Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is the gradual loss of kidney function, eventually leading to permanent kidney failure. Following the proper diet will help delay the progression of CKD, as well as help prevent any complications from the disease. While a general diet plan is similar among all individuals with CKD, a dietitian can give you specific recommendations for your condition.
Minerals
Your kidneys control the amount of minerals in your blood. This helps maintain electrolyte balance and keeps your blood pressure steady. If you have CKD, your doctor or dietitian may recommend that you limit your intake of potassium, phosphorus and sodium. Diseased kidneys cannot filter these minerals from the blood properly, leading to increased levels. Too much potassium can disrupt normal heartbeat. Excess phosphorus can trigger the release of calcium from the bones, leading to weakened bone structure. Too much sodium can increase blood pressure, further damaging your kidneys and increasing your risk of heart disease. Your specific mineral restriction depends on your level of kidney function. Work closely with your dietitian to determine your needs and what foods to eat or avoid.
Protein
Your body breaks down the protein you eat into a waste product called urea. Normally, kidneys can remove urea from your blood, allowing your body to remove it from your urine. When you have CKD, your kidneys attempt to filter urea, but cannot do so efficiently. The attempt at filtration puts excess strain on the kidneys, worsening your condition. Because the kidneys are not efficient, urea still accumulates in your blood. To prevent the buildup of urea in your blood, it is important that you limit your protein intake, while still meeting your protein needs. Your dietitian can help you determine how much protein you need each day. The National Kidney Foundation notes that you should get protein from both animal sources, such as eggs, chicken, fish, meat and milk, as well as plant sources like nuts, seeds and beans.
Fluid
Fluid restriction usually becomes necessary in the later stages of chronic kidney disease. When the kidneys are not functioning, they do not remove fluid from the blood properly. Through a process called osmosis, this excess fluid travels to open spaces between tissues, leading to swelling and puffiness of the skin, called edema. Specific fluid recommendations depend on your level of condition function. Work with a dietitian to determine your fluid needs.
Calories
It is important to consider calories as well. Getting enough calories is vital to staying healthy and delaying the progression of kidney disease. Because the diet plan for CKD restricts many different foods, CKD patients may find it difficult to meet their calories needs. Work with a dietitian to determine your calorie goals and develop a diet plan that is within CKD recommendations, but provides enough calories.
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