Your kidneys help keep your body in balance by filtering your blood of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and fluids. When your kidneys don't function well, you need to make modifications to your diet to prevent the buildup of these substances in your blood. Consult with your doctor or dietitian to help you develop an individualized meal plan. Most renal diets restrict sodium, potassium and phosphorus intake.
Milk
Milk is high in phosphorus and potassium. Most renal diets limit milk intake to one serving a day. Food choices and serving sizes include 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of ice cream, 1/2 cup of yogurt, 1/4 cup of condensed milk, 3 tbsp. of cream cheese, 4 tbsp. of sour cream and 1 cup of sherbet.
Meat
Your meat intake will vary, depending on whether you are on dialysis or not. If you are not on dialysis, you will need to limit your protein intake to about 4 to 5 oz. a day. Eating high amounts of protein can increase the rate at which your kidneys fail. If you are on dialysis, your protein needs increase. The amount of meat you need depends on your blood protein stores and weight but can range from 8 to 11 oz. a day. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your protein needs. Choose fresh cuts of meat to increase the quality of your protein intake, and limit the amount of sodium in your diet. Choices include poultry, fish, beef, pork, veal and lamb. One egg is equal to 1 oz. of meat.
Starches
Your starch intake will also vary depending on your calorie needs but can range from six to 11 servings a day. Read food labels to help you find low-sodium starch products. Your total sodium intake on a renal diet should be less than 2,000 mg a day. A low-sodium food item should contain less than 140 mg per serving. Starch choices and serving sizes include one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of rice or pasta, 1/2 of an English muffin or hamburger roll, 3/4 cup of ready-to-eat cereal, 1/2 cup of hot cooked cereal and four low-sodium crackers. Choose starch foods made with refined flour to limit your intake of phosphorus. High levels of phosphorus in the blood can lead to weakened bones.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a source of potassium. Your potassium needs can range from 2,000 to 3,000 mg a day. To help limit your potassium intake, choose mostly low-potassium vegetables such as alfalfa sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, endive, escarole, lettuce, radishes, turnips and watercress. Your daily vegetable intake should range from two to four servings a day, with a serving equal to 1 cup of raw or 1/2 cup of cooked vegetable.
Fruits
Fruits also contain potassium. Your intake on a renal diet should be limited to two to three servings a day. Low-potassium fruit choices and serving sizes include a small apple, 1/2 cup of applesauce, 1/2 cup of canned pears, a medium fresh pear and a medium tangerine.
Fats
Eating enough calories can be a challenge on a renal diet. Fats help you meet your calorie needs without adding sodium, potassium or phosphorus. Your fat needs can range from four to seven servings a day. Healthy fat choices and serving sizes include 1 tsp. of margarine, butter, oil or mayonnaise and 1 tbsp. of low-sodium salad dressing.
References
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., Sylvia Escott-Stump. M.A. R.D.; 1996
- National Kidney Foundation: Nutrition and Dialysis
Member Comments