Albumin is a type of protein contained in the blood, and is needed to repair and maintain body tissues, build enzymes and hormones, transfer nutrients, and prevent blood clots. While albumin levels are not a health issue that most people should be concerned about, the fact is that people who are on dialysis, have liver disease, and/or are elderly are at high risk for low albumin levels. If you're also on dialysis but want to increase your albumin levels, try eating foods that are high in protein, but low in potassium and phosphorus. In addition, also consult with a dietitian to ensure your diet is able to meet the body's nutritional needs to the maximum.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Eating Enough Protein
Step 1. Add a source of protein to every serving of food you eat
Consuming a good quality protein source can improve your overall nutrition! In addition, doing so is also important to increase albumin levels in your body. In general, make sure you eat one serving of protein at each meal. Some types of protein sources that are very good for consumption are beef, pork, and low-fat lamb / goat. In addition, you can also eat fish, chicken, turkey, and eggs.
- A standard (85-gram) serving of a hamburger made of low-fat beef contains 21 grams of protein. Meanwhile, a standard serving (85) grams of chicken contains 14-28 protein; one serving of cooked salmon, trout, or mackerel contains 15-21 grams of protein; and one serving of low-fat pork contains 15-21 grams of protein.
- If you don't eat meat, choosing an equivalent protein source will be a bit of a chore. To find out, try to consult a nutritionist.
- Eat dialysis-friendly protein sources, such as low-fat beef, turkey, or pork. In addition, you can also eat chicken, eggs, fish, meat substitutes, tofu, and protein powder.
Step 2. Keep the balance of food intake in the body
Although you need to focus on increasing protein intake in the body, still eat fruits, vegetables, and starches such as those contained in bread, pasta, and rice. For example, add grated hard-boiled eggs or tuna to your pasta sauce or rice dishes; or, add minced chicken or beef chunks to soups.
Step 3. Don't skip breakfast
Breakfast is the most important intake that will affect the body's metabolic processes in going through the day. After all, the human body will generally feel hungrier when it just woke up in the morning. One of the delicious and healthy breakfast options is an omelet (made from egg whites) mixed with cheese.
Although one egg contains about 6 grams of protein, egg whites are actually a healthier source of protein. In fact, egg whites are made of 100% albumin, you know! Try eating two egg whites which contain about 7.2 grams of protein
Step 4. Eat more protein if you accidentally skip a meal
Don't skip meals to keep your energy steady and awake! If possible, try to eat small but frequent meals. However, if you accidentally miss a meal, try eating more protein at your next meal.
- Eating small portions of food is also appropriate for those of you who have difficulty eating regular portions.
- A light snack or snack before bed that is good for consumption is cottage cheese. To add to the deliciousness, try eating cheese with fruit (such as applesauce). In general, cottage cheese is the healthiest type of cheese among dairy products, mainly because its low phosphorus and potassium content will not harm your health who is on dialysis and has low albumin levels.
Step 5. Make a high-protein smoothie
You know that a smoothie is a drink (or meal replacement) that can be made easily and quickly, but that tastes great. In addition, consuming smoothies can increase the body's protein levels in an instant, you know! However, you should avoid using cow's milk which has a high enough phosphorus content. Instead, use almond milk or rice milk. You can also add Greek yogurt, pasteurized egg products, or protein powder. After that, process all the ingredients using a blender, and add fruit if you like.
- Consult the type of supplemental protein or supplement (whether in powder or liquid form) that is most beneficial to you with a dietitian.
- Remember, one serving of Greek yogurt contains more than 20 grams of protein. So, try mixing Greek yogurt and granola into your smoothie.
Method 2 of 3: Consult a Dietitian
Step 1. Share your favorite foods with a nutritionist
One of the best ways to get recommendations for appropriate dietary changes is to describe the foods you eat frequently. In the future, this information can be used to recommend foods that should be consumed (or should be stopped) to improve your diet.
A dietitian can also recommend specific diet tips, such as ways to eat your favorite foods in a healthier way
Step 2. Consult a dietitian for meat substitutes
One topic that should be discussed with a nutritionist is your dining preferences. For example, if you don't eat meat, make sure your body continues to receive protein from other sources.
A nutritionist can help identify other high-quality protein sources that you can substitute for meat. When choosing meat substitutes (such as soy-based foods), make sure you only choose options that are not too high in potassium, sodium, or phosphorus
Step 3. Try eating protein bars and nutritional drinks
Although consuming certain nutritional drinks can be beneficial for those of you who are undergoing a dialysis procedure, make sure you only consider them as a specific component of your diet and consume them under the supervision of a nutritionist. On the other hand, protein bars can be used as a replacement for heavy meals, but they shouldn't dominate your dining routine.
If you want to eat a protein bar but are on dialysis, try choosing a protein bar that contains more than 15 grams of protein. However, make sure the phosphorus content does not exceed 150 mg, while the potassium and sodium content does not exceed 200 mg
Step 4. Consult the possibility of taking additional supplements
Although it really depends on your overall health and nutrition condition, you may also need to take additional nutritional supplements. These needs, along with the types of supplements that need to be consumed, are very dependent on the health conditions of each patient so they must first be consulted with a trusted dietitian.
Simply ask questions such as, "After looking at the nutritional levels in my body, do you think there are special supplements that I should take?"
Step 5. Be honest with your dietitian
Remember, most of the questions asked by your dietitian are aimed at identifying the factors that cause your body to be deficient in nutrients (in this case, protein). These factors will also determine the treatment actions that need to be recommended.
Step 6. Develop a meal plan
It takes a careful plan to maintain a healthy diet, especially if you are currently undergoing a dialysis procedure or have other health complications. Believe me, even a simple meal plan is effective in making the body receive the various intakes it needs consistently.
- In addition to asking for recommendations regarding the types of food and ways to eat that are suitable for consumption, ask a nutritionist how to maintain a healthy diet.
- At least, make sure every food you eat contains protein in it.
Step 7. Increase your calorie intake by consuming fat and sugar
Based on the recommendations and guidelines provided by nutritionists, you may need to increase your calorie content so that your body can better process the extra protein you eat. For example, a dietitian may ask you to cook with butter or pour more sauce on the lettuce you are about to eat.
Most dairy products, including milk, contain too much potassium and phosphorus for patients on dialysis and have low albumin levels. That is why, dairy products are not a source of fat that would be recommended
Method 3 of 3: Helping the Body Maintain Albumin Levels
Step 1. Check with the dentist regularly
In fact, swelling and infection can lower albumin levels, especially if you're currently on dialysis. One type of infection that you should be aware of is a gum infection. Therefore, visit the dentist at least every six months, both for regular checkups and dental cleanings.
If you have an oral infection (such as peritonitis) and require regular dialysis procedures, dietary changes may not increase your albumin levels
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of low albumin
If you have a health condition that increases your body's risk for low albumin, such as kidney disease, learn to recognize the symptoms of low albumin. Some of the symptoms that you should watch out for are swelling that doesn't go away, fatigue, loss of energy, persistent infections, sores that don't heal, and white patches on the nails. If you experience one or more of them, immediately consult a doctor!
Step 3. Do not skip the dialysis procedure
If you are currently undergoing regular dialysis treatment, never skip it so that the body's ability to maintain albumin levels is maintained properly.
Step 4. Eat when hungry
Your meal portions tend to be small? To naturally increase albumin levels, make sure you eat a full meal at least once a day, apart from the small meals you normally eat. If your appetite tends to increase at certain times (such as in the morning), try to always eat a full meal during that time.
Step 5. Be patient
Remember, the increase in albumin levels will not happen overnight. In fact, it takes at least three weeks for albumin levels to increase, as the amount of protein in the blood increases. Therefore, be patient and follow all the instructions given by the nutritionist. Sooner or later, you will definitely see the results!
