People with kidney failure or chronic kidney disease need to make sure to eat the right type of diet so that they can prevent infections, have a good energy level and maintain a normal body weight, notes the National Kidney Foundation. A renal diet, which has specific requirements for minerals like potassium and phosphorous, is recommended for someone in one of the stages of kidney failure, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
Step 1
Restrict your fluid intake so that your kidneys do not have to work too hard. Your doctor will tell you just how much fluid is acceptable for you to take in each day. The Medical College of Wisconsin states that people with kidney disease may not be able to regulate excess fluid in the body and this can lead to health problems like swelling of the limbs and high blood pressure. Limit beverages like water, juice, coffee, tea and sodas as well as foods like soups and ice cream. The Medical College of Wisconsin recommends you only drink when you feel thirsty and to chew on gum if your mouth feels dry but you know you've had enough water.
Step 2
Limit sodium, potassium and phosphorus in your diet. Sodium, which is a mineral found in canned and processed foods, can build up too quickly in your body if you have kidney problems, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Don't add salt to foods and avoid sauces like soy sauce and teriyaki sauce. Avoid processed lunch meats, which are also high in sodium. The University of Michigan Health System states that potassium and phosphorus also need to be limited on the renal diet. It suggests eating apples and berries, which are low in potassium, instead of kiwis and bananas, which are high in potassium. Foods like rice, corn and pasta are lower in phosphorus than dairy products, beans and nuts.
Step 3
Eat foods high in carbohydrates and fat, rather than protein-rich foods. Instead of milk, meat and eggs, choose beans, grains like rice and pasta and vegetables. Though protein is healthy for most people, it can build up to high levels in the bloody for a renal patient, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Step 4
Choose healthy, monounsaturated fats instead of unhealthy, saturated fats. Monounsaturated fats come from plant sources, such as olive oil and avocados. If you're on a renal diet, avoid saturated fats--most common in red meats and full-fat dairy products--advises the University of Michigan Health System. Saturated fats are not good for the heart and may stress the body's health more than is safe.
Member Comments