If you're one of the 20 million Americans living with kidney disease, you know how important diet is to your health. Kidney disease prevents your kidneys from properly performing functions such as removing waste products, excess fluid and toxins. After a while, these substances build up in your blood and can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fluid retention---and in advanced cases, seizures, coma or death. A kidney or renal diet allows you to be healthier and delays or prevents complications from the disease. It can also influence your medication routine and dialysis.
Step 1
Control your kidney disease carefully based on advice from your kidney specialist and staying on your medication routine---effective treatment can prevent kidney disease from becoming worse and you'll have more flexibility in your diet, advises the National Kidney Foundation.
Step 2
Collaborate closely with your kidney dietitian to create a diet based on your health needs, budget and general food preferences. Be flexible about trying new foods that are on your list of approved foods, however---you may find you prefer some of them to your usual fare.
Step 3
Cook at home more often to prepare meals you enjoy with less sodium, potassium and phosphorus. Prepare foods from each food group at every meal so they don't become predictable and boring. Include small amounts of high-quality proteins such as chicken, turkey and fish, which are easier for your body to metabolize, says the American Association of Kidney Patients.
Step 4
Add more tasty spices and herbs to your food such as cinnamon, paprika, ginger and garlic to replace salt, which you must reduce when you're on a kidney diet. Sprinkle on a product such as Mrs. Dash, if you prefer.
Step 5
Change to healthier, but still tasty ways of preparing food. Grill and bake food instead of frying, which increases toxins and nitrites in food, according to Environmental Health Perspectives.
Step 6
Control portion sizes, which will help to reduce your intake of protein, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, while not eliminating them completely.
Step 7
Savor your food---inhale the aromas and chew more slowly so you can really enjoy the flavors.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your doctor how much you can deviate from your renal diet and what steps you must take immediately afterwards to return to the best possible health. Drink only small amounts of fluid at each meal. If you're on dialysis, consult your dietitian for the best ways to adjust your diet to make your treatment more effective and improve your health.
- Do not adjust your diet without first consulting your doctor. Your condition and test results will determine how much your diet has to change.
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