Display Patient Information Leaflets

Healthy Lifestyle and Kidney Transplantation

Posted Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Date issued: October 2022

Review date: October 2024

Ref: A-502/AS/Renal/Healthy Lifestyle and kidney transplantation

PDF: Healthy Lifestyle and kidney transplantation final October 2022.pdf [pdf] 298KB

Leading a healthy lifestyle following Kidney Transplantation

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-transplant is extremely important, as this will keep your transplant healthy for longer. Some of the best ways to do this are through physical activity, healthy diet, good blood pressure control and smoking cessation.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is important, as it not only promotes good health, but prevents and manages disease. Regular exercise also helps counteract the effects that some medications can have on your muscles/bones, as well minimise post-transplant weight gain. Most people with a kidney transplant can stay free from dialysis for the long term and use this opportunity to take up new hobbies or restart old ones that they were not able to do before due to ill health or the restrictions of dialysis. Other benefits of exercise include improved sleep, social interaction, and improved stress management.

Following transplantation, we suggest you start physical activity by going for short walks and then build up over time. For the past 40 years, the Westfield British Transplant Games have hosted an annual competition at different host cities across the UK. The Transplant Game sees teams compete in several events across 4 days, with a range of ages including competitors as young as 5 and as old as 80. The games are aimed at keeping transplant recipients active and healthy, as well as raising awareness of the need for organ donation and remembering and honouring organ donors and their families. The Transplant Games can be a great way to begin training and start a new hobby.

For more information on The Transplant Games, please see the back of this leaflet.

Diet

Following transplantation, your diet still plays a big role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and prolonging the life of your kidney.

Some transplant medications can alter the way your body processes what you eat, it is therefore important to eat a balanced diet, to avoid developing further complications. Your team of doctors and nurses will continually review your blood markers to monitor any changes for example., triglycerides/cholesterol, potassium, and blood sugars.

Here are some FAQs and answers with regards to diet following transplantation:

Will I gain weight due to my transplant medications?

Many people will regain a healthy appetite after transplantation and begin to enjoy foods that were restricted before. However, increased appetite and certain transplant medications (steroids) can cause unwanted weight gain and the possibility of developing further health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. It is important to ensure you are eating a balanced diet with appropriate portion sizes, as well as limiting fatty foods/snacks. You can also help control your calories by:

Eating high fibre foods, such as fruit and vegetables.
Eating lean meats, like fish and poultry (skinless).
Choosing non-fat dairy products, such as skimmed milk.
Drinking sugar-free drinks, like water and unsweetened coffee/tea.

Do I still need to worry about my potassium intake? If your transplant is working well, you can resume eating normal amounts of potassium. The transplant team will regularly check your potassium levels and may ask you to adjust your diet if levels increase. Everyday foods that are high in potassium include: bananas, tomatoes (and tomato products like pasta sauces), potatoes and milk/yoghurt.

What about calcium and phosphorus?

A good balance of calcium and phosphorus is essential in keeping your bones healthy. Kidney disease causes an imbalance in these minerals so the team will keep checking your levels and bone health following your transplant. It is advised that adults consume two portions of dairy as part of a healthy diet (e.g., cheese, yoghurt), so try to include these daily to help with your bone health. You may also be advised to take a supplement of calcium, phosphorus or vitamin D if needed. Only take any supplements if you are advised, as this could damage your transplant. It is important to check with the team if you are taking any herbal supplements too, as these can also contain ingredients that may be harmful to your kidney.

Do I need to increase my protein intake?

Protein helps rebuild muscle that can be damaged by your transplant operation and high dose steroids given after your operation. Higher protein intake in the first few months following your operation will help repair this muscle damage, though you do not need to continue this long-term. Examples of healthy proteins include:

Nuts, beans, and pulses
Meats and fish
Eggs
Milk, cheese, and yoghurt

For more information on eating a healthy diet, please refer to the back of this leaflet. The renal dieticians will also be happy to help should you need any further guidance.

Blood pressure

It is essential that your blood pressure is as well controlled as possible, to prevent problems such as heart disease, strokes, blood vessel damage and even loss of your transplant. Most people will still need to monitor their salt-intake post-transplant, as steroids can increase the amount of fluid your body retains. High levels of salt can make this problem worse, which in turn can increase blood pressure causing damage to your new kidney.

Examples of foods to avoid that are high in salt include:

Pre-packaged ready meals
Cured meats, such as ham/bacon
Pasta sauces and tinned soups
Pickled foods, such as sauerkraut and olives
Snack foods like crisps, nuts, pretzels
It is also best to avoid adding table salt to meals

N.B most supermarkets have labels on the front of their foods with a traffic light system for contents, foods high in salt will always be indicated in red.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking is one of the major causes of premature death globally. Research has shown that outcomes are poorer for kidney transplant patients that smoke, compared to non-smokers. As a result, stopping smoking is highly recommended.