Renal Diet
People suffering from kidney problems should limit or avoid intake of certain nutrients. Renal diet is a special diet recommended for people with kidney diseases.
Limit sodium consumption
Sodium is needed for maintaining the fluid balance in the body cells. However, excess sodium is harmful for the body. It increases the blood pressure level and cause water retention. In healthy people, the excess sodium is eliminated from the body through urination. If your kidney is unable to accomplish its normal filtering activity, the sodium level in the blood will rise. People with kidney problems should avoid sodium rich foods including French fries, cheese, nuts, bacon, smoked fish and meat, processed and canned foods. Before buying foods, check the label to know the sodium content of the food.
Limit potassium intake
The poor kidney function could raise the potassium level in the body. Excess potassium is responsible for abnormal heartbeat. However, you can hardly find a potassium free food. To prevent excess potassium accumulation, people suffering renal problems should reduce the portion sizes of fruits and vegetables.
Protein in renal diet
People suffering from renal problems should carefully monitor their protein intake. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, excess protein consumption will increase urea buildup in the blood. A renal diet plan contains less high protein foods such as meat, eggs, poultry and dairy products. However, plant based proteins such as wheat protein, soy and peanut butter could be consumed in moderate amounts. Although you can consume fish, shellfish, chicken, turkey and cottage cheese, you should determine the sodium and potassium content of these foods before consumption.
Reduce phosphorous consumption
Phosphorous rich foods are usually rich sources of calcium. While phosphorous rich foods are bad for your kidney, avoiding these foods could lower the calcium level in your body, leading to loss of bone density and osteoporosis. Although, milk and dairy products are not part of renal diet, you can consume low phosphorous dairy products such as cream cheese, ricotta cheese, butter, broccoli and zucchini. To restore the calcium level, people suffering from kidney disorders could take calcium supplements.
Limit water consumption
When your kidney could not function properly, you should limit fluid intake. You should drink water only when you are thirsty. You can quench your thirst by sucking ice chips. Avoid soups, beverages, juices and watery fruits and vegetables.
