When the kidneys function normally, they filter waste from the blood and help the body maintain normal fluid and electrolyte levels. When kidney disease and other kidney disorders damage the kidney tissues, these organs lose their ability to function normally. A renal low-protein diet can slow the progression of kidney disease in some patients.
Function
When the body metabolizes protein, a waste product called creatinine forms. Normal kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood so it does not build up to dangerous levels. Damaged kidneys do not filter creatinine properly, resulting in the need for reduced protein intake. When someone reduces his protein intake, the body has less protein to metabolize. This results in less creatinine to filter and reduces the workload of the kidneys.
Features
The low-protein renal diet restricts protein intake to 0.6 g of protein per kg of body weight on a daily basis, according to Peggy Harum, a registered dietitian for the American Association of Kidney Patients. Someone who weighs 180 lbs. would consume no more than 49.1 g of protein each day based on this recommendation. Patients with advanced kidney disease also have to limit their intake of sodium, potassium and phosphorus.
Effects
Following a low-protein renal diet has several positive effects for those who have kidney disease. In addition to slowing the progression of kidney disease, this diet also reduces symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Reducing the amount of sodium consumed on the renal diet reduces blood pressure levels and decreases swelling in the feet and legs.
Monitoring
People who follow a low-protein renal diet need regular monitoring. The basic metabolic panel determines the amounts of calcium, creatinine, sodium, blood urea nitrogen, potassium, glucose, bicarbonate and chloride, according to Lab Tests Online. This test allows medical professionals to determine if waste products are building up in the blood. The basic metabolic panel also allows physicians to determine if electrolyte levels are within normal ranges. Regular physical examinations allow doctors to determine if a patient with kidney disease has high blood pressure or severe swelling caused by kidney dysfunction.
Considerations
People with other medical conditions need to plan their renal diets carefully. The American Heart Association indicates that kidney disease and heart disease have a strong link. People with kidney disease have an increased risk for heart disease, while heart disease increases the risk for kidney disease. People with both heart disease and kidney failure also need to consider the fat and cholesterol content of their food choices.
Diabetics with kidney disease also have to adjust the renal diet to meet their needs. Diabetics need to eat foods that do not cause rapid fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Harvard Medical School explains that foods with a low glycemic index do not affect blood glucose levels as much as high-GI foods. The glycemic index ranks foods based on how quickly they increase blood glucose levels. Diabetics with kidney disease need to limit their protein intake and choose low-GI foods to prevent diabetes complications.
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