The Renal Diet
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, you are not alone. According to the United States Renal Date System, approximately 20 million Americans have some form of kidney disease and more than 530,000 have developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5, the most serious form of kidney disease. In 2003, approximately 100,000 Americans started treatment for CKD Stage 5, approximately 320,000 were on dialysis and more than 128,000 had functioning kidney transplants.
Doctors and dieticians agree that following a healthy diet – one tailored to the specific needs of people with kidney disease – is very important.
Your doctor (a nephrologist) or dietician may have told you to follow a renal diet, which is a meal plan that is nutritious for people with kidney disease. In addition to providing you with enough calories and nutrients for proper growth and maintenance, following a renal diet also can help you maintain proper levels of certain electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and minerals (calcium and phosphorus), as well as prevent excessive water weight gain between dialysis treatments. It is important to remember that each person with kidney disease has different nutritional needs, food preferences, and cooking abilities. You dietician will help you tailor the renal diet to best meet your individual needs.
To get started, you will need to know what nutrients are in the food you are eating. Some nutrients that people with kidney disease need to be watchful of are:
Calcium
Calcium helps build and maintain bones and teeth and keeps nerves and muscles working right. Be careful of hidden calcium in the form of calcium-fortified foods. Food manufacturers are adding calcium to a wide variety of foods that naturally do not contain calcium. These can include orange juice, cereals, waffles, snack foods, candy and bottled water.
Protein
Protein builds muscles. Keep in mind that high protein foods naturally contain phosphorus. That’s why it is very important to take your phosphate binder (if your doctor has prescribed on for you) with every meal as directed.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus helps build strong bones. Instead of whole grain breads, choose low-phosphorus breads, such as white bread, Italian, English muffins, and dinner rolls.
Potassium
Potassium keeps heartbeat regular and muscles working right. If you have diabetes, don’t use orange juice for insulin reactions because it is high potassium. Cranberry and apple juices are better choices.
Sodium
Sodium regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Avoid salt substitutes, since most of them contain some form of potassium, which people with kidney disease also need to control.
Fluids
Fluids give the body energy and help provide padding for vital organs. Fruits, vegetables and anything that melts to a liquid at room temperature is a source of hidden fluid, including gelatin, Popsicles, ice creams and soups.
For more information about kidney disease, and other health and wellness topics, visit www.highbeam.com.
Visit the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.
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