The kidneys are an organ located in the torso of the body, which filter and remove excess liquids, minerals and waste from the blood. The kidneys are also hormone producers. The hormones that they produce enable healthy bones and blood. When damage to the kidneys occurs due to genetic or environmental causes, they cease to filter and excrete waste. They also prevent the production of healthy red blood cells. These conditions signify renal failure, which can occur in graduated or acute, also known as immediate, stages. There are two courses of treatment for renal failure, either dialysis or kidney transplant. Diet and nutrition control are essential for managing the disease and in some cases, preventing its progression. If you have questions regarding nutrition and health requirements for renal failure for purposes other than general information, please contact your doctor.
Potassium
Potassium is a chemical element that is found in most foods. It is an alkali metal with similar properties to sodium salts. It is necessary for the function of all living cells, and therefore is found in all plant and animal tissues. Potassium does not generally need to be limited in renal failure patients until the kidneys slow or stop producing urine. Renal failure patients should avoid high potassium foods once this occurs. This includes but is not limited to bananas, oranges and their juice, prunes, nuts, tomatoes and their juice, milk, beans and peas and chocolate.
Sodium
Sodium is a chemical element that is a salt. High sodium levels cause high blood pressure. According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. There are many foods that cause high sodium levels. Some foods to avoid include but are not limited to processed meats, fast foods, Chinese foods, pizza or tomato sauces, soy sauce, potato chips and other salted snacks. Drinking extra water or taking a diuretic may help flush the body of excess sodium, therefore reducing blood pressure and stress on the kidneys.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is another mineral found in food. The kidneys filter and excrete phosphorus out of the body's blood. High phosphorus levels can lead to bone and joint issues, including pain and discomfort. Maintaining normal phosphorus levels in kidney disease patients can be difficult, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. The kidneys may be aided by a prescription medication called a phosphorus binder. Phosphorus is bound to other food particles, by this medication, so that the body, through the stool, automatically excretes them. Some foods that are high in phosphorus levels, that should be avoided, include but are not limited to beans and peas, milk and other dairy products, sardines and liver.
Protein
Proteins are an essential building block of cell regeneration and nutrition. Protein is found in meats, nuts, legumes and dairy products. In renal failure patients, protein may be limited to reduce excess strain on the organs due to processing unnecessary dietary intake. Excess protein intake creates urea that the kidneys and other organs filter out in the blood. This limitation is often necessary in pre dialysis patients, but once a kidney failure patient is placed on dialysis, this recommendation is often reversed. Dialysis often results in weight loss and muscle loss, therefore it is necessary to increase protein intake to prevent this occurrence.
