The kidneys help filter waste products from the blood. People with chronic kidney failure lose the ability to remove excessive amounts of fluid from the body and waste products from the blood. Risk factors for developing chronic kidney failure include obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and heart disease. Treatment for chronic kidney failure includes medications and dietary changes, as well as dialysis and a kidney transplant for end-stage kidney disease.
Avoiding High-Potassium Foods
The kidneys help filter potassium out of the body. Eating foods high in potassium may increase the potassium levels in the body. High potassium levels may cause abnormal heart rhythms and a heart attack. Those with chronic kidney problems should eat foods high in potassium, such as bananas and dried fruits, in moderation. Foods such as apples, grapefruit and strawberries are low in potassium.
Decreasing Salt Intake
A diet high in salt may cause you to retain fluids. Individuals with decreased kidney function are at an increased risk of edema because of the retained fluid. Foods high in sodium include fast food, prepackaged convenience foods, canned foods and salty snacks as well as processed meats and cheeses. People with chronic kidney disease should not add salt to food at the table.
Limiting Phosphorus Foods
Many foods contain phosphorus and completely excluding phosphorus from the diet is neither easy nor necessary for patients with chronic renal failure, but decreasing intake is important. Increased amounts of phosphorus in the blood may cause decreased calcium levels and itching. Phosphorus-rich foods to avoid include dairy products such as milk and yogurt. Foods low in phosphorus that are safe to eat include fruits and vegetables.
Limiting Fluids
Limiting fluids is important during chronic kidney failure. Restricting fluids helps prevent excessive decreases in sodium concentration in the blood, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. In addition to restricting fluids, you need to limit the intake of foods containing high amounts of water, such as lettuce and grapes.
Protein Requirements
People suffering from chronic renal failure who do not undergo dialysis need to restrict protein intake. Damaged kidneys have difficulty filtering the toxins and waste from the blood that are by-products of protein metabolism. Nevertheless, after starting dialysis, a patient with chronic renal failure needs to eat a moderate quantity of high-quality, high-protein foods such as eggs, fish and poultry with each meal, to help replace lost muscle tissue.
Carbohydrates
Replacing lost calories with carbohydrates instead of protein is important, according to MedlinePlus. Foods that help provide energy for people with kidney problems include vegetables, grains, breads and fruits.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Chronic Kidney Failure
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Chronic Kidney Failure
- MedlinePlus: Diet: Chronic Kidney Disease
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Eat Right to Feel Right on Hemodialysis
- American Association of Kidney Patients: How Can I Follow My Diabetic and Renal Diet Restrictions?
