Diet and Nutrition for Kidney Disease
The normal human body comprises two kidneys on either side of the spine just below the rib cage. Kidneys are bean shaped organs responsible for removing waste products from the body and extra fluid from the blood. The waste products are residues or remains of food and drink we’ve consumed, after they have been metabolized for energy. In the case of kidney disease, the body is unable to get rid of waste materials from the body. Since the kidneys are no longer able to discard the body wastes, the right thing to do is prevent the build up of these wastes in the human body. People with kidney disease need to modify their diet in order to reduce the chances of further kidney damage. However, the needs of each patient will vary, depending on their size, weight and extent of kidney disease. It is recommended to consult a renal dietitian before you follow a particular diet plan.
Maintaining a special diet helps reduce the load on the kidneys and also assists in the slowing down of further kidney damage. This diet will depend on the extent of kidney failure or the stage of kidney disease. Generally, the diet recommended for people with kidney disease include foods that are controlled in their protein, potassium, phosphorus and sodium levels. Further, kidney disease patients also require the right amount of calories to remain healthy. The goal of a special diet is to ensure that people with kidney disease remain healthy. Fluid restriction is required for some patients, not for all, and diabetic patients need to have a low carbohydrate diet.
The intake of certain nutrients that have to be limited or controlled in case of kidney disease patients are as follows:
Protein:
The human body requires protein for the building up of muscle tissues, tissue repairs and overall body growth. The body uses protein from food to carry out all these functions and discards the extra proteins in the form of a waste material called urea. However, when the kidney fails to function normally, they are not able to get rid of urea normally. Therefore in order to reduce the load on the kidneys, it is essential to limit or control protein intake. Protein is found in two kinds of foods. Foods in which they are found in large quantities (from animal sources) include eggs, milk, cheese, meat, seafood and other dairy products. The second type comprises foods that contain protein in smaller amounts (from plant sources) such as cereals, bread, vegetables, fruits and other starches and grains. Eating the right amount of protein is essential for a healthy body; too much or too little can cause problems, therefore it is best to pay heed to the dietitian’s advice.
To limit protein:
- Work with a dietitian to develop an eating plan that balances your need for less protein with enough protein to stay healthy.
- Your dietitian may tell you to limit high-protein foods to 5 to 7 ounces (142 g to 198 g) a day. A 3-ounce (85 g) serving of protein is about the size of a deck of cards.
- Learn about the sources of protein. Most people know that meats, fish, and dairy products contain protein. They may not know that foods such as breads, cereals, and vegetables also contain protein.
- Choose high-quality protein, such as lean meat, chicken, fish, cheese, or eggs, in your diet. If you eat tuna, choose water-packed, and rinse it well before eating.
Sodium:
High blood pressure, kidney disease and salt are interrelated, therefore, reducing the sodium intake is essential for people with kidney disease. One must make it a habit to read labels on food packages. Avoid purchasing food items that list salt (sodium) or monosodium glutamate (MSG) at the beginning of the list. Further, do not consume processed cheese, canned food, food pickled in brine such as olives, pickles or sauerkraut. Ham, bacon, luncheon meats and all sorts of other smoked food items must be avoided as they are high in sodium. Also avoid flavoring meals with salt, instead use herbs, lemon and other spices to do so.
To limit sodium:
- Make a habit of reading food labels. Avoid foods that list salt (sodium) or monosodium glutamate (MSG) near the beginning of the list.
- Do not use processed cheeses or canned, pickled, or smoked meats, which may be high in sodium.
- Do not add salt to your food. Use lemon, herbs, and other spices to improve the flavor of your meals.
Potassium
A mineral commonly found in most of the foods that we eat, potassium is necessary for movement of the muscles and health of the nervous system. The level of potassium in the blood is controlled by the kidneys. In people with kidney disease, potassium levels can build up leading to a condition called hyperkalemia which is dangerous for the heart. Hence it is necessary to limit the intake of potassium rich foods.
To limit potassium:
- Ask your doctor if it is all right to use a salt substitute. Some people with kidney disease need to limit their potassium intake.
- Use lemon, herbs, and other spices to flavor your meals. Most commercially available salt substitutes are very high in potassium.
Phosphorus:
High phosphorus levels in the blood result in loss of calcium from the body. This leads to weak and brittle bones that can snap easily. By consuming foods that are low in phosphorus, the amount of calcium loss can be controlled. The doctor may even prescribe medicines called phosphorus binders or phosphate binders, that keep the phosphorus level in the blood from rising. Phosphorus is found in large quantities in dairy food products such as cheese, milk, puddings, ice cream and so on. They are also found in large amounts in nuts, peanut butter, kidney beans, split beans, etc. Beverages such as soft drinks, cocoa and beer are also high in phosphorus. Therefore, one must avoid the intake of all these products and must use non-dairy creams and various recommended milk substitutes instead of milk and milk cream.
To limit phosphorus:
- Limit your phosphorus intake to 800 to 1000 mg a day.
- Limit your intake of dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, or ice cream.
- Avoid nuts, peanut butter, seeds, lentils, peas, and beans.
- Avoid drinks such as beer, cola drinks, and cocoa.
Calories:
Calories provide the body with the required energy to function properly. Since the amount of protein intake is restricted, one can balance the calorie part by consuming increased amounts of unsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, like, soybean, sunflower, corn or cottonseed. Consumption of candy, jelly beans, gum drops, marshmallows, etc are also foods that can provide the body with the necessary calories. However, this does not apply to those who are diabetic. They have to consult their dietitian regarding their calorie intake.
People with kidney disease must limit their fluid intake. Not more than 1.4 liters of fluid should be consumed in a day. Also foods that are liquid at room temperature, such as soups, ice creams, etc must be avoided. Fruits and vegetables high in water content must also be avoided. However, remember to eat your meals at the right time, keeping the above in mind!
If you are having trouble keeping your weight up, keep the following in mind:
- You may eat bread, tortillas, and cereals, but avoid bran breads or cereals. Do not eat pretzels, chips, or other salted snack foods.
- You may use margarine, oil, and mayonnaise to add calories to your diet. Vegetable oils like olive oil, canola oil, or safflower oil are the healthiest choices.
- Unless you have diabetes, you may use honey and sugar to increase energy and add calories.
- It is important to continue to eat meals and snacks at regular times.
If you are overweight:
- Limit the amount of calories you take in daily.
- Increase your overall physical activity.
