3 Heart-Healthy Fats for People on Dialysis
Provided by DaVita® dietitians
It can be a challenge to follow a heart-healthy and kidney diet when you're on dialysis, because many heart-healthy foods are high in potassium and phosphorus. For example, nuts, seeds and avocados are good sources of healthy fats, but should be limited for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Your dietitian can help you make choices that are right for your diet prescription. To start, you'll need to know which fats are good for you and which you should avoid.
Healthy fats
1. Monounsaturated Fats These are good fats that help lower bad cholesterol in our bodies. Good sources are canola oil, olive oil and peanut oil.
2. Polyunsaturated Fats These also help lower bad cholesterol and are similar to monounsaturated fats because they are plant-based and liquid at room temperature. Good sources include safflower oil, sunflower oil and soybean oil.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids These fatty acids have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Good sources are fish such as salmon, tuna, herring, rainbow trout and mackerel.
Fats to limit
Saturated Fats Saturated fats generally come from animal products and are solid or waxy at room temperature. Limit chicken skin, high-fat cuts of meat, fried and fast food, cheese, butter, whole milk, ice cream and coconut oil, and palm and palm kernel oils found in processed and baked foods.
Fats to avoid
Trans-fats This unhealthy "hidden" saturated fat is found in many processed foods such as stick margarine, vegetable shortening, whipped toppings and commercially-baked cookies, cakes and crackers. Look for trans-fat listed on the nutrition label of all packaged foods.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.
Related articles on DaVita.com
![Farrow and apple salad in a white bowl](/-/media/davita/project/kidneycare/blocks/farrow-and-apple-salad.png)
Download
Cookbooks
Access free kidney-friendly cookbooks from DaVita dietitians.
1,000,000+ Enjoyed So Far!
![Smiling couple sitting in a cafe drinking coffee together](/-/media/davita/project/kidneycare/blocks/smiling-couple-sitting-in-cafe-drinking-coffee-together.png)
Eating Out
Guides
See kidney-friendly food and drink choices to consider when eating out at your favorite restaurants. Choose from 12 cuisine types.