Renal impairment, or chronic kidney disease, can lead to kidney failure and even death, so you need to do everything possible to slow the progression. Your diet can have a significant impact on your health while living with renal impairment, so get advice from a qualified nutritionist to help you make the best choices. Continue to follow your doctor's instructions, too.
Background
Your kidneys are responsible for filtering your blood and excreting waste, and the National Kidney Foundation explains that your glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, indicates how well they are functioning compared to healthy kidneys with a GFR of 100. In stage 1 renal impairment, your GFR is over 90, and in stage 4 your GFR is 15 to 29. A GFR less than 15 indicates kidney failure, which can be fatal without a transplant or dialysis. The goal of your diet is to slow the progression of renal impairment, reduce complications and provide adequate nutrition.
Protein
You need protein from your diet to maintain your muscle mass and support a healthy immune system. However, you need to limit your intake when you have renal impairment because your kidneys are responsible for filtering the waste products of protein metabolism from your blood. The National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) suggests having no more than two 3-oz. servings of meat per day, and choosing lower-protein options such as shrimp or beef stew instead of higher protein chicken breast or halibut.
Fluid Balance
With renal impairment, your kidneys have difficulty filtering blood, and you can help them by keeping your body's fluid levels as low as possible. Sodium increases water retention in your body, and the Mayo Clinic suggests reducing your sodium intake by avoiding fast food, frozen meals, canned soups and processed meats. The NIDDK cautions that you may need to reduce your fluid intake as your renal impairment becomes more severe since extra fluid in your system can strain your heart.
Considerations
High levels of phosphorus in your blood can lead to weaker bones, and your diet for renal impairment should limit phosphorus from processed foods such as colas and cheese since your kidneys may have difficulty removing the excess. The National Kidney Foundation recommends asking your doctor about proper amounts of calcium to strengthen your bones without straining your kidneys. Similarly, you may need to eat higher or lower amounts of potassium-rich foods such as milk and yogurt, legumes and potatoes.
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