Chronic kidney failure affects an estimated 13 percent of people in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because kidney failure doesn't present symptoms in its early stages, many people don't realize they have kidney problems until blood tests ordered by their physicians identify it. Once you know the problem exists, following the proper diet can aid in preserving as much of your kidney function as possible.
Causes
Although chronic kidney failure, which also is called chronic renal failure, can stem from a variety of health conditions, the most common causes include high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health. Your kidneys filter your blood to eliminate waste byproducts, and those byproducts can build up in your body if your kidneys don't work properly.
Diet Information
Physicians almost always prescribe a low-protein diet for their kidney failure patients, and with good reason: if you eat too much protein, your body dumps a waste product called urea into your blood stream and your kidneys have trouble filtering it all out, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Although you need some protein to maintain healthy muscles, you won't feel well if you eat too much. Your physician can help you determine how much protein to consume.
Nutrition Sources
Instead of consuming protein, you should work to include more carbohydrates in your diet, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Carbohydrates, which convert to sugar in the bloodstream without producing as much waste, should represent the basis of your kidney failure diet. Also, don't eat your entire daily allotment of protein in one meal, and make sure you also keep an eye on your milk consumption, because milk contains a fair amount of protein.
Other Dietary Restrictions
Your physician may tell you to cut back on bananas and chocolate, because they contain high levels of the nutrient potassium, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Your kidneys help you keep the right level of potassium in your body, but can't always do so in chronic kidney failure patients. You may also need to watch your intake of phosphorus, found in sodas, nuts and beer, because your kidneys can't regulate levels of that nutrient well.
Considerations
Fats may represent a good source of calories for you, but your doctor may recommend you restrict fats as well due to another health condition, such as high cholesterol or heart disease, according to Drexel University College of Medicine. In addition, you may be able to get your calories from sweets, but if you have diabetes in addition to chronic kidney failure you should talk with your physician about how much of those foods you can safely consume.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Chronic Kidney Disease
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: The Kidneys and How They Work
- Medical College of Wisconsin: Diet for Renal Patient
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Controlled Protein Diet
- Drexel University College of Medicine: Diet Chronic Kidney Disease
