However, in general, yes they should restrict even more than we do. The purpose of all of the dietary prescriptions in ESRD is at least threefold. First, to minimize the effect of waste products, second to minimize the effect of imbalances and third to maintain adequate nutrition. In general, ESRD patients should limit their sodium intake to 500 mg to 1 gram. One of the important things for ESRD patients to do is to read all labels on prepared foods.
Most prepared foods contain a lot of sodium.
Most transplanted patients have fewer, if any, dietary restrictions. Unless they develop continuing blood pressure problems, or fluid balance problems, they can usually have normal amounts of sodium and fluid. If I understand correctly, the cooking process unleashes the potassium, so to speak. Almost all ESRD patients are on very restricted potassium diets because the kidneys are usually responsible for excreting excess potassium. If you are an ESRD patient, a dietician probably asked you to list your favorite foods so that she could point out those which are high in potassium.