The kidneys belong to the endocrine system; they filter waste and excess fluids from the blood and use this waste and fluid to produce urine. Low kidney function, also referred to as kidney disease or kidney failure, occurs when the kidneys cannot properly filter waste or properly make urine. The disease is progressive, so it is important to follow specific nutrition guidelines that can delay the progression of the disease.
Limit Protein
Healthy kidneys filter wastes from the blood, but they do not remove protein. Low functioning kidneys cannot differentiate between waste and protein, attempting to filter out both substances from the blood. This excess filtration puts a significant amount of strain on the kidneys. Too much strain on diseased kidneys can damage them even further.
To avoid excess strain, the National Kidney Foundation notes that it is important to avoid consuming too much protein if you have low kidney function. However, protein is an important component of proper immune system function and building muscle, so it is not realistic to avoid protein altogether, according to the NKF. It may be beneficial to work closely with a dietitian and a physician to determine your specific protein needs. The best protein sources include lean meat, such as fish and poultry, nuts, low-fat dairy and legumes, such as beans.
Maintain Calorie Intake
The body cannot maintain proper functioning without an adequate amount of calories. Recommendations for calories differ based on age and sex as well as amount of kidney function. A dietitian can help you determine your specific caloric needs. In addition, calories are an important energy source for the body. To sustain energy and proper body functioning, it is important to make sure that you are consuming enough calories if you have low kidney function.
Avoid Sodium
When levels of sodium in the body increase, the body begins to retain water in an attempt to maintain proper salt balance. This puts excess strain on the kidneys and causes them to work harder. If you have low kidney function, you should avoid putting stress on the kidneys. One of the best ways to do this is to avoid salt and processed foods that contain a lot of salt. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt per day, which is approximately the size of a teaspoon.
Monitor Potassium
Healthy kidneys control potassium levels in the bloodstream by leaving enough potassium to maintain health and removing any excess potassium that can cause harm. Low functioning kidneys cannot successfully remove excess potassium from the bloodstream, and potassium can accumulate to potentially dangerous levels. If the blood contains too much potassium, it can disrupt the heart's electrical system and cause an abnormal heartbeat. If you have low kidney function, you should avoid foods that contain high amounts of potassium, such as oranges, bananas, spinach, tomatoes and potatoes, according to the NKF.
Considerations
Kidney disease is a progressive one, characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function. Because kidney function becomes increasingly worse over time, nutrition recommendations may change as you further lose kidney function. It is important to visit your doctor regularly to monitor your kidney function over time and make diet changes as necessary.
