The kidneys have the important functions of excretion and regulation of water, minerals and organic compounds in the body. The kidneys remove solutes from the blood so that they may be excreted through the urine, thus, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. The primary causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. The authors of "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology" estimate that 20 million Americans are affected by kidney disease each year. If you have kidney disease, then nutrition therapy will be an important part of your care.
Protein and Kidneys
Protein is essential as it is a part of every organ and tissue in our bodies. It is, however, continually broken down and, therefore, we need to ingest more to replace what is lost. Protein helps maintain and repair muscle mass. The kidneys can filter out wastes, but do not filter out the protein. If you have kidney disease, your kidneys may not be able to leave the protein in the blood. The NIDDK suggests that some doctors may restrict protein to lessen the work for the kidneys.
Protein Requirements
Depending on your stage of kidney disease, your protein requirements may change. For chronic kidney disease stages 1 through 4, protein requirements may be as low as 0.6 to 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. If your kidney disease has progressed to the point of needing renal replacement therapy, also known as dialysis, your protein needs can be liberalized to 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Speak with a dietitian to determine your specific protein needs.
Dialysis
Dialysis is needed at the end stages of your kidney disease. Waste and toxins are filtered from the blood and removed by dialysis fluid. Dialysis is usually done several times per week for up to four hours at a time. If you are on dialysis, you may require more protein in your diet due to loss of free amino acids, inflammation and infection. According to Medline Plus, dialysis patients may need up to 8 to 10 ounces of high protein foods each day.
Protein Sources
Proteins can be found in animal foods and plant foods. Meats including beef, chicken, turkey and pork are good sources of animal protein. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, contain protein as well. Other animal proteins include eggs and milk. Plant foods that contain higher amounts of protein include beans, peas, lentils, soy products, nuts, nut butters and sunflower seeds. Foods including breads, pastas, oatmeal and rice from the grain group provide lower amounts of protein.
References
- "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology": Marcia Nelms, Kathryn Sucher, Sara Long; 2007
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: The Kidneys and How They Work.
- MedlinePlus: Diet- chronic kidney disease.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Nutrition for Everyone: Protein.
- National Kidney Disease Education Program: Protein.
