The kidneys filter waste products from your blood, but when you have problems with your renal, or kidney, function due to underlying disease or dysfunction, your body may have difficulty processing waste products. As a result, your doctor may recommend a special diet to help reduce the symptoms and side effects caused by your condition. In addition, many patients with kidney issues, such as diabetes, may struggle with weight issues, and a physician may recommend a weight-loss plan to ease the condition and its symptoms. Each individual responds differently to health conditions and to treatment, so diets are highly individualized.
Reduced Protein
Your doctor may recommend you follow a low-protein diet for your renal issues. Proteins can increase the amount of waste in the body, and can place greater stress on the kidneys. Lower protein diets help make sure you eat and metabolize healthy amounts of protein as opposed to processing proteins out of the body as waste. Daily protein levels are often limited from 0.6 to 0.75 g of protein per 1 kg of body weight. If you are on a weight-loss diet, consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits in addition whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas, while limiting calorie intake and protein.
Nutritional Guidelines
The American Association of Kidney Patients notes that renal patients typically respond well to lower calorie diets that amount to approximately 35 calories for each 1 kg of body weight. Healthy food choices include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas. Choose lean sources of protein, such as lean chicken or turkey, egg whites or low-fat dairy. Reducing your calories will help with weight loss.
Food Restrictions
Sodium can increase your blood pressure, placing extra stress on the kidneys, so restrict high-salt foods. Processed meats, canned foods, and fast foods or prepared foods, such as pizza, Chinese foods, and packaged snacks all tend to be high in sodium, so avoid these. Because these foods tend to also be high in calories, eliminating them can help with weight loss.
Expert Insight
Renal patients can have a variety of underlying conditions or diseases that require specific changes in lifestyle and diet. Let your doctor determine your own personal diet and exercise plan, based on laboratory analysis of both your blood and urine. In some cases diabetic patients may be placed on a sugar-restricted diet, and patients who are borderline obese or obese may be directed to take aggressive weight-loss measures through a medical diet and weight-loss program.
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