Your kidneys are like a kitchen colander. They sift through particles in the body, keeping toxins from reaching your blood. If you have a medical condition that affects your kidney's ability to filter, a diet that reduces the amount of waste and minerals your kidney must filter, puts fewer demands on the kidneys and can extend kidney function. When you have kidney problems, always discuss your diet with your doctor and follow his recommendations. Dietary recommendations can vary depending on the stage of kidney disease. A dietitian can help you create a meal plan that meets your specific needs.
Fluids
In addition to filtration functions, the kidneys help maintain fluid balance in your body. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you do not need to limit how much fluid you drink; however, as your kidney disease progresses you should monitor your fluid intake to reduce the demand placed on your kidneys. You should drink only when thirsty, avoid high-sodium foods that make you thirsty and suck on ice chips, which can help you feel refreshed throughout the day. Talk with your physician about the right fluid recommendations for you, then measure out that amount of fluid each day. By using this measure as a guide, you can keep your fluid intake within the appropriate limit.
Phosphorous
Phosphorous is a mineral that the kidneys filter in the body. Taking in too much phosphorous can cause a condition known as hyperphosphatemia, which removes calcium from the body and weakens your bones. While most adults can consume about 2,000 mg of phosphorous per day, if you have kidney disease, you should limit phosphorous to between 800 and 1,000 mg. Because most foods contain some element of phosphorous, this can be difficult to avoid. You can, however, choose low-phosphorous foods like refined grains, green peas, potatoes, rutabagas, winter squash, cabbage, beets, carrots, beef, lamb or poultry.
Protein
Your body filters the wastes from the breakdown of protein in the body. When you are eating for kidney function, you should limit your protein intake. Choose vegetable-based sources of protein like beans, peas and lentils, which are typically healthier for the kidneys to break down than meat-based protein sources. In addition to the kinds of proteins you eat, it's important to watch how much protein you consume.
Calcium
Because phosphorous intake can affect your body's calcium levels, calcium in foods is another dietary component you must watch to stay healthy. Because foods high in calcium also are high in phosphorous, limit your intake of foods like milk, yogurt and cheese. Calcium-containing foods that are lower in phosphorus include cream cheese, margarine, butter and heavy cream. Instead of dietary calcium intake, you may wish to take a calcium supplement instead.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; The Kidneys and How They Work; February 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Low-Phosphorous Diet: Best for Kidney Disease?; August 2010
- The McDougall Newsletter; Diet and Kidney Health; Dr. John McDougall; July 2007
- MedlinePlus; Diet - Chronic Kidney Disease; Oct. 5, 2009
- Medical College of Wisconsin; Diet for Renal Patient; 2010
