The kidneys keep your body's fluid and electrolytes in balance and they filter harmful substances that can build up in the bloodstream. Some people have kidneys that are diseased or damaged, and, thus, they must carefully manage their health to prevent an increase of potentially toxic materials in the body. Diet and nutrition are an important part of managing kidney disease.
Kidney Disease
Renal disease, also called chronic kidney disease, is a condition that damages the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. The kidneys have various functions, including retaining necessary substances in the body. They create urine to rid the body of excess water, and they release important hormones, such as those that help regulate blood pressure. Although dialysis is an option for those in end-stage renal disease, which is also called ESRD, patients must still carefully manage their diet to maintain health and energy and to reduce the incidence of other types of diseases that can occur, such as atherosclerosis, anemia or malnutrition.
Nutrition
Patients with renal disease need to monitor their nutritional intake to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrients and to avoid aggravating their condition. If you have ESRD, regular dialysis can affect your nutritional status; thus, you may need to work with a dietician to help you plan your meals. Some people with ESRD lose weight unintentionally and may need to add extra fat to the diet. Carbohydrates can help provide energy and may supply needed fiber, particularly foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. If you need dialysis, your doctor may recommend an increase in protein intake, emphasizing foods such as fish, lean meat, eggs and poultry. Additional protein in your diet will help restore some muscle loss that occurs with dialysis.
Metabolism
Renal disease affects the body's metabolism because of the potential buildup of harmful substances. Patients with renal disease may also have excess accumulation of urine and fluid in the body, which can cause complications such as an acid-base imbalance in the bloodstream. When the blood becomes more acidic in a condition known as acidosis, a patient has increased risk of metabolic diseases, such as hormone imbalances, insulin dysfunction and thyroid problems. Many patients must monitor their dietary intake to avoid substances that can further worsen such illnesses by working with a nutritional counselor for meal planning.
Electrolytes
Because the kidneys work as a filtration system, renal disease affects the body's electrolytes. Ask your doctor about the foods you should avoid or if you need to add supplements. Some physicians order low sodium diets for their patients, because sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, which can further worsen renal disease. You may also need extra iron, particularly if you are going through dialysis, and, thus, your doctor may recommend increasing your intake of iron-fortified foods. Renal disease can also affect your body's phosphorus levels, causing them to remain elevated. This inversely affects calcium, which may run low, forcing the body to pull it out of the bones to supply the bloodstream. Some foods contain both calcium and phosphorus, so you may need to avoid these items, such as milk and cheese. Your doctor may advise you to take a calcium supplement as an alternative to regulate your calcium levels.
