Renal disease refers to the gradual reduction in kidney function that can occur as a result of diabetes, high blood pressure and vessel disease. Your kidneys filter waste material in your body, which is then excreted in your urine. If your kidneys are not working properly, waste material can build up in your blood leading to high blood pressure, anemia, nerve damage, nutritional deficiencies and death. Chronic kidney disease affects 26 million Americans, according to 2011 information from the National Kidney Foundation. Following a low protein diet is an important component in delaying further kidney damage.
Protein
Protein is made of amino acids, which are often referred to as the building blocks of the body. Protein is important for repair and maintenance of your muscles and organs and it is found in every cell in your body. There are both animal and plant proteins. When your body metabolizes protein, it creates waste products that need to be filtered by your kidneys. If you have kidney disease, eating too much protein can make your kidneys work harder causing further deterioration. If kidney function continues to decline, you may need dialysis.
Sources of Protein
Animal protein sources are considered high quality since they provide all the essential amino acids needed to make a complete protein. One ounce of meat, eggs, dairy products or fish provides approximately 6 to 9 g of protein. While plant sources tend to be lower in protein, there are some high protein plant-based foods such as quinoa, beans, peas, lentils, soy foods, nuts and seeds. One serving of high protein plant-based foods provides approximately 6 to 9 g of protein. Lower protein plant-based foods include bread, cereals, pasta, and rice.
Low Protein Diet
The amount of protein to include in a low protein diet for kidney disease varies for each individual. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you determine the amount of protein you need to slow or prevent further kidney deterioration. In general, you should consume smaller portions of meat and dairy products and limit your intake of high protein plant-based foods.
Sample Low Protein Menu
A low protein breakfast might include ½ cup of apple juice, 1 cup of rice cereal, 1 slice of white toast, 1 tsp. of margarine, 1 tsp. of jelly, 1 tsp. of sugar and ½ cup of milk. A low protein lunch can include a lean meat sandwich with 2 slices of bread, 2 oz. of lean meat, 1 lettuce leaf, 1 slice of tomato, 2 tsp. of mayonnaise, ½ cup of tossed salad with 1 tbsp. of low sodium dressing and 1 medium pear. Dinner can include 2 oz. of lean meat, ½ cup of rice, ½ cup of green beans, 1 dinner roll and ½ cup of peaches. An appropriate snack is 1 slice of pound cake with ½ cup of strawberries.
References
- National Kidney Foundation: What is chronic kidney disease?
- MayoClinic.com; Chronic Kidney Failure; May 13, 2010
- National Kidney Disease Education Program; Protein; April 2010
- Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Protein and the Body; Janice R. Hermann, Ph.D, R.D., L.D.
- The American Dietetic Association: Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 Nutrition Therapy for People Not on Dialysis
