Diet and Nutrition for Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a condition which occurs when your kidneys are damaged and lose their ability to keep your body healthy. When your kidneys do not work right, waste builds up in your body and makes you sick. There are things you can do to slow or stop damage to your kidneys, including changes in your diet. This article will summarize the top five diet and nutritional changes recommended for people suffering with kidney disease.

Limit your protein. Some doctors believe a low protein diet can help slow kidney disease. Educate yourself on the different sources of protein for your diet, which include not just the obvious (meat, chicken, fish) but sources such as milk, breads, vegetables and cereals. Work with your doctor to determine the level of protein you need per day in your diet so that you don’t become weak or tired, yet don’t aggravate your kidney disease.

Limit your sodium intake. When you have kidney disease, your kidneys have problems ridding your body of extra sodium, so it is important to limit sodium in your diet. Read food labels to check for hidden sodium, which may be listed as monosodium glutamate (MSG) or disodium phosphate. Don’t add salt to your food, and purchase foods that are labeled as no salt added or sodium free. Avoid salted foods in your diet like chips, crackers, popcorn, etc., as well as any foods that are “smoked”, “cured” or canned. Be careful of using salt substitutes as they are usually high in potassium, a mineral that people with kidney disease need to limit. Limit the amount of meals you eat at restaurants or from take-out places, as they are usually higher in high sodium processed foods.

Limit your fluid intake. When you have kidney disease, your body has trouble getting rid of excess fluid, which can lead to high blood pressure, so limit the amount of fluid in your diet. Remember that soups and foods that are liquid at room temperature are also fluids. Keep track of how much fluid you take in each day and make sure you do not go over the amount your doctor recommends. Also remember that coffee and tea count as fluids!! Some fruits and vegetables are considered fluids as well, including oranges, lettuce and apples, so be careful of those in your diet.

Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can cause the kidneys to increase their urinary output, leading to dehydration. More than two drinks per day in your diet can cause a rise in blood pressure and also increase your risk of diabetes, which can also make your kidney disease worse. Alcohol impairs your judgment, which can interfere with you sticking to your diet and remembering to take your medications for your kidney disease.

Eat enough calories. People with kidney disease need to make sure they get enough calories in their diet. Your doctor can recommend ways to keep your calorie count higher but still healthy, such as adding healthy oils like olive or canola to your diet. If you are not a diabetic, you can use honey or sugar to increase your calories as well. If you are having trouble meeting your caloric needs, meet with a nutritionist who can design a diet that will benefit your kidneys as well as provide you with enough calories to keep you healthy and active.

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