Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from your bloodstream. Once waste and excess fluids are filtered, they are concentrated into urine and excreted from the body. Chronic kidney failure refers to the gradual loss of kidney function. When kidneys lose their ability to function correctly, wastes and fluid can accumulate in the bloodstream. It is important to follow a proper diet to keep yourself healthy and avoid putting excess strain on failing kidneys.
Protein
The body uses protein for tissue repair, muscle building and growth. When you eat protein, the body uses what it needs, and then creates a waste product called urea. In healthy individuals, urea circulates throughout the bloodstream until it reaches the kidneys, where it can be eliminated from the body. In those with chronic kidney failure, the kidneys cannot filter urea correctly. Instead of being eliminated from the body, the waste product accumulates. In order to prevent accumulation of urea, it is important for someone with chronic kidney failure to reduce protein intake. In addition consuming less protein, it is also beneficial to consume most of your protein from plant sources, such as nuts, grains and starches, instead of meat and dairy. Specific daily protein recommendations depend on the degree of kidney function.
Sodium
Sodium triggers the body to retain water, which increases blood volume. When blood volume increases, it also increases your blood pressure. High blood pressure puts excess strain on the kidneys. Those with chronic kidney failure should limit the sodium in their diet. Foods with the highest concentration of sodium include canned foods, processed foods, pickled foods and foods that have been smoked or cured. It is also important to avoid adding excess salt during cooking and eating.
Phosphorous
Failing kidneys cannot properly remove phosphorus from the bloodstream, according to the National Kidney Foundation. When phosphorous levels in the bloodstream get too high, it triggers the release of calcium from your bones. If the bones lose too much calcium, they become weak and porous and more prone to breakage. In order to avoid high blood levels of phosphorous, it is important to limit foods that are high in phosphorous, such as dairy products, dried beans, peas, nuts, nut butters and beer.
Potassium
Failing kidneys cannot remove potassium from the bloodstream either. When potassium levels in the blood get too high, it can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia, which can lead to irregular heartbeat, abnormal nervous system function and possibly cardiac arrest. Those with chronic kidney disease should avoid consuming foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach and cantaloupe.
Considerations
Diet limitations can often cause difficulty meeting calorie needs, but it is important for someone with chronic kidney disease to consume enough calories to sustain proper body function and weight. Losing too much weight can lead to malnutrition and illness, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
