Diet For Renal Insufficiency

Renal insufficiency, or renal failure, occurs when the kidney function declines and the kidneys can no longer maintain a normal state of health. This condition can occur for a short period of time, as a result of surgery or infection, or may be permanent. Managing renal insufficiency with the correct diet can delay advancement to end-stage renal disease and the use of dialysis.

Significance

Renal insufficiency does not mean that the kidneys have completely failed. A patient with renal insufficiency can live with this condition for many years before requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. This condition does limit the kidney's ability to properly filter waste, therefore by limiting the foods that put the most stress on your kidneys; you can help them to function more effectively.

Function

The goal of dietary changes is to lessen the stress placed on the kidneys and to decrease the symptoms you may feel. You may notice that your appetite has decreased and foods may begin to taste strange as a result of the additional toxins in your blood. Consuming too much fluid may cause edema, or swelling in your hands and feet. Digestion may slow down as a result of gastroparesis, and you may feel nauseated after meals. The right diet can also lessen vitamin deficiencies caused by improperly functioning kidneys.

Diet Restrictions

Depending on your specific condition, your dietitian may modify the components of your diet. Generally, you will be asked to restrict protein to 0.6 g per kilogram of body weight, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. For example a 150 lb., or 70kg, person could consume up to 40g of protein per day. Limiting protein may decrease symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, bad taste of foods and weight loss.

Restricting the amount of sodium you consume may help to control your blood pressure and prevent fluid retention. Avoiding the salt shaker and foods known to be high in salt, such as potato chips, pickles and canned soups, should be sufficient at this stage. As the condition worsens, you may need to further restrict your salt intake.

If Renal Insufficiency Worsens

Other components of the diet may need to be modified as the renal insufficiency worsens. According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, potassium is usually not restricted until urine output decreases. At that time, you should limit foods such as oranges, tomatoes and bananas. Normal kidneys are required to balance the amount of phosphorus in the blood. Once phosphorus begins to build, you may be told to restrict the phosphorus in your diet, including milk and beans. You may be prescribed a medication called a phosphate binder which will cause the phosphorus in your blood to be eliminated in your stool.

Considerations

Fluid restrictions are generally not required until kidney disease becomes severe. Urine output may gradually decrease, or urine may become nearly clear because the kidneys are no longer filtering toxins. If you begin to experience edema, your doctor may recommend limiting fluids and may prescribe a diuretic or fluid pill. You should follow the recommendations of your doctor regarding fluid, as lab results and individual symptoms will determine your fluid needs.