If you suffer from chronic kidney disease, your nephrologist, or kidney doctor, has most likely asked you to follow a renal diet. Most renal diets restrict protein, phosphorus, potassium and sodium, and because renal diets vary in their restrictions, ask your doctor what kind of renal diet you should follow.
Protein
Because the kidneys are responsible for clearing the body of protein byproducts, most people with kidney disease need to reduce the amount of protein they regularly consume. Depending on the stage of kidney failure, individuals might need to have 0.6 to 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight. For example, a 150-pound man would need to restrict his intake to 41 to 55 g of protein per day.
Phosphorus
The kidneys are also responsible for maintaining your body's balance of phosphorus. When the kidneys are not working properly, phosphorus levels tend to increase, and this can cause bone loss and other medical complications. Most renal patients are placed on phosphorus restrictions, meaning that they have to avoid most dairy products. Cheese, milk, yogurt and soy milk are all high in phosphorus. Bran cereals and whole grains are also high in phosphorus and should be avoided.
Potassium
Serum potassium levels vary tremendously in those with kidney disease. The National Institutes of Health define normal blood potassium levels to be 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L. If your potassium levels are elevated, your physician might direct you to follow a low-potassium renal diet. Because potassium is particularly concentrated in dried fruit, avocados, tomatoes and oranges, you need to avoid these foods. Instead, consume low-potassium foods such as apples, berries, carrots, green beans and cauliflower.
Sodium
Almost everyone with kidney problems needs to monitor and limit their sodium intake. Sodium, or salt, tends to increase blood pressure in the kidneys, causing further damage and exacerbating the disease. A good renal diet will have less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day. By limiting your intake of canned or processed foods, pickled foods, soups and frozen dinners, you can lower you sodium levels. Whenever possible, choose fresh foods or ones that are low in sodium.
Sample Menu
Breakfast: quick-cook oatmeal with brown sugar; blueberries; toast with olive oil-based margarine; apple juice
Lunch: 2 oz. chicken; 1 cup steamed white rice with herbs and unsalted butter; 1/2 cup green beans; side salad with lettuce, peppers, onions, sprouts, grated carrots and oil-and-vinegar dressing; sliced apple
Dinner: 3 oz. baked salmon; 1 cup noodles with unsalted butter; 1 cup mixed vegetables with peas and corn; strawberries with non-dairy whipped topping
Snack: sherbet
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