Diet For Kidney Disease

A patient of a kidney disease needs a specialized diet. This is because he or she can no longer filter the excess fluids and waste products that accumulate in the blood. The diet must therefore be determined in such a way that controls any possible buildup of the fluids and wastes. The best way to attain such control is by avoiding the type of foods that have high metabolic wastes.

Yet this does not mean that the patient should eat a diet that has inadequate calories. The idea is to eat foods that have less chemicals, preservatives and foods additives. Healthy natural foods are the key. Remember that by eating healthy foods, you are not just avoiding waste accumulation in the body; rather you are boosting your overall health in a major way.

A healthy diet helps you to control the blood pressure, to maintain an optimal body weight, to check on cholesterol levels and to regulate the blood sugars at optimum levels. This in turn will help reverse the kidney disease if possible (Especially in the early stages of the condition) or to stop further damage. On the recommendation of your doctor, you can also use some natural calcium supplements and vitamin D supplements to supplement your bone structure health.

It is important to know that each one of us has distinct needs that are based on our different body size, weight and health status. The kidney patient must also base his or her diet on the specific individual needs also remembering to factor in the remaining kidney functionality. It is advisable that a patient of kidney disease should consult a registered nutritionist or dietitian especially in configuring the right eating plan based on his her needs.

There are a few things that must be limited in the kidney disease diet all the same. One of the things you must limit is sodium. Read all your food labels so that you can avoid any that has sodium salt or monosodium glutamate. The high sodium foods in the market today include processed cheeses, pickled products and canned or smoked meats. The fact that your kidneys are dysfunctional makes it impossible to eliminate high sodium concentration and it might turn out disastrous to your health if it builds up. So instead of salting your foods, use lemons, herbs and other spices to add flavor to food.

Also limit protein intake to the amount needed for healthy functioning of the body and no more. Ensure that you only eat 142 g to 198 g of proteins daily. Phosphorus should also be limited to 800 to 1000 mg daily. Finally limit your fluids to about 48 fl oz (1.4 l) daily and no more. Anything that is liquid when at room temperature counts as fluids (even ice cream).

Discuss It!

t said:

Does anyone really think that 142 - 198 grams of protein is a "limit"?