Nephrotic syndrome is a condition that negatively affects the kidneys and the performance of the kidneys. According to the National Institutes of Health, the condition is symptomatic of protein loss through daily urination, fluid retention, elevated blood pressure and triglyceride levels and localized edema, or swelling. Typically the condition is treated through directly addressing the symptoms, such as high blood pressures, which can be controlled through proper dieting.
About the Diet
The nephrosis diet specifically addresses the needs of patients diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome to slow the diseases' progression. The diet is about balancing protein intake to counter protein loss, according to guidelines set forth by Dr. Rajesh Shah at NephroticSyndrome.com, by eating food high in protein but relatively low in dietary fat. Dairy protein sources such as skim or 1 percent cow's milk and products made from milk, such as cheese, yogurt and low fat ice creams are all acceptable.
Other Sources
Lean meats like poultry and fish are accepted as part of the diet, but generally speaking, highly marbled beef cuts should be avoided to cut down on excess fat intake. Plant sources are acceptable as well. Whole grains and foods made from whole grains -- breakfast cereals, breads and pastas, for example -- all provide adequate amounts of protein but also provide plenty of additional vitamins and minerals that are lost along with protein during urination. Oats and oat bran are also accepted, as are many nuts, because these plant sources are high in protein.
Off Limits
In addition to most fatty beef cuts, a general rule is that the patient should abstain from consuming any salted foods, such as processed breads, cereals and pastas, snacks like popcorn and crackers, canned meats of any kind, spices such as curry and dishes made with curry, and salted nuts. Salt is known to elevate blood pressure in many individuals, so consult your physician or registered dietitian concerning the use of sea salt which, in its granulated form, causes minimal impact on blood pressure. The key to controlling the effects of the disease is to take in the right amount of protein without going over and consuming too much, which strains the kidneys.
Application
The rule of thumb for nephrotic patients is that when it comes to daily protein requirements, 1 g per kilogram of body weight should suffice as moderate protein consumption. To determine the correct amount of protein needed for patients before starting the diet, the patient's body weight is converted to kilograms. For example, a 170 lb. male weighs 77 kg, so that individual requires about 77 g of daily protein. Beverage consumption should also be low, even if the beverage is water, so as to not overtax the kidneys.
References
- "Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies, 10th Edition"; Francis Sizer Webb, Ellie Whitney & Francis Sienkiewicz Sizer; 2008
- National Institutes of Health: Overview of Nephrotic Syndrome
- Nephrotic Syndrome: Basics of the Diet
