For Professionals

If I’ve had a transplant, are there foods I should avoid?

Yes! Grapefruit! It interacts with your immunosuppression medication. Also, you are taking medications that suppress your immune system and which place you at greater risk of food borne illness.

(1) Wash your hands, before, during, after: using the restroom, cooking, handling raw meats and before eating.
(2) Cook all animal products to the minimum internal temperature recommended by the USDA for food safety.
(3) Avoid cross contamination
(4) Store leftovers safely in the refrigerator and reheat to 165 degrees F°.

For more in-depth detail check out the USDA food safety guidelines for people living with an organ transplant. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-04/at-risk-booklet.pdf This answer is a very general list/guide, check with your transplant center for their specific list of other food items to avoid.

Dietitian

Carolyn Feibig, MS, RD, LD, CCTD

Disclaimer

Kidney Kitchen is not designed to diagnose disease or prescribe an eating plan for your stage of kidney disease. The information shared on Kidney Kitchen is developed by experts in renal nutrition and is provided for informational purposes only. The American Kidney Fund, its staff, agents and Trustees are not able to provide medical advice. Please consult with a medical professional or registered dietitian for specific questions you may have about your diet. Learn more

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