Acute renal failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly lose the ability to clean waste products and other impurities from your blood. This type of renal failure usually happens over a few hours to a few days; it may be a temporary condition or it could lead to chronic kidney problems. Because your kidneys are unable to perform their normal functions, you will need to adjust your diet to limit the work that your kidneys have to do.
Fewer Protein Foods
You will need to eat less protein if you have acute renal failure, reports Drugs.com. When the body breaks down protein, the kidneys get rid of the waste products. To protect your kidneys and prevent a buildup of waste products in the blood during acute renal failure, you need to lower your protein intake. High-protein foods include meats, poultry, dairy products and eggs. Your renal dietitian will educate you about the protein in foods and about how much protein you should eat each day. You may be instructed to eat more healthy carbohydrate foods or healthy fats to obtain nutrition and calories, notes the kidney care company DaVita.
Low-Sodium Foods
High levels of sodium can increase fluid retention in your body. Fluid retention can lead to swelling in the body or even high blood pressure, according to DaVita. High blood pressure can further hamper kidney function in acute renal failure, and kidneys in failure may not be able to clear fluids effectively. You should avoid foods like processed meats, salty chips and crackers, canned soup and vegetables, reports the Mayo Clinic. You can also control your salt intake by cooking your own meals and using herbs and spices to season food instead of salt.
Low-Potassium Foods
One of the functions of the kidneys is to maintain the proper balance of potassium in the body. Too much potassium in the body can lead to heart problems and death, notes the Kidney Patient Guide. You will need to monitor your intake of high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes and tomatoes. Eating apples, grapes, cabbage and strawberries are better choices if you have acute renal failure. If your potassium level becomes too high, you may have to undergo dialysis treatments to clean your blood because high potassium can be life threatening.
Low-Phosphorus Foods
The kidneys also clear excess phosphorus from the body. In acute renal failure, phosphorus levels may become too high and cause bone problems, notes Drugs.com. Limiting high-phosphate foods like dairy products, peas and nuts can lower your phosphate levels and protect your bones. Your dietitian can tell you how much phosphorus you can eat each day.
