The kidneys are essential organs that are responsible for filtering excess waste out of the body, secreting hormones and creating urine. The filtering work of the kidneys is done by tiny units called nephrons, which when damaged, may cause a backup of harmful waste in the body, creating fluid and electrolyte imbalances. There are various forms of treatment for kidney disease, but many patients also manage their conditions through diet to prevent further damage.
Limited Protein
Some physicians restrict protein intake for patients on nephrotic diets. If you have reduced kidney function, you may need to take in less protein in your diet to reduce the chances of causing further damage. Excess protein in the diet may injure the tiny capillaries in the kidneys that are responsible for filtering. You may need to limit your servings of foods that are high in protein, such as beef, pork, fish, eggs, beans, cheese and meat substitutes, such as soy burgers. Vegetables, breads, cereals and whole grains will provide nutrients without adding excess protein.
Fluid Restriction
If you have a kidney condition, you may be restricted as to the amount of fluid you may take in through your diet. Because the kidneys filter waste and process body fluids to create urine, excess fluid intake may put added stress on the work of the kidneys and may contribute to higher levels of blood pressure and swelling. Your physician will advise you as to how much fluid you may consume each day and what types of fluids to avoid. Many people consider fluids to be only those that you can drink, such as water, milk, juice, soda and sports drinks. Additionally, fluids are considered to be those that you eat with meals or frozen solids that become liquid at room temperature, such as popsicles, ice cream, soup, frozen yogurt and gelatin.
Low-Fat
Kidney damage leads to loss of albumin, which stimulates the liver to begin producing more cholesterol, which can result in hyperlipidemia, according to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. A low-fat and low cholesterol diet may help by not contributing to excess levels of cholesterol in the body. To avoid high-fat foods, increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats and stick with unsaturated fats, such as canola oil or olive oil. Avoid foods that are high in fat and cholesterol, such as butter, margarine, bacon, fried foods, pastries, processed meats and egg yolks.
Reduced Sodium
Your doctor may advise you to eat foods low in sodium if you are on a nephrotic diet. Low-sodium diets are ordered by the amount of sodium, in milligrams that you can take in per day. If you are on limited sodium, avoid processed foods and those that are high in salt, such as lunch meats, hot dogs, sauerkraut, potato chips, salted nuts and high-sodium seasonings, such as bouillon, catsup, Worcestershire sauce and cocktail sauce. Stick with foods that are naturally low in sodium, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, whole grain bread, cereal, and fresh or frozen meat, fish and poultry. Avoid adding salt during cooking or at the dinner table.
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