People with compromised kidney function must adhere to a renal or kidney diet to cut down on the amount of waste in their blood. Wastes in the blood come from food and liquids that are consumed. When kidney function is compromised, the kidneys not filter or remove waste properly. If waste is left in the blood, it can negatively affect a patient’s electrolyte levels. Following a kidney diet may also help promote kidney function and slow the progression of complete kidney failure.
A renal diet is one that is low in sodium, phosphorous, and protein. A renal diet also emphasizes the importance of consuming high-quality protein and usually limiting fluids. Some patients may also need to limit potassium and calcium. Every person’s body is different, and therefore, it is crucial that each patient works with a renal dietitian work to come up with a diet that is tailored to the patient’s needs.
Below are some substances that are crucial to monitor to promote a renal diet:
Sodium is a mineral found in most natural foods. Most people think of salt and sodium as interchangeable. Salt, however, is actually a compound of sodium and chloride. Foods we eat may contain salt or they may contain sodium in other forms. Processed foods often contain higher levels of sodium due to added salt.
Sodium is one of the body’s three major electrolytes (potassium and chloride are the other two). Electrolytes control the fluids going in and out of the body’s tissues and cells. Sodium contributes to:
- Regulating blood pressure and blood volume
- Regulating nerve function and muscle contraction
- Regulating the acid-base balance of blood
- Balancing how much fluid the body keeps or eliminates
Why should kidney patients monitor sodium intake?
Too much sodium can be harmful for people with kidney disease because their kidneys cannot adequately eliminate excess sodium and fluid from the body. As sodium and fluid build up in the tissues and bloodstream, they may cause:
- Increased thirst
- Edema: swelling in the legs, hands, and face
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure: excess fluid in the bloodstream can overwork your heart, making it enlarged and weak
- Shortness of breath: fluid can build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe
How can patients monitor their sodium intake?
- Always read food labels. Sodium content is always listed.
- Pay close attention to serving sizes.
- Use fresh, rather than packaged meats.
- Choose fresh fruits and vegetables or no-salt-added canned and frozen produce.
- Avoid processed foods.
- Compare brands and use items that are lowest in sodium.
- Use spices that do not list “salt” in their title (choose garlic powder instead of garlic salt.)
- Cook at home and do NOT add salt.
- Limit total sodium content to 400 mg per meal and 150 mg per snack.
Printable Low Sodium Diet Guidelines (PDF)
What is Potassium and its role in the body?
Potassium is a mineral found in many of the foods we eat and is also found naturally in the body. Potassium plays a role in keeping the heartbeat regular and the muscles working correctly. Potassium is also necessary for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the bloodstream. The kidneys help to keep the right amount of potassium in your body and they expel excess amounts into the urine.
Why should kidney patients monitor their potassium intake?
When the kidneys fail, they can no longer remove excess potassium, so potassium levels build up in the body. High potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia which can cause:
- Muscle weakness
- An irregular heart beat
- Slow pulse
- Heart attacks
How can patients monitor their potassium intake?
When the kidneys no longer regulate potassium, a patient must monitor the amount of potassium that enters the body.
- Talk with a renal dietitian about creating an eating plan.
- Limit foods that are high in potassium.
- Limit milk and dairy products to 8 oz per day.
- Choose fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid salt substitutes & seasonings with potassium.
- Read labels on packaged foods & avoid potassium chloride.
- Pay close attention to serving size.
- Keep a food journal.
Printable Low Potassium Diet Guidelines (PDF)
What is Phosphorus and its role in the body?
Phosphorus is a mineral that is critical in bone maintenance and development. Phosphorus also assists in the development of connective tissue and organs and aids in muscle movement. When food containing phosphorus is consumed and digested, the small intestines absorb the phosphorus so that it can be stored in the bones.
Why should kidney patients monitor Phosphorus intake?
Normal working kidneys can remove extra phosphorus in your blood. When kidney function is compromised, the kidneys no longer remove excess phosphorus. High phosphorus levels can pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak. This also leads to dangerous calcium deposits in the blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart.
How can patients monitor their Phosphorus intake?
Phosphorus can be found in many foods. Therefore, patients with compromised kidney function should work with a renal dietitian to help manage phosphorus levels.
Tips to help keep phosphorus at safe levels:
- Know what foods are lower in phosphorus.
- Pay close attention to serving size
- Eat smaller portions of foods that are high in protein at meals and for snacks.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Ask your physician about using phosphate binders at meal time.
- Avoid packaged foods that contain added phosphorus. Look for phosphorus, or for words with “PHOS” on ingredient labels.
- Keep a food journal
Printable Low Phosphorus Diet Guidlines (PDF)
Protein is not a problem for healthy kidneys. Normally, protein is ingested and waste products are created, which in turn are filtered by the nephrons of the kidney. Then, with the help of additional renal proteins, the waste turns into urine. In contrast, damaged kidneys fail to remove protein waste and it accumulates in the blood.
The proper consumption of protein is tricky for Chronic Kidney Disease patients as the amount differs with each stage of disease. Protein is essential for tissue maintenance and other bodily roles, so it is important to eat the recommended amount for the specific stage of disease according to your nephrologist or renal dietician.
Fluid control is important for patients in the later stages of Chronic Kidney Disease because normal fluid consumption may cause fluid build up in the body which could become dangerous. People on dialysis often have decreased urine output, so increased fluid in the body can put unnecessary pressure on the person’s heart and lungs.
A patient’s fluid allowance is calculated on an individual basis, depending on urine output and dialysis settings. It is vital to follow your nephrologist’s/nutritionist’s fluid intake guidelines.
To control fluid intake, patients should:
- Not drink more than what your doctor orders
- Count all foods that will melt at room temperature (Jell-O®, popsicles, etc.)
- Be cognizant of the amount of fluids used in cooking