Your kidneys filter waste products and excess fluid from your blood and concentrate them into urine so that they can be expelled from the body. If your kidneys fail, they cannot properly filter waste products. Certain foods can increase the amount of waste products in the blood, as well as put excess strain on your kidneys that can worsen your condition. The proper nutrition plan for kidney failure focuses on reducing the amount of foods in your diet that contribute to waste products in the blood.
Phosphorus
Healthy kidneys help maintain the proper balance of phosphorus in your bloodstream. Failed kidneys cannot properly remove phosphorus from your blood. The presence of excess phosphorus in your blood stimulates your bones to release calcium in an attempt to balance out the concentration of minerals. This can weaken bones, making them more prone to breaking. In order to avoid high levels of phosphorus in the blood, it is important for someone with kidney failure to avoid high-phosphorus foods, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, beans, nuts, processed meats, soda, bran cereal and egg yolks.
Sodium
Too much sodium in your body signals your body to retain water. These can increase the volume of your blood, leading to an increase in blood pressure. While most people can tolerate this temporary increase in blood pressure, it can put excess strain on the kidneys and can be dangerous for those with kidney failure. In order to keep blood pressure steady, those with kidney failure should monitor their sodium intake, consuming no more than 1,500 mg of sodium on a daily basis.
Protein
When you eat protein, your body breaks it down into a waste product called urea. Healthy kidneys filter urea out of the blood and deposit it into your urine. If you have kidney failure, your kidneys attempt to filter urea, which puts a great deal of stress on them. In order to avoid this excess stress, it is important to limit your protein intake. Individual recommendations depend on each specific individual and the level of kidney function.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral as well as an electrolyte, which means that it carries an electrical charge. The charge that potassium carries plays an important role in muscle contraction and the action of your heart. If you have kidney failure, your kidneys cannot properly filter potassium. If you eat too much potassium, the mineral accumulates in your blood and can cause life-threatening changes in your heart rhythm. Those with kidney failure should avoid high potassium foods such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, kidney beans, lima beans and oranges.
Calories
Because kidney failure requires that you omit or limit several foods from the diet, it can be difficult to meet your daily calorie needs. Consuming an adequate amount of calories is essential for proper body functioning, however. Those with kidney failure should work with a dietitian to determine calorie needs and make sure that they meet these needs daily.
