MedlinePlus defines a renal diet as an eating plan designed to maintain normal fluid and electrolyte levels for people on hemodialysis. When kidney function declines, the kidneys do not maintain normal fluid levels or remove waste from the blood. Hemodialysis involves the use of a machine that filters the blood and returns it to the circulatory system via a system of tubing.
Significance
When the kidneys work normally, they maintain normal levels of sodium, phosphorus, potassium and other minerals in the blood. The kidneys also maintain normal fluid levels by excreting excess fluid or retaining fluid during periods of dehydration. In people with chronic kidney disease or renal failure, the kidneys do not perform these functions, making hemodialysis necessary. Dietary changes help people with kidney disease feel better between hemodialysis sessions.
Considerations
Because each person with kidney disease has different needs, there is not one single renal diet that all people follow. Those with kidney disease should consider their laboratory results, kidney disease staging, treatment options and general health when planning a renal diet, as recommended by the American Association of Kidney Patients. Someone with high cholesterol will need to limit foods high in saturated fat, while someone with normal cholesterol levels will not have to make these modifications. Diabetics need to manage their glucose levels by controlling their consumption of carbohydrates.
Features
People following a renal diet carefully track their intake of sodium, protein, potassium, phosphorus and fluids. The Edinburgh Renal Unit website explains that recommended protein intake depends on a person's health status. People who are not yet on dialysis need to limit their protein intake to moderate amounts. People on hemodialysis need to increase their protein intake slightly because of the protein loss that occurs during the blood filtration process. Fluid restriction guidelines also depend on a person's health status. Some people with kidney disease do not have to restrict fluid intake, while others must limit their intake of beverages, soups, ice cream and other foods that turn into liquids when consumed.
Restricted Foods
Patients on a renal diet should avoid or eat small amounts of foods that have high levels of sodium, potassium, protein and phosphorus. High-sodium foods include canned soups, frozen meals, canned vegetables, fast food, salted potato chips and pretzels, salted nuts, bread and cheese. Instead of using table salt, patients restricting their sodium intake should use sodium-free herbs and spices. Fruits and vegetables offer more healthful alternatives to processed foods, but some fruits and vegetables have high levels of potassium. High-potassium foods to avoid include tomatoes, oranges, potatoes, prunes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, avocado and winter squash, as reported by the University of Michigan Health System. Chocolate, corn, potatoes and dairy products contain high levels of phosphorus. High-protein foods include red meats, eggs, dairy products and poultry.
Warning
The renal diet prevents some of the complications of kidney disease, but it does not cure kidney disease. Anyone who experiences swelling, high blood pressure, nausea, fatigue or other kidney disease symptoms while following a renal diet should seek the advice of a medical professional. Additional dietary changes could alleviate some of these symptoms or prevent serious complications.
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