Kidney transplants are among the most common transplant procedures in the United States and are typically performed on patients who have kidney failure. In most cases, you'll need to take various medications after a kidney transplant, namely drugs to prevent rejection of the new kidney. If you're taking these anti-rejection medications, your doctor may advise you to modify your diet in certain ways.
Anti-Rejection Medications
After you undergo kidney transplant surgery, you'll likely need to take certain medications for the rest of your life. These medications are known as "immunosuppressants," and they prevent your immune system from recognizing the new kidney as a foreign object in your body and attacking it. Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, azathioprine and prednisone are among the most common immunosuppressant medications used to prevent rejection of transplanted kidneys and other organs. In addition to immunosuppressants, you may also need to take steroid medications to reduce inflammation of the transplanted kidney and diuretics to help your body excrete excess fluids.
Foods to Avoid
Your doctor might advise that you avoid certain foods and beverages following the kidney transplant and while you're taking immunosuppressant medication. You should limit your intake of salt and protein in your diet to avoid damaging the new kidney and to support the health of your remaining kidney. Your physician may tell you to avoid consuming alcohol for one year or more after the kidney transplant. Alcohol like liquor, wine and beer can also interact with immunsuppressants like tacrolimus. Avoid consuming too much potassium in your diet from foods like fruits, because potassium can interact dangerously with immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine. Specifically, cyclosporine can cause your body to retain potassium, possibly leading to toxic levels of the mineral in your blood. You may also need to avoid or limit your intake of milk and certain fruits like grapefruit, apples and oranges, because these foods could reduce your absorption of immunosuppressant drugs. For the same reason, you should also avoid grapefruit and pomegranate juices while taking immunosuppressants.
Supplements to Avoid
Certain dietary and herbal supplements can also interfere with medications for preventing kidney rejection after transplant surgery. Nutritional and herbal supplements that can significantly reduce your absorption of immunosuppressant medications like cyclosporine include potassium, cat's claw and St. John's wort. Quercetin and Chinese skullcap supplements may also cause this negative interaction with immunosuppressants.
Considerations
Many other supplements and medications can potentially interfere with immunosuppressant drugs, so you should discuss with your doctor all over-the-counter and prescription pills that you're taking. Also, your physician may advise that you follow a particular diet or adhere to specific dietary restrictions after a kidney transplant, depending on your particular health status. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding your nutrition, dietary restrictions and medications for preventing kidney rejection. Keep in mind that unless you received your donated kidney from your identical twin, you'll likely need to take the anti-rejection medication for the rest of your life.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Kidney Transplant
- Mayo Clinic: Kidney Transplant
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Kidney Transplant
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Interactions with Cyclosporine
- University of Michigan Health System: Cyclosporine
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Tacrolimus
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