Kidney Disease and Diet

Doctors are prescribing eating plans to patients with kidney disease to track the amount of sodium, potassium, and protein they are eating. A surplus of these can cause kidney function to decline further. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) will create a meal plan that is specific to each patient and take into consideration their food preferences as well as lifestyle choices.

Protein:

In the body, the job of protein is to build, repair and maintain cells as well as supply energy when it is needed. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, they can not handle a lot of protein. It is important to eat enough carbohydrates and fats to get the energy the body needs. The small amounts of proteins that are consumed will be used to repair and build cells. With the diet plan, the major sources of protein will include eggs, meat, poultry, and fish. Some bread, cereal, and vegetables contain a small amount of protein too.

Sodium:

Retention of fluids and an increase in blood pressure are side effects of sodium. Extra fluid and sodium can build up in the body for people with kidney disease, and it can affect the heart and lungs. The new eating plan can include lowering sodium intake. It is important to read the nutrition facts panel when grocery shopping because most foods, especially processed foods, contain sodium. Some foods have salt substitutes that contain potassium with may also need to be limited.

Potassium:

It is important to keep potassium balanced similarly to sodium. Like sodium, potassium levels can rise if the kidneys are not functioning properly. High levels of potassium affect heart rhythm, so the RDN will explain how to stay within the limit. Potassium is found in foods such as dairy, fruits and vegetables, and beans and nuts. Potassium levels in foods are required to be on the nutrition facts panel so it is important to know how to read it properly.

Along with protein, sodium, and potassium, it is important to balance other aspects of food and beverage intake. These include:

Phosphorus: Levels can rise in the blood when kidney function is poor. Phosphorus intake will be restricted if it is necessary.

Calcium: High phosphorus levels decrease the availability of calcium for bones. The eating plan will offer a balance between calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamins and Minerals (vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and particularly B-complex vitamins): Limiting certain foods in the diet can leave you missing certain minerals and vitamins.

Total Calories: Eating the right amount of calories is important in keeping a healthy weight. 

A RDN will help you create an eating plan that is right for you while also helping to manage your kidney disease.

Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/kidney-disease/kidney-disease-and-diet