If you have a certain condition or disease, often dietary recommendations can help you stay as healthy as possible. Nephrotic syndrome is no exception. A doctor or registered dietitian can help you figure out the best possible diet based on your lab tests.
Nephrotic Syndrome Defined
Nephrotic syndrome is a condition of the kidneys in which protein normally maintained in the bloodstream is excreted into the urine. The syndrome is caused by damage to tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, called glomeruli. This damage can be due to genetic defects or many diseases including diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, heart failure or a blood clot in the kidney vein. Certain medications or infections may also damage the kidneys, leading to nephrotic syndrome. When the levels of protein in the blood decrease, the liver produces more of the protein albumin, along with cholesterol and triglycerides.
Nutrients and Kidney Function
The functions of the kidneys include filtering waste products and excess water in the body and excreting them in the form of urine. Waste from the breakdown of protein foods in our diet is also filtered out. Healthy kidneys regulate the minerals sodium, potassium and phosphorus and release proper amounts of each back into the blood. When you have any type of kidney disease or impairment, consuming too much protein in the diet can actually make the kidneys work harder, accelerating the damage.
Almond Nutrition
Almonds are a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin E and protein. They are high in fat, but most of it is the healthy, unsaturated, heart-healthy type. One ounce of salted almonds has 6.2 g protein and 95 mg sodium. A 1-oz. serving contains about 20 percent of an average adult's recommended phosphorus intake.
Recommendations
Talk to your doctor about the amount of protein you should eat when you have nephrotic syndrome. Even though protein is lost in the urine, eating more protein will not help and may actually worsen kidney function. Moderate sodium intake is usually advised to help control blood pressure, which may rise as a result of the kidneys having less ability to regulate sodium and fluid. Almonds can certainly be a part of a healthy diet when you have nephrotic syndrome. Choose the unsalted type. If you have any other kidney conditions or high levels of phosphorus in your blood, you may need to limit almonds and other nuts due to their high phosphorus level.
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