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Nutrition and daily life

Leukemia and kidney disease: fluid, salt and potassium

The kidneys clear medicines and waste products. Leukemia treatment (some chemotherapy, antibiotics, tumour lysis) can strain them; with existing kidney disease, eating needs extra care.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Rice, beans and chicken.
Figure 1.A kidney-friendly plate.

01Short answer

Your fluid, salt, potassium, phosphorus and protein limits depend on your kidney function and test results, and your team and dietitian set them. Cutting down on salt, ready meals and canned foods is usually advised. If potassium is high, bananas, dried fruit, potatoes and tomatoes may need limiting; cutting potatoes, soaking them and boiling in changed water lowers potassium. Salt substitutes often contain potassium, so avoid them. Do not take painkillers or herbal supplements without your doctor.

02Simple explanation

Limits from tests.

Less salt.

Potassium when needed.

No salt substitutes.

03Scientific explanation

NIDDK: in kidney disease, managing sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein eases the load on the kidneys and prevents complications.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

Tumour lysis

Early in treatment, plenty of fluid and medicines protect the kidneys; follow your team's fluid plan.

Bananas, dried apricots, potatoes in shadow.
Figure 2.High potassium aside.

Dialysis

Rules differ on dialysis; agree them with the dialysis team.

A jug and a small cup.
Figure 3.Measured fluid — Leukemia and kidney disease: fluid, salt and potassium

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Tumour lysisEarly in treatment, plenty of fluid and medicines protect the kidneys; follow your team's fluid plan.
DialysisRules differ on dialysis; agree them with the dialysis team.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Potassium
A mineral vital for heart and muscle; too much is dangerous.
Creatinine
A test that shows kidney function.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Follow your tests.
  • Cut salt.
  • Avoid supplements.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

Is lots of water good for the kidneys?

Not always; sometimes fluid is limited.

Should I cut protein?

Protein matters during treatment; your team sets the amount.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is lots of water good for the kidneys?

  2. Should I cut protein?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NIDDK. Eating & Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Disease
  2. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  3. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  5. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  6. CDC. Raw Milk
  7. ESMO Open, 2021. Arends J et al. Cancer cachexia in adult patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines
  8. American Cancer Society. Nutrition Once Treatment Starts
  9. NHS. Understanding calories
  10. British Dietetic Association. Malnutrition: Food Fact Sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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