Your kidneys filter waste from your bloodstream. Acute renal failure is a condition in which your kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly. With acute renal failure, your kidneys cannot filter effectively, resulting in a buildup of toxins and waste in your blood. Modifying your diet can lessen the amount of work your kidneys need to perform and can be part of the management of acute renal failure.
Protein
Dietary protein is necessary to maintain your muscles and body tissues. When your body digests protein foods, it produces a waste product called urea. In acute renal failure, urea starts to build up in the bloodstream. High urea levels can make you feel sick, so reducing dietary protein intake can help alleviate this symptom. Depending on the condition of your kidneys, your doctor or your dietitian can tell you exactly how much protein you need in your diet. High-protein foods that you may need to limit include poultry, meat, eggs and dairy products.
Potassium
Your kidneys also regulate electrolytes---minerals in your bloodstream that help regulate fluid levels. One of these electrolytes is potassium. In acute renal failure, potassium levels can increase to dangerously high levels, compromising nerve and muscle function. Many fruits and vegetables, including bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, potatoes, raisins, pears, tomatoes, spinach, avocados and broccoli, are high in potassium, and you should limit these if you have acute renal failure. Your doctor can tell you how much potassium you can safely consume based on your kidney function.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is another electrolyte that the kidneys are responsible for filtering from the bloodstream. Choosing foods that are lower in phosphorus can reduce the amount of phosphorus in your bloodstream and, in turn, the amount of work your kidneys have to do. Foods high in phosphorus include dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, nuts and nut butters, beans, peas and cola drinks. Discuss with your doctor how much phosphorus you can have in your diet.
Sodium and Fluid
Your kidneys also help regulate the amount of sodium in your bloodstream. Elevated sodium can contribute to fluid accumulation, so you may have to limit dietary sodium intake if you have acute renal failure. To limit sodium, avoid table salt, salty snacks such as chips and pretzels, cured or processed meats such as bacon, ham and lunch meats, cheese and canned products such as soup and vegetables.
Your doctor will also tell you how much fluid you can consume on a daily basis. Anything that is liquid at room temperature is considered a fluid, so in addition to the beverages you drink, gelatin, popsicles, soup and ice cream also contribute to your overall fluid intake.
