Kidney disease occurs when function decreases and your kidneys have trouble filtering your blood. Your risk for kidney disease is higher if you are obese or have type 2 diabetes. If you have kidney disease and your doctor recommends a low-protein, high-calorie diet, work closely with your doctor and a nutritionist so that you can eat the right foods and maintain the best possible health.
Background
A low-protein, high-calorie diet may be necessary if you have kidney disease and are having trouble keeping yourself from losing weight. The purpose of a renal diet, according to the national Kidney Foundation, is to supply the nutrients and calories that you need. A low-protein diet can help because it reduces the strain on your kidneys. You may need to focus on increasing your calories because your tastes may change when you have kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, your low-protein, high-calorie diet may also need to be low in sodium, fluid and phosphorus.
Foods to Limit
High-protein foods, such as poultry, meat, fish and eggs, should be limited on a low-protein, high-calorie diet. Other high-protein foods to limit are soy-based products, such as tofu or meat substitutes, beans, dairy products and nuts. When you do eat protein foods, eat smaller portions, and choose high-quality proteins, such as soy or animal-based proteins, to meet your needs. If you have kidney disease, you may need to restrict your fluid intake while increasing your calories. Avoid low-calorie watery foods such as soups, frozen pops, gelatin and lettuce.
Sources of Calories
Most of your calories on a low-protein, high-calorie diet come from carbohydrates and fat. Good sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables and grains. if you need more calories, you can add high-calorie desserts, such as pies, cakes and cookies, according to Medline Plus. Your nutritionist may recommend avoiding high-potassium foods, such as bananas, potatoes or nuts. Fats are dense sources of calories, and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated sources, such as oils, make healthier choices than saturated fats, such as from butter.
Nutritional Needs
Your low-protein, high-calorie diet may not supply all of the vitamins and minerals that you need to stay healthy because the diet limits your food choices, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Vitamin or mineral dietary supplements may help you meet your requirements, but only take the ones that your doctor recommends. Otherwise, you risk placing extra stress on your kidneys. If you are having trouble getting the calories you need, ask a nutritionist about safe energy supplements for a low-protein, high-calorie diet.
Member Comments