Both the renal and kidney diets are variations on a low-potassium, low-protein diet designed to limit complications in individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease. Since the term renal refers to the kidneys, the names are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to the same type of diet. However, unlike kidney diets, which can be applicable for mild stages of kidney disease, the renal diet typically refers to individuals with advanced cases of kidney failure or severe kidney disease.
Definition
Chronic kidney disease causes a gradual, permanent loss of kidney function over a number of months. As your kidneys are weakened, their ability to excrete water and waste products diminishes, potentially leading to anemia, acidosis, bone disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Kidney diets attempt to reduce the strain on your kidneys by limiting your intake of protein, salt, fluids and phosphorous. Advanced cases of kidney disease require a renal diet that limits your intake of potassium, which your kidneys are no longer able to process.
Differences
The most common method for measuring kidney function is to test your glomerular filtration rate, or GFR. If you have slight kidney damage with normal or increased filtration, your GFR levels will likely be 90 or higher. At this point, your doctor will probably recommend that you follow a basic kidney diet that restricts your intake of salt, protein, fluids and phosphorous. At stage three, your GFR will be between 30 and 59, and your doctor will probably recommend a renal diet that limits your intake of potassium. Renal diets are recommended for individuals suffering from advanced kidney disease up to end-stage kidney failure, also known as stage five kidney disease. Individuals with stage five kidney disease generally have a GFR of 15 or lower.
The Diets
Both the renal and kidney diets require you to limit the amount of protein, salt, fluids and phosphorous you receive. While your doctor or dietitian will recommend a specific dietary guideline, most kidney patients limit their intake of protein-rich meats, eggs, milk, beans and cheese and instead choose options low in protein, such as fruits, vegetables, cereals and breads. Avoid products with added salt to limit the amount of sodium you eat each day. Convenience foods, frozen dinners, canned soups, salty snack foods, canned vegetables, processed meats and fast foods all contain high amounts of sodium, which could aggravate your condition. Since many kidney patients must restrict their phosphorus to 800 to 1,000 milligrams a day, phosphorus-rich whole grains, rice and dairy products are often substituted with refined grains, white breads, rice milk and cream cheese. In addition to these restrictions, renal dieters have to limit their intake of potassium by cutting foods such as apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, baked beans, acorn squash, granola, dried fruits, fruit juices, figs, raisins and milk.
Safety Concern
Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure are serious conditions that can have severe consequences on your health and quality of life. Always talk to your doctor before making any diet or lifestyle changes that may aggravate your kidney condition, and follow a strict adherence to the food guidelines established by your renal dietitian.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Renal Diet For Vegetarians: Which Protein Sources Are Best?
- Mayo Clinic: Kidney Failure: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Mayo Clinic: Low-Phosphorus Diet: Best For Kidney Disease?
- National Kidney Foundation: Potassium and Your CKD Diet
- MedlinePlus: Diet - Chronic Kidney Disease
- eMedicineHealth: Chronic Kidney Disease
- Drugs.com: Renal Failure Diet
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