Renal meal ideas are intended for those with compromised kidney functioning. Meals depend upon your weight, food preferences, blood tests and dialysis treatments. Maintaining a healthy nutritional intake plays an essential role in renal diets since lack of appetite is a common symptom. It is important to consult with your dietitian or doctor prior to undertaking any new meal plan.
Limit Fluid Intake
Consuming too much fluid can be a deterrent to a successful renal meal plan. Kidneys are responsible for balancing body fluid, according to the Kidney Patient Guide. When not operating properly, kidneys lack capability of ridding the body of excess fluid. Excess fluid can result in edema, high blood pressure and eventual heart disease. Instead of drinking fluid, suck on a lemon wedge or chew gum.
Avoid Harmful Beverages
Certain beverages wreak havoc on the renal meal plan. You should avoid beverages that contain phosphate, potassium and/or salt, according to Kidney Patient Guide. Do not consume any fruit juices, vegetable juices, chocolate-based drinks, malted milk drinks and/or condensed or evaporated milk. Alcoholic drinks such as sherry, wine, port, beers and hard ciders need to be eliminated. Avoid certain varieties of coffee -- percolated, ground, instant and decaffeinated fall in this category.
Utilize Allowed Beverages
Some beverages can be consumed in moderation as part of a renal meal plan. Beverages include water, tea, mineral waters and carbonated beverages. Carbonated beverages include bitter lemon, tonic water, lemonade, soda water and ginger beer, according to Kidney Patient Guide. Hard liquor drinks are allowed, but must be strictly controlled. Alcohol can cause excess thirst. Hard liquor includes rum, gin, vodka, whiskey and brandy.
Use High-Quality Protein
Even though protein intake can be limited in a renal meal plan, it needs to be included. You need protein to maintain, grow and repair your body. Eating high-quality animal protein will accomplish this goal, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Animal products include turkey, chicken, eggs, dairy, pork and red meat. Snacking on tuna salad and crackers or enjoying a main meal of skinless chicken offer options.
Season With Spices, Not Salt
Salt intake needs to be severely restricted, or eliminated, in any renal meal plan. Too much salt, or sodium, causes thirst. Excess thirst can lead to damaging fluid intake levels. Instead of using the salt shaker, spice up your eating by choosing and using a variety of herbs and spices, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Choose herbs that do not have salt added, such as garlic powder instead of garlic salt.
Uses a Variety of Fruits
You need to include fruits in your renal meal plan, but they need to be strictly monitored for potassium content. Canned fruits usually contain less potassium than fresh fruits, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Eat more low-potassium fruits including apples, berries, pineapple, peaches and pears. Snack on these fruits or enjoy them as dessert.
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