The kidneys are paired organs that produce certain hormones and filter waste, excess fluids and minerals from the blood. A diagnosis of kidney disease, or renal disease, means the kidneys are no longer functioning normally. When kidneys fail entirely, a condition known as renal failure, medical treatments are needed in order for the kidneys' tasks to be accomplished in the body. Meal plans for failing kidneys vary, depending upon the patient's needs and doctor's guidance.
Fluid-Restricted Plan
As the kidneys begin to fail, they may no longer be able to properly regulate fluid removal in the body. Excessive fluids can lead to severe bloating, or edema, difficulty breathing and high blood pressure. In order to prevent these complications and improve wellness, doctors may prescribe a fluid-restricted meal plan. Fluids include liquids and foods that can melt into a liquid, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. A fluid-restricted meal plan limits beverages, gelatin, soups, stews, ice cream, whipped cream, sorbet and frozen ice treats. It may also involve drinking only when thirsty and reducing intake of spicy and salty foods, which tend to trigger thirst.
Low-Protein Plan
People may be treated with hemodialysis--a treatment that utilizes a machine to remove waste from the blood. Hemodialysis requires the strictest dietary guidelines, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Center, NDDIC, which often includes limited amounts of protein. When doctors prescribe a low-protein diet, meals generally consist primarily of starchy carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal or pasta, fruit, vegetables, modest amounts of healthy fats, such as olive oil or nuts, and limited amounts of protein. The NDDIC recommends high-quality protein sources, such as low-fat dairy products, legumes, eggs, lean meat, poultry and fish. Though individuals' specific dietary needs vary, a low-protein meal plan often involves reaping 6 to 8 percent of calories from protein.
Low-Potassium Plan
Potassium is a mineral that affects heartbeat regulation. One task of the kidneys is to maintain appropriate potassium levels in the blood, so that the heartbeat remains healthy. Kidney dialysis can cause potassium levels to increase between sessions, damage the heart and lead to death, according to the NDDIC. For this reason, doctors may suggest a low-potassium meal plan for renal failure patients. A low-potassium diet limits potassium-rich foods, including salt substitute, bananas, Lima beans, oranges, tomatoes, chocolate, prunes, raisins, apricots, coffee, broccoli and mustard. Low-potassium foods that can be enjoyed readily include rice, noodles, bread, most cereals, apples, green beans, watermelon, carrots, cranberries and cherries.
Low-Phosphorus Plan
Phosphorus is a mineral that contributes to bone health and healthy function of nerves and muscles. Failing kidneys lose the ability to balance phosphorus and calcium properly, causing excessive phosphorus and reduced calcium levels. Excessive phosphorus levels can cause itchy skin, joint pain and weak bones. When doctors recommend a low-phosphorus meal plan, high-phosphorus foods must be avoided, which include peanut butter, cheese, cola soft drinks, sardines, nuts, chicken liver, beef liver, nuts, caramels, ice cream and beer. Low-phosphorus food that may replace high-phosphorus foods include broccoli, non-cola soft drinks, sherbet, zucchini and hard candies. The Medical College of Wisconsin suggests careful portion control, since large portions of low-phosphorus foods can become high-phosphorus.
