Only if your blood potassium is high. Many people with early kidney disease have normal potassium levels and can eat fruit and vegetables freely, which supports blood pressure and bowel health. If your level is raised, your dietitian will target the biggest contributors first. Boiling potatoes in plenty of water, then draining, removes a useful amount of potassium without cutting the food out entirely.

Very high protein intakes can increase the filtering workload on kidneys that are already damaged. That does not mean protein is the enemy. Underneath the recommended amount, you lose muscle, which affects strength, balance and immunity. Your dietitian sets a target based on your body weight and stage, and dialysis usually raises the target rather than lowering it.

Most Australian adults with kidney disease are advised to keep sodium under about 2,000 mg a day, which is roughly one teaspoon of salt from all sources. Around three quarters of that comes from packaged food, not the shaker. Bread, processed meat, sauces, stock and takeaway are the usual culprits. Your dietitian shows you how to read the per 100 g sodium column when shopping.

Not always. Staying reasonably hydrated helps if you are prone to kidney stones or urinary infections, but drinking large volumes does not flush kidneys clean or improve filtering. If your kidney function is low or you have swelling, extra fluid can build up and raise your blood pressure. Some people are given a daily fluid limit.

Yes, but your kidney specialist will link you up with dietitians in the hospital who can support your dialysis treatment. Our dietitians are suited to kidney diseases at stage 1-4

Many are not. Herbal products can contain concentrated potassium, and some cause direct kidney injury. Standard multivitamins may contain vitamin A or minerals that build up when filtering is reduced. Protein powders vary widely in phosphate and potassium content. Bring the actual containers to your appointment so your dietitian can check the labels against your results.