also great choices. And for those moments when you need a little sweetness, try adding a splash of cordial (just make sure it’s low-sugar).
Get your intake:
- Split your goal into times of the day. For example, my goal was 4 liters, and my bottle was 800ml, so I needed to drink 5 bottles a day. I found it helpful to space them out like this:
- one bottle before 10 am,
- two before 12 pm,
- three before 3 pm,
- four before 6 pm, and the
- fifth one before bed.
- Keep sipping throughout the day – try a bottle with a straw – it’s much easier and faster!