When your kidneys are healthy, they keep your body and blood clean by filtering and eliminating waste products, electrolytes and fluids. When your kidneys fail, their ability to perform this function significantly decreases, causing waste and fluids to build up. In addition to treatment, such as dialysis, making changes to your diet can help prevent the accumulation of waste products.
Calories
Due to the treatment methods such as hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and the disease process, calorie needs for kidney failure are usually higher than normal, ranging from 25 to 35 calories per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person weighing 160 lbs. would require 1,800 to 2,500 calories a day. Appetite can also be affected, making it difficult to calorically meet needs. Foods such as olive oil, safflower oil, sugar, honey and hard candy can help you meet your increased calorie needs without making you feel too full. Your doctor or dietitian can help you determine your daily calorie needs.
Protein
Before your kidneys failed, your doctor probably asked that you limit the amount of protein in your diet. But, like caloric needs, protein needs also increase due to the treatment process for kidney failure. Protein needs range from 1.1 to 1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight. A 160-lb. person would need 80 to 109 g of protein. Including more high quality sources of protein, such as meat, fish and tofu, will make it easier for you to meet your needs while producing less waste.
Fluid
Without properly functioning kidneys, your body cannot eliminate excess fluid and you will need to restrict your intake. Fluid needs are usually restricted to 1,000 mL a day, or about 4 cups, plus the amount you lose through urination. Your doctor can help you determine your daily fluid needs.
Sodium
High intakes of sodium cause your body to retain fluids and restriction is necessary to maintain fluid balance. Sodium intake is usually restricted to 2,000 to 3,000 mg a day. Eliminating added salt from your diet and processed foods, such as frozen meals and soups, can help you limit your sodium intake.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps keep your heart and muscles functioning properly. Your kidneys regulate potassium balance in your body. With kidney failure, your body cannot eliminate excess potassium which could cause heart palpitations and even death. Intake is usually limited to 2,000 to 3,000 mg a day. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your daily needs. Fruits and vegetables are the primary sources of potassium in your diet, so you may need to limit your intake of some of these foods, such as bananas, potatoes and oranges.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus also needs to be restricted in a diet for kidney failure. High blood levels of phosphorus leach calcium from your bones, causing them to weaken. Foods high in phosphorus you may need to avoid include cheese, dried beans, peas and nuts. Daily phosphorus intake is usually limited to 1,000 to 1,200 mg a day.
References
- National Kidney Foundation; Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease; 2006
- NIDDK; Treatment Methods for Kidney Failure: Hemodialysis; December 2006
- "Krauses Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L.Kathleen Mahan, Sylvia Escott-Stump; 1996
