Nutrition And Kidney Failure: Everything You Need To Know

It is very important to check your nutrition if you are suffering from kidney failure, to avoid malnutrition and slow down the development of the disease. Read this article to learn more.

People suffering from kidney failure, especially in the chronic form, will need to make changes in their diet to stay healthy and reduce the accumulation of toxic substances that the kidneys are unable to eliminate. In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about nutrition and kidney failure.

Nutrition and kidney failure

In patients with chronic renal failure, malnutrition with protein and calories is common. It is also good for predicting mortality and morbidity. Meeting the dietary needs of patients with kidney failure is therefore important to avoid malnutrition.

First, you need to know that there are different degrees of the disease. There is acute renal failure, chronic renal failure and replacement therapy (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis). In this article, we will share general nutritional guidelines for this disease. Still, they should be adapted to the patient’s condition.

Diet and kidney failure

The diet for kidney failure is considered strict as these patients will have to limit or eliminate multiple food groups. However, if the patient is on persistent dialysis, their diet is not very restrictive.

Check the amount of protein

Man with protein-rich foods illustrates nutrition and kidney failure

Limiting protein in a person with moderate renal failure slows the development of the disease. Although proteins put the kidneys to work, all humans need to consume them.

At present, experts recommend a diet low in protein if the patient is not on dialysis. In other words, 0.8 grams / kg / day (60% of high biological value). If the patient is on dialysis, they require more protein.

Reduce potassium and phosphorus intake: Nutrition and kidney failure

If potassium accumulates in the blood, it increases the risk of abnormalities in the blood. Medical professionals should keep an eye on plasma potassium levels.

At the same time, persistently high levels of phosphorus in the blood significantly affect the bones. Limitation of protein represents a reduction of phosphorus. It is therefore important to limit your intake of this if you have kidney problems, if your doctor advises you to do so.

Ensure an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.

Typically, there will be a lack of calcium in the uptake through the intestines due to reduction of vitamin D. Vitamin D should be taken as a supplement, as a deficiency in it can cause atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction or ventricular hypertrophy.

In a study published in Nephrology , experts suggested that vitamin D supplementation has a vascular benefit, which is why it is a good idea for those who have kidney problems.

Check your salt intake

Other factors that need to be considered when it comes to nutrition and kidney failure are controlling sodium. This is because it promotes the accumulation of fluid that the kidneys cannot remove. If the patient suffers from high blood pressure, they can only take 1000-2000 mg / day.

Limit your fluid intake

If the patient is on dialysis, they should keep an eye on their fluid intake because people undergoing this treatment usually do not urinate as often.

If they drink a lot of fluid and do not get rid of it, fluid can accumulate in the ankles and even in the lungs and heart. Patients are also advised to always weigh the same weight, to ensure that they do not gain weight during dialysis treatments.

Nutritional keys within kidney failure

In order to follow the recommendations we mentioned above, it is important to keep the following nutritional keys in mind. It is best to talk directly with your doctor or nutritionist so they can advise on your individual needs.

The intake of proteins found in meat, fish, dairy products and eggs should be tailored to each patient.

In addition, patients should control their intake of legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and cocoa. This is because they contain a lot of potassium. They should do this to avoid hyperkalaemia.
When they want to consume vegetables, legumes or potatoes, people with kidney problems should soak them in water for at least three hours before cooking. Then they should boil them for a few hours, and throw the boiling water out every time. It is also best to sauté them after, to reduce the water content.
Another method of consuming vegetables is by eating them frozen. One can also consume canned or cooked fruits (up to twice a day).
Besides that, it is best to eat toast because it contains less water.
However, patients should limit their intake of whole grain products because they are rich in phosphorus and potassium.

One should avoid sodas too, even if they are with artificial sweeteners. This is because they do not fight the feeling of thirst properly. In addition, they are typically not very healthy!
Do not consume processed foods, pre-packaged soups or porridge, sausages, smoked meats and fish and pre-packaged snacks so that one can follow a diet poor in salt.
Only consume dairy products in moderation due to the amount of phosphorus they contain.

Conclusion on nutrition and kidney failure

As you have seen, patients with kidney failure should follow a strict diet. If you suffer from kidney problems, do not hesitate to go to a specialist who can tailor a diet plan and treatment to your needs.