The main function of kidneys is to help filter out wastes that come from food after all the nutrition is absorbed by the body. When kidneys are no longer capable of doing so, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet.
Although renal diet might be slightly different from one patient to another depending on the stage of kidney failure, it typically involves controlling the intake of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Protein and Fluid.
Nutrients you need to know
Calcium and phosphorus work together to keep your teeth and bones strong. These minerals’ balance are maintained by your kidneys. However, malfunctioned kidneys will cause your phosphorus to build up on blood stream, which in turn result in muscle aches and heart damage. Therefore, it’s mandatory to limit the level of phosphorus intake. Phosphorus binder is often recommended. On the other hand, to keep your bones strong, you should consider taking calcium supplement too.
Sodium is found in your daily meal, mostly as salt. Limiting salt controls the level of blood pressure and fluid buildup. You should avoid processed and canned foods, as those are normally high level in salt. Try to use alternative to salt like mix of herb or lemon sauce to add flavor to your food.
Potassium is a mineral found in many fruits and vegetable, also in meat and dairy products. Potassium level is maintained by kidneys, but since kidneys are not functioning properly, you should limit potassium intake. Potassium build up is the result of kidney failure, which can affect the muscle in the body, particularly the heart.
Fluids in the diet are beverages such as water, juice or milk. Patients with kidney failure are making much less urine, in some case no urine at all, fluids need to be limited. High level of fluid build up might seriously affect your heart and blood pressure.
Protein is important to maintain muscles for your body. Patients with kidney failure need a well-balanced protein diet. Not enough protein will make your body weak and get sick easier.
Nevertheless, kidney patients should limit the amount of protein. The process of protein will leave the body with a waste product called urea. It’s normally expelled from the body through urine, but as kidney fails to function properly urea will build up, which can cause serious illness.
Calories are what keep your energy up and has direct impact on your weight. If your weight is too low or too high, calories are a concern. To regain weight loss due to dialysis, patients have to take supplement. In contrary, an overweight kidney patients need a proper weight loss diet.
To slow down the development of kidney disease, a healthy kidney diet mus be in place and patients must follow it strictly. For more information on the right diet, check out Rachelle Gordon’s kidney diet book.