About 13 percent of the U.S. population---some 26 million people---suffer from chronic kidney disease that causes reduced kidney function, according to the National Institutes of Health. Increasing incidence of diabetes and hypertension, two diseases that can cause your kidneys to fail, accounts for some of the increases in chronic kidney disease. If you're seeking to keep your kidneys functioning properly, proper nutrition can play a major role.
Causes/Symptoms
Your kidneys filter wastes from your bloodstream and eliminate them through urine, helping to keep your body functioning properly, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Kidney disease will attack the cells in the kidneys that enable the organs to filter those wastes, resulting in a reduced ability for your body to get rid of waste products. You'll have few or no symptoms of kidney disease until it has progressed very far and your kidneys have lost much of their function.
Diet Basics
If you've been diagnosed with chronic kidney failure or disease, your doctor probably will recommend several diet changes to make sure your nutrition is optimal for your weakened kidneys, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. You'll probably need to cut down on the amount of liquids you drink, which include coffee, tea, sodas, juices and water, because your kidneys can't handle all that liquid. Drink only water or nutritious liquids, and chew sugarless gum to keep your mouth moist.
Protein
Kidney disease patients can't handle much protein in their diets, and the Ohio State University Medical Center recommends limiting your protein intake to no more than 7 ounces per serving. Avoid processed meat products such as bacon, lunch cold cuts and sausage, since they are high in salt, and stay away from cheese and salted nuts as protein sources.
Foods to Avoid
You'll also need to watch out for the minerals phosphorus and potassium which can cause problems in those with poor kidney function, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Organ meats, soda products, beer and some nuts contain high levels of phosphorus, so avoid those. Meanwhile, bananas, chocolate and broccoli represent some of the higher sources of potassium, so cut those out of your diet too.
Considerations
Although you need to consume some salt to keep your body functioning properly, most Americans eat too much salt, and kidney patients need to watch their salt consumption, according to Drexel University College of Medicine. If you cut back on salt, you'll drink less water and retain less water, helping your kidneys function properly. To cut back on salt, watch the salt content of processed food products you eat, and use herbs instead of salt to flavor your food.
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
