Is Good Nutrition Important To Renal Diet?

Good nutrition is very important for renal patients. As the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste, dietary changes can often reduce the burden certain foods place on these organs. This can slow the progression of the disease and help prolong the remaining function of your kidneys. Special diets can also minimize the amount of waste and fluids that accumulate in the body as a result of kidney failure. Your doctor or dietitian can help determine the amount of nutrients needed in your diet.

Protein

Restricting your intake of protein is usually recommended on a renal diet. As protein metabolizes, it produces a lot of waste. Normally the kidneys are able to remove this byproduct from the blood. But with a reduced renal function, it remains in your bloodstream. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study demonstrated that reducing your protein intake by 0.2 g per kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of body weight each day can significantly reduce the amount of waste in your blood.

Fat

Along with protein restriction, it isn't uncommon to limit your intake of saturated fat and trans fat. Both forms of fat can negatively impact your cholesterol levels and lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits along the arterial walls. This can inhibit blood flow to the kidneys, further damaging the organs and reducing their function. Instead of these unhealthy fats, stick with monounsaturated fats or polyunsaturated fats for your recommended fat intake.

Phosphorus

Limiting protein and fat consumption can help reduce your intake of phosphorus, another nutrient restricted on a renal diet. However, Dr. Erik Castle, a urologist with the Mayo Clinic, explains that you may need to restrict phosphorus even further, to an intake of no more than 800 to 1,000 mg a day. Like protein waste, the kidneys regulate the amount of phosphorus in the blood. This becomes increasingly difficult as the kidneys become impaired. Limiting your phosphorus intake may lead to a decrease in dairy consumption, so you may need to take a calcium supplement to get your recommended daily allowance.

Sodium

Besides phosphorus, you'll also need to restrict your intake of sodium. Excess sodium in the diet causes the body to retain fluids, the National Institutes of Health warns. As already mentioned, kidney failure often leads to fluid retention, so the added sodium can compound this complication. Reduce your sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg a day.

Potassium

For some renal patients, potassium can become a problem. During the course of treatment, your doctor will monitor your potassium levels. If they begin to climb, you'll need to reduce your intake of foods high in this mineral. Potassium is found in many fruits and vegetables, which are important to nutrition. You'll need to stick with low-potassium fare, such as apples, strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.