14th Online AVFCAREWORKSHOP

Renal Diet Awareness Session for Dialysis Patients Successfully Conducted

The 14th session of AVFCAREWORKSHOP’s Online Dialysis Patient Education Series was successfully conducted under the theme:

“When Healthy Foods Become Unhealthy: A Renal Diet Reality”

This focused renal diet awareness workshop addressed one of the most common and confusing challenges faced by patients on dialysis — understanding what is truly safe to eat in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Why Renal Diet Awareness Is Critical in Dialysis Care

Dialysis patients are often advised to “eat healthy.” However, many foods considered healthy for the general population can pose significant risks for individuals with CKD.

Fruits like bananas and oranges, coconut water, dry fruits, brown bread, packaged protein snacks, and certain health supplements may increase potassium and phosphorus levels — sometimes without patients realizing it. Misinterpretation of food labels and portion sizes further adds to confusion.

This session aimed to simplify the renal diet for dialysis patients and provide practical clarity rather than fear-based restrictions.

Participation and International Engagement

The online workshop saw active participation from 23 attendees, including 4 dialysis patients from Mauritius, reflecting the expanding reach of AVFCAREWORKSHOP beyond India.

The session was highly interactive, with participants discussing:

• Daily food habits in CKD
• Safe fruit intake during dialysis
• Hidden potassium in “healthy” foods
• Phosphorus content in processed items
• Portion control strategies
• Festival and social eating during dialysis

The discussion focused on real-life decision-making, helping patients make informed choices that support better dialysis outcomes.

Key Learning Areas Covered-

The workshop included structured discussion on:

• Identifying high-potassium foods in Indian diets
• Understanding phosphorus additives in packaged foods
• Reading and interpreting food labels

Clarifying myths around fruits and “health foods”

Practical renal meal planning for dialysis patients

The connection between nutrition, dialysis efficiency, and AV fistula health

By linking renal diet awareness with AV fistula care, the session reinforced how proper nutrition supports vascular access preservation and reduces dialysis-related complications.

Faculty and Coordination

The workshop was coordinated by Ms. Chanderkanta, Program Manager of AVFCAREWORKSHOP.

The renal diet education session was delivered by Dr. Trisha, who translated complex renal nutrition concepts into simplified, patient-friendly guidance. The format encouraged open discussion, real-time question resolution, and practical problem-solving.

Strengthening Comprehensive Dialysis Education

AVFCAREWORKSHOP was initially conceptualized to train dialysis patients in AV fistula self-examination using a stethoscope, helping in early detection of stenosis and prevention of access failure.

Over time, the initiative has evolved into a broader platform focused on:

• AV fistula care and self-monitoring
• Dialysis technician training
• CKD patient awareness programs
• Renal diet education for dialysis patients
• Dialysis access preservation strategies

This renal diet awareness session marks another step toward comprehensive patient empowerment in dialysis care.

Patient Feedback and Impact

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees reported:

• Greater clarity in understanding the renal diet
• Improved confidence in selecting safe foods
• Reduced confusion about “healthy” food myths
• Increased awareness of the link between diet and dialysis access care

Such structured dialysis patient education workshops play a critical role in improving compliance, preventing avoidable complications, and enhancing long-term outcomes in CKD patients.

Continuing the AVFCAREWORKSHOP Mission

As part of its ongoing commitment to patient education, AVFCAREWORKSHOP will continue organizing interactive online and in-center sessions focusing on:

• AV fistula care
• Dialysis access monitoring
• CKD diet awareness
• Early detection of access complications
• Holistic dialysis patient support

The mission remains clear — empower dialysis patients with knowledge, improve self-care practices, and strengthen long-term vascular access outcomes.