Why is Protein important?

• Plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass
• Builds your body’s strength to fight infections
• Helps keep fluids in cells and the bloodstream which helps your heart stay healthy
• Helps you to cope with dialysis
• Improves your appetite
• Makes you feel energetic

What can happen if Protein (Albumin) Levels are low?

• Muscle loss
• Weight loss (not fluid)
• Increased fatigue
• Increased risk of infection
• Loss of appetite
• More hospitalizations
• Greater risk of heart diseases

What foods are high in Protein?

• Meat, Chicken, Fish, Pork and Lamb.
• Soy, Dried beans (If canned, choose No Added Salt variety), Lentils, and Nuts
• Cheese (low sodium), Cottage Cheese (low sodium), Ricotta Cheese (low sodium)
• Eggs
• Wild game: Rabbit, Deer, Pheasant.
• Milk, Yogurt, and buttermilk

The best proteins are from animal sources. They are referred to as High Quality Proteins.

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