The renal diet is used to manage nutrition limitations with kidney failure. Your kidneys filter your blood and remove waste products that can make you ill. These organs are important in maintaining bone health, electrolyte levels and regulating your body fluid. Eating recommended foods will help your body preserve muscle mass and prevent nutritional deficiencies and overages that cause complications. Before making any changes in your diet, talk with your doctor.
Meats
Meat servings are limited on the renal diet because of their phosphorus content, which can build up in the blood and cause problems if your kidneys aren't working properly. In addition, your kidneys aren't able to process the high urea levels made from the breakdown of ammonia from protein processing by your liver. You will want to consume complete proteins to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of amino acids to protect and maintain your muscle mass. According to Virginia Commonwealth University, your meat selection should focus on lean cuts of beef like flank steak, sirloin and round steak; include chicken and turkey white meat, all types of non-breaded fish, egg whites and substitutes; fresh pork and vegetarian proteins like tofu, seitan and tempeh.
Vegetables
Low-potassium vegetables are your focus with kidney problems or dialysis. Eat vegetables like baby-mixed-greens salads, asparagus, alfalfa sprouts, green beans, garlic, onions, radishes and summer squash---zucchini, scallop and crocked neck squashes--bell peppers, cauliflower and mixed vegetables without broccoli.
Fruits
The same restriction applies to fruits as with vegetables. Fruits are high in potassium, and if you eat foods rich in potassium with poor kidney function, your potassium levels can interfere with your heart function. Recommended fruits for the renal diet include apples, fruit cocktail packed in natural juices, blackberries, lemons and limes, loganberries, plums, pineapples, cranberries and juices, grapes and grape juices, cherries and fruits canned in natural juices.
Other Carbohydrates
Breads, cereals, grains and dairy products are a good source of phosphorus in the diet. Phosphorus can build up with loss of kidney function; and if you don't control your intake of phosphorus, your body will start depositing calcium in your soft tissues like your skin and organs, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Other carbohydrates you can eat to ensure you are getting enough energy include breads and baked goods made from enriched white flour, macaroni, couscous, grits, low-sodium popcorn, pita bread, rice and corn tortillas.
Fats and Oils
Your calorie intake can be limited due to the phosphorus and carbohydrate restriction. To make up for needed calories to maintain your energy levels, fat will make up the rest of your calorie needs. You can add butter, margarine, full-fat salad dressings and plant oils, such as olive, safflower, sunflower and vegetable, to your beverages and foods to boost your calorie intake.
Fluids
Recommended fluids on a renal diet are low in potassium and phosphorus. You should drink clear carbonated beverages like Sprite, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Ginger Ale and Cherry 7Up. You can drink apple, cranberry and grape juices, Kool-Aid, tea and coffee with nondairy creamers. Make sure your fluid intake is maintained inside your allowance of free liquids per day to prevent accumulating excessive fluid. The Medical College of Wisconsin's division of nephrology notes that too much fluid could cause swelling, shortness of breath and high blood pressure.
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