In a 3 ounce (85 gram) single-serving portion, lean beef burger contains 21 grams of protein, chicken contains 14-28 grams, cooked salmon, trout, or mackerel contains 15-21 grams, and pork chop contains 15-21 grams. If you prefer not to eat meat, getting enough protein can be especially challenging. For advice about choosing the protein sources that will be best for you, talk to a dietitian. Be sure to eat dialysis friendly proteins if you are on dialysis. These include lean beef, lean turkey, chicken, pork chops, eggs, fish, meat substitutes, tofu, and protein powders. [4] X Research source
While one egg contains about 6 grams of protein, egg whites are an even healthier source of protein. In fact, egg whites are 100% albumin. Two egg whites contain 7. 2 grams of protein.
Eating smaller meals may also be helpful if you have a hard time eating regular sized portions. A great between-meal or bedtime snack is cottage cheese. Try it with some fruit, such as apple sauce. (Cottage cheese is healthier than many other dairy products, as it is lower in potassium and phosphorus, which may pose a risk to those on dialysis with low albumin. )
Ask a dietitian about what type of protein addition or supplement will be best for you. Both powdered and liquid forms are available. Note that a cup of Greek yogurt contains over 20 grams of protein. Smoothies made with Greek yogurt are especially good with granola blended in as well.
Your dietitian will be able to recommend specific additions to your diet, as well as ways of eating foods you like in a healthier way.
Your dietitian will help you identify high quality non-meat proteins. When selecting meat substitutes such as soy-based foods, be sure to choose options that are not too high in potassium, sodium, or phosphorus.
If you are on dialysis and selecting protein bars, choose those that have more than 15 grams of protein but less than 150 mg phosphorus and under 200 mg of both potassium and sodium.
Simply ask something like, “Is there any specific nutritional supplement I should be taking considering my current nutritional levels?”
Aside from specific hints about what and how to eat, ask for advice regarding how to maintain healthier dietary behavior. At a minimum, develop and maintain a food plan to help make sure you eat protein with every meal.
Many dairy products, including milk, contain too much potassium and phosphorus for those on dialysis who have low albumin. As such, these are not recommended sources of fats.
Note that dietary changes may be insufficient to raise your albumin levels if you have an oral infection such as periodontitis and are receiving dialysis.
