What Is The Best Diet To Control The Progression Of Kidney Failure

2015-03-23 14:00

The kidney diet, also known as renal diet, is a set of guidelines for people with kidney disease. Kidney failure patients especially need to follow a proper diet. Well, what is the best diet to control the progression of kidney failure?

The types of foods prescribed depend on the level of kidney failure the patient is experiencing, but generally the diet controls the amount of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, protein and fluid that a person ingests.

1. sodium restriction

Sodium is important to many different bodily functions. One of the most important functions of sodium involves maintaining fluid levels. If too much sodium builds up in the body, it causes thirst and fluid buildup. Normally kidney function helps to maintain proper levels of sodium. If the kidneys begin to fail, however, it becomes more important to maintain appropriate levels of sodium intake. As for kidney disease patients, it is also important to avoid salty foods such as theater popcorn, potato chips, bacon and other cured meats and processed cheese. Because salt contributes so much to the flavor of foods, it may be helpful to find replacements for it. Using lemon juice or herbal mixtures can add flavor without adding sodium.

2. avoid high potassium foods

Normal kidneys can filter excess potassium, helping to maintain the proper amount in the body. Without properly functioning kidneys, patients need to control their potassium intake. Avoiding foods with high levels of potassium is important for kidney disease patients such as oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots.

3. avoid high phosphorus foods

Normally kidneys help to maintain this balance by removing excess phosphorus from the bloodstream. However, patients with kidney disease may need to take steps to maintain this balance by watching what they eat, because their kidneys are no longer able to do this important job. People following a kidney diet should avoid foods that are high in phosphorus such as beer, soda, cheese, milk, yogurt, oysters, beans, peas, nuts, and many whole grain products.

4. proper protein intake

The body will break down protein so it produces a waste product called urea. This waste product is usually filtered out by the kidneys and expelled from the body in urine. However, kidney failure patients must be careful about the amount and type of protein they consume because the kidneys are no longer doing a good job of removing urea. If too much urea builds up in the body, it can cause serious illness. Patients must get enough protein because without protein the body is not able to perform proper muscle maintenance.

Proper renal diet helps to control the progression of kidney failure. If you have any question, you can leave a message below or consult our online doctor directly. We will reply you as soon as possible.

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