Changing your diet may be necessary after removal of a kidney. If your remaining kidney is healthy and fully functional, your health care provider may give you the go-ahead to continue eating as normal; however, if your remaining kidney isn't working as it should, you may need to tweak your eating habits -- and this can include avoiding certain foods.
Foods High In Sodium
Your kidneys process blood, sorting out sodium and releasing it to your body for use in the appropriate amounts. When you have a kidney removed, your remaining kidney has to work twice as hard to maintain normal levels of sodium in your system. As such, you should keep your sodium consumption within the recommended range of 2,000 milligrams per day or less. Read package labels for sodium amounts. Packaged, processed foods often contain high levels of sodium. Opt for low-salt versions of soups and sauces. Avoid high sodium foods such as salted potato chips and pretzels.
High Cholesterol Foods
A symptom of kidney malfunction is high cholesterol, so keep your intake of this nutrient low to help your remaining kidney work better and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. You should try to consume no more than 200 to 300 milligrams of cholesterol daily. Avoid red meat and limit egg consumption as both are high in cholesterol. High-fat baked goods are also high in cholesterol.
Protein Rich Foods
Eating too much protein can put stress on your kidneys, even if both are healthy. When you've had a kidney removed, it becomes even more important to limit protein consumption. You need protein to create energy and keep your immune system functioning correctly -- a critical function when your body is healing from kidney surgery -- so aim for a moderate amount in your diet. Healthy, protein-rich foods include chicken, turkey, lean red meat, low fat dairy products, nuts and seeds. A healthy person requires at least 50 grams of protein daily. Consult with your doctor to determine how much protein you need daily.
Foods Containing High Fructose Corn Syrup
Limiting your consumption of certain sweet foods may help keep your remaining kidney healthy. A study published in the September 2009 issue of "PLoS One" indicates that consuming sugary sodas containing high fructose corn syrup may harm the kidneys. Read package labels and avoid soft drinks that contain this sweetener, as well as other foods that contain it, which can include breakfast cereals, commercially made baked goods and microwavable meals.
References
- American Dietetic Assocaition: Kidney Disease and Diet
- National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; The Kidneys and How They Work; February 2009
- National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Solitary Kidney; July 2007
- MayoClinic.com; Healthy Diet: End the Guesswork With These Nutrition Guidelines; February 2011
- Dietary Fiber Food: List of the Top 100 Foods High in Cholesterol Content
- "PLoS One"; Sugary Soda Consumption and Albuminuria: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2004; D.A. Shoham, et al.; September 2009
- MayoClinic.com; High-Fructose Corn Syrup; J.K. Nelson, R.D., L.D.; October 2010
- MedlinePlus: Protein in the Diet
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