Chronic renal failure is a serious condition, as without properly functioning kidneys, wastes in the blood must be carefully controlled. You could predict that changes in diet would be necessary in chronic renal failure by considering the role of the kidneys in normal health. The kidneys act as a filter, constantly combing through the contents of your blood, actively excreting wastes and unwanted minerals. Some of the most crucial components of the blood requiring this filtering include proteins, sodium, phosphorus and potassium. When the kidneys are diseased you must pay very close attention to your intake of these elements, as your filtration system is not functioning to full capacity.
It is important to discuss with your doctor how much of these substances to consume on a daily basis.
Protein
Through a number of feedback mechanisms, the kidney is capable of recognizing and altering our blood-protein concentration as needed. This occurs primarily in the early segments of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. This section of nephron is commonly damaged in chronic renal failure, resulting in a condition in which the patient's kidneys are unable to absorb or secrete protein in the proper fashion. This results in blood-protein concentrations becoming virtually entirely dependent on the rate of intake, or the amount of protein in your diet. Patients suffering from chronic renal failure must be aware of their daily protein intake. This will reduce blood wastes and help the kidneys work better, according to Drugs.com. Foods high in protein include fish, chicken, eggs, dairy products and meat.
Phosphorus
Patients in renal failure must closely watch consumption of phosphorus. When the regulatory mechanisms for controlling blood-phosphorus concentration fail, its regulation rests on our shoulders. This is a particularly important mineral to keep track of, as high phosphorus levels can lead to progressive bone loss and increasing risk of fractures. The foods to associate with high phosphorous include dairy products, beans, nuts and peas.
Sodium
Sodium is a critical player in our bodies. It is crucial to maintain its concentration in our blood within a relatively narrow range to ensure proper functioning of essentially every organ system. This is why proper control of sodium intake is of the utmost importance in patients with sub-optimal kidney function. The foods to keep an eye out for in this category include processed meats, soups, salted snacks, canned foods and table salt.
Potassium
Renal failure is one of the few conditions requiring patients to monitor potassium intake. The kidney plays a crucial role in the regulation of total body potassium as well as its concentration in the blood. It is important to understand that many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. While these foods are usually recommended for your health, in the case of chronic renal failure they must be strictly controlled.
Diet for Renal Failure
The diet for patients in chronic renal failure is arguably one of the most difficult to follow. It requires a detailed understanding of nearly all food ingredients. It is important to have clear communication with your physician regarding the rules and guidelines of such a diet.
