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Low Protein Renal Disease Diet

May 18, 2011 | By Leigh Zaykoski

Tasked with eliminating toxic substances from the blood, maintaining the right amounts of fluid and electrolytes in the body and producing urine, the kidneys filter the blood in the circulatory system up to 400 times per day. In people with kidney disease, these hard-working organs do not perform their normal functions properly. Because high amounts of protein make the kidneys work harder, reducing protein intake may help people with this disease preserve their remaining kidney function.

Protein and the Kidneys

Creatinine forms when the body breaks down protein molecules. When the kidneys work properly, they filter creatinine -- a waste product -- out of the body and into the urine. Kidneys damaged by chronic renal disease do not filter this substance effectively, resulting in elevated amounts of creatinine in the blood. People with high creatinine levels experience itching, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Following a low-protein diet reduces the amount of creatinine the body produces, resulting in less work for diseased kidneys.

Protein Intake

The amount of protein needed by someone with renal disease depends on the severity of the disease. People with stage 1, 2 or 3 kidney disease should consume 0.75 g of protein per kg of body weight each day, as per the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative. This means that a 200-lb. person would consume no more than 68.2 g of protein per day. Patients with end-stage renal disease should consume no more than 0.6 g of protein per kg of body weight each day. Using this recommendation, a 200-lb. person would eat no more than 54.5 g of protein per day.

High-Protein Foods

The low-protein renal disease diet requires patients to limit or avoid the consumption of foods high in protein. High-protein foods have more than 8 g of protein per serving. Red meats, poultry, fish, nuts and legumes have more protein than fruits, vegetables and grains. One 3-oz. hamburger patty, for example, has 24 g of protein, 44 percent of the recommended daily protein intake for someone with end-stage renal disease.

Dialysis Patients

The daily protein recommendations change for a renal disease patient who needs dialysis. Hemodialysis involves the use of a machine and set of tubing to filter the blood and return it to the circulatory system. Peritoneal dialysis involves the exchange of fluids and waste products via the membrane that surrounds the abdomen. Both types of dialysis result in protein loss, so those undergoing one of these procedures need to eat more protein than patients who do not require dialysis treatment. The exact amount of protein needed varies by patient, so anyone undergoing dialysis should consult a renal dietitian to determine how much protein to include in each meal and snack.

Dietary Challenges

People with renal disease have significant dietary challenges. Because damaged kidneys cannot maintain normal levels of minerals and electrolytes in the blood, renal disease patients must control their consumptions of sodium, potassium and phosphorus. Although fruits and vegetables have low protein levels, some contain high amounts of potassium, making them unsuitable for a renal diet. Those following a low-protein diet must check food labels carefully to ensure they do not exceed the guidelines established by their physicians or dietitians.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: May 18, 2011

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