Your diagnosis of stage 4 kidney disease may have come as a surprise, or you may have known for years that your kidneys were not healthy. As part of your treatment, your doctor may recommend a special diet to help support the function of your kidneys and limit the work they must perform.
Background
Stage 4 kidney disease occurs when your kidney function is very limited; it is the final stage before kidney failure. The optimal stage 4 kidney disease diet depends on your individual situation, but the general purpose is to slow the progression of kidney failure, while providing the nutrients you need for health.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for maintaining your muscle strength and supporting your immune system to fight infections, but eating more than you need is taxing on your kidneys because they help remove excess protein from your body. Try to reduce the amount you eat by limiting your portion sizes and choosing lower-protein options such as chicken drumsticks, egg substitute or tofu instead of chicken breast, tuna or ground beef.
Sodium, Potassium and Phosphorus
Too much sodium can cause swelling and raise your blood pressure, which can further damage your kidneys. You should limit your sodium intake by reducing the amount of processed salty foods you eat such as fast food, frozen meals, canned soups and vegetables, lunch meats and cheese. Additionally, when your kidneys are damaged, your potassium level may be too high or low. Too much or too little potassium can cause muscle weakness and cramps, and irregular heartbeat. Reduce your potassium intake by selecting low-potassium produce, such as apples, carrots, green beans and berries, instead of high-potassium foods such as bananas and potatoes. When your kidneys are not working well, phosphorus can build up in your blood, causing weak bones that can break easily. You should reduce your phosphorus intake by limiting dairy, cola, beans, nuts and processed meats.
Other Components
Your tastes may change when you develop kidney disease and as such, you may need to work with a nutritionist to find ways to get the calories you need to maintain your weight. As your kidneys have more difficulty removing extra water from your body, you may need to reduce your fluid intake. Continue to work closely with your doctor to develop the best diet and medical treatment plan for your condition.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Chronic Kidney Failure
- MayoClinic.com: Chronic Kidney Failure: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Nutrition for Later Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults
- National Kidney Foundation: Nutrition And Chronic Kidney Disease (Stages 1-4)
- American Kidney Fund: Kidney Friendly Diet
