Your kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste, but when they fail, they can no longer efficiently perform this function. Making changes to your diet can help limit the amount of waste build-up in your blood. A diet for kidney failure requires you to limit your intake of sodium, phosphorus and potassium. You also need to make sure you get adequate amounts of protein and calories to meet your needs. Your doctor or dietitian can help you design a plan based on your individual needs.
Milk
Milk is high in phosphorous and potassium. When you are experiencing kidney failure, you need to limit your intake of milk to one serving a day. A serving of milk equals 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of ice cream, 1/2 cup of yogurt or 3 tbsp. of cream cheese. High blood levels of phosphorus cause your bones to lose calcium, making them weak and brittle. High blood potassium is very dangerous and can cause an irregular heart beat and even death.
Meat
Meat is a source of protein in your diet. The amount of meat you need depends on whether you are undergoing dialysis treatment or not. If you are not receiving dialysis treatment for your kidney failure, you should limit your meat intake to 4 oz. a day; however, if you are undergoing dialysis, you need 8 oz. of meat a day. Choose fresh meats, such as fresh chicken, fish, pork or beef, to limit your sodium intake. One egg is equivalent to 1 oz. of meat in terms of protein.
Starches
Starches are a good source of calories on your diet for kidney failure. You should consume eight servings of starch daily. One serving equals one slice of bread, 1/2 bagel or hamburger bun, one 6-inch tortilla, 3/4 cup of cold cereal, 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta or rice, four crackers or 1 1/2 cups of air-popped popcorn. Read food labels and choose starches with low-sodium contents -- less than 140 mg of sodium per serving. A high intake of sodium can increase your blood pressure and cause your body to retain fluids. In addition, choose more refined starches, such as white bread and white rice, to limit your intake of phosphorus.
Fruits
Fruits are a source of potassium and you need to limit your intake to three servings a day. Low-potassium fruit choices and serving sizes include one medium apple or pear, 1 cup of applesauce or canned pears, 1/2 cup of blueberries, 15 small grapes, 1/2 medium kiwi or nectarine, 1/2 cup of strawberries, 1/2 cup of pineapple or 1/2 cup of watermelon.
Vegetables
Vegetables are another source of potassium, so you need to limit them when you are experiencing kidney failure. Choose fresh, frozen or low-sodium canned vegetables without added sauces to limit your sodium intake. Low-sodium vegetable choices and serving sizes include 1 cup of cabbage, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, escarole or green peppers, 1/2 cup of carrots, beets, cauliflower, onions, collards summer squash or kale.
Fat
Fats are a source of calories on your diet for kidney failure. Choose more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats for heart-health, such as oil or margarine. You can have six servings of fat a day on a 2,000-calorie diet. One serving of fat equals 1 tsp. of butter, margarine or oil, 2 tsp. of creamy salad dressing, 1 tbsp. of oil-based salad dressing or 1 tsp. of mayonnaise. Salad dressings can be high in sodium; read food labels to help limit your intake.
High-Calorie Foods
High-calorie food choices are low in protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus, and can help you meet your calorie needs. You can have 2 to 4 high-calorie food choices a day, which can include 1 cup of lemonade or fruit-flavored drink, 1/2 cup of sorbet or fruit ice, 14 butter mints, 20 candy corn, four fruit chews, five large marshmallows or 2 tbsp. of syrup.
References
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan, Sylvia Escott-Stump; 1996
- Drugs.com: Renal Failure Diet
- MedlinePlus; Hyperkalemia; David Dugdale; November 2009
