Renal Transplant Diet

Choosing to have a kidney transplant may be one of the most important decisions of your life. The National Institutes of Health states that in 2007, 17,513 Americans received a kidney from either a live or deceased donor. According to MayoClinic.com, approximately 95 percent of those who receive a living-donor kidney will still have a functioning kidney a year later. Five years later, the percentage is still very high -- about 80 percent. These are encouraging statistics for many people with end-stage renal disease.

Kidney Functions

You have two bean-shaped kidneys about the size of a fist behind your diaphragm on either side of your spine. The primary function of the kidneys is to remove waste products from your blood by creating urine. But they also control your blood pressure and regulate the blood and fluid volumes in your body. Your kidneys are crucial in monitoring the levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in your blood as well. They also keep your bones strong and make red blood cells.

Transplants

Kidney function is often compromised by long-term chronic disease. MayoClinic.com notes that common reasons for kidney failure include diabetes; chronic, uncontrolled high blood pressure; and inflammation of the individual filters within the kidney, a condition known as glomerulonephritis. A kidney transplant provides more freedom and a better quality of life than hemodialysis. People waiting for a kidney transplant are in a unique situation in that a compatible living donor can provide the organ.

Post-Surgery Diet

As you have just had major surgery, it's important to eat foods that are high in protein to promote wound healing and to consume enough calories to help you regain your strength and maintain your weight. Dietitians generally look at your kidney function among other aspects of your medical status before determining how much protein you need in to eat.

Some patients need to drink high-protein supplement shakes to meet their needs. Others will find that their kidney function is still inadequate, so they will remain on a renal diet, which restricts protein. Foods high in iron and phosphorus are important, because blood levels have likely been depleted. The best sources of iron are meat, fish and poultry, but dark leafy greens, dried cooked beans and whole grains are also good sources. Clinical dietitians advise drinking a beverage high in vitamin C with your high-iron foods, because it helps with absorption.

Long-Term Diet

One of the most important things you will do after receiving a kidney transplant is take the anti-rejection medications Prograf, prednisone and cyclosporine. All of these medications will be in your life permanently. Because prednisone is a steroid, it can increase your appetite, upset your stomach at high doses and make your blood sugar difficult to control. You should avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy peppers if you're taking more than 15 mg of prednisone daily.

Prograf and cyclosporine are a necessary evil; they can cause side effects and also affect blood sugar. The good news is that eating wild fish high in omega-3 fatty acids three times a week can reduce these effects. Keep your sodium intake to less than 4,000 mg a day, increase your calcium to four or five servings of dairy or high-calcium foods a day, and maintain an adequate vitamin D intake as well.

Considerations

If your blood glucose levels remain high, you may need to eat more whole grains and fewer concentrated sweets such as juice and soda. Food safety is also crucial; you now have a compromised immune system because of your medications. Your physician will let you know if you have special circumstances that require additional dietary adjustments. If you don't have a dietitian with transplant expertise in your area, contact the American Dietetic Association for recommended providers. Do not make any adjustments to your diet without first consulting your physician.