There are two types of renal, or kidney, failure: In acute cases, there is a sudden loss of kidney function; while in chronic cases, the loss is gradual. In both types, the ability of your kidneys to filter out waste products and balance bodily fluids becomes impaired. Monitoring your diet can ease the stress on the kidneys and allow you to feel better, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse website.
High-fluid Foods
Your kidneys are responsible for removing excess water from the blood. When your kidneys are not functioning properly, fluid can build up causing swelling and weight gain. As well as monitoring your liquid intake, you need to be aware that some foods are high in water and should be limited. The NKUDIC notes that any food that is liquid at room temperature contains water. Limit your intake of soup, gelatin desserts, popsicles and ice cream. Fruits and vegetables that should be limited because they are high in water include oranges, apples, grapes, melons, lettuce, tomatoes and celery.
High-protein Foods
Limiting your protein intake decreases the waste product urea in your blood and eases the amount of work for your kidneys. Avoid eating extra servings of milk, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat or eggs. Your dietitian will determine how much protein you need per day. The amount of protein recommended will depend on whether or not you are on dialysis. Before dialysis, the recommendation will be for a low-protein diet, according to the NKUDIC. Once you are on dialysis, however, your doctor will recommend a high-quality protein diet for muscle and tissue health.
High-sodium Foods
Normally, the kidneys balance the amount of sodium in the blood. When you are experiencing renal failure, too much sodium can increase your fluid intake by making you feel thirsty. This extra fluid can increase your blood pressure, according to Drugs.com. Avoid table salt and salty foods such as canned and processed meats, french fries, canned soups, sardines and salted snacks.
High-potassium Foods
Potassium is a mineral found in many foods and regulated in the blood by healthy kidneys. Stable levels of potassium are necessary for the heart to maintain a steady rhythm and too much potassium is dangerous for the heart, according to the NKUDIC. With renal failure, it is important for you to minimize your potassium intake by avoiding high potassium foods. These foods include milk, yogurt, bananas, beets, peanuts, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, prunes, figs, dates, raisins, nectarines, apricots, melons and pears. Your dietitian can provide a complete list plus alternatives for your favorite high potassium foods.
High-phosphorus Foods
Healthy kidneys balance the amount of phosphorus in your blood. Too much phosphorus will pull calcium from your bones causing them to become weak, according to Drugs.com. Avoid high phosphorus foods such as dairy products, beans, peas and nuts. Avoid high phosphorus drinks such as beer and cola flavored sodas.
