The renal diet is a diet prescribed to patients who suffer from kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluids from the body, and they also keep red blood cells functioning properly and maintain healthy bones. When a person who has kidney disease does not follow the proper diet, the body cannot efficiently eliminate fluids and waste. As a result, he or she may experience a variety of health problems.
People who follow a renal diet must avoid consuming too many liquids, as this will force the kidneys to work harder. Those with kidney disease who drink excessive liquids will experience swelling, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and further kidney deterioration. Foods and liquids such as coffee, soda, water, milk, tea, soup, and ice cream should rarely be eaten.
Kidney disease patients who are on dialysis are required to take in more protein than patients who are not currently receiving this treatment. These patients should consume more meats, poultry, seafood, and cheese. They can also find protein in fruits and vegetables, breads, and cereals.
Patients who suffer from kidney disease often have an overabundance of potassium in their bodies. When a body contains high levels of potassium, the heart can stop functioning without warning. In order to combat this danger, patients should eat more fruits and vegetables that have smaller amounts of potassium. Other low-potassium foods include bread, rice, and noodles. Patients should remember that nearly all foods have some potassium and should therefore monitor serving portions.
Following a renal diet requires that patients limit their sodium intake as well. Too much sodium, or salt, causes the body to retain water, which in turn causes patients to experience breathing difficulties and swelling. When a kidney patient suffers from fluid retention, the kidneys must work harder to function. In order to limit sodium intake, renal patients should avoid consuming too much processed food and season what they eat with garlic and other types of spices.
A kidney patient often has an imbalance of phosphorous and calcium in the body. Usually, he or she has excessive amounts of phosphorous and decreasing levels of calcium. When the body has limited amounts of calcium, the bones become weak. In contrast, high levels of phosphorous cause the bones to become brittle. The patient can also suffer from joint pain and itchy skin.
In order to avoid consuming too many foods that contain phosphorous, the renal patient should limit intake of peanut butter, dark colored soft drinks, nuts, ice cream, and other foods that have high phosphorous content. Instead, he or she should eat more broccoli, sherbet, zucchini, squash, and other foods low in phosphorous.
Under the care of a medical professional, a kidney disease patient can follow a renal diet that will improve his or her health. The goal of this diet is to help the kidneys eliminate waste and fluids from the body in a more efficient manner. By avoiding foods that cause the kidneys to work harder, the patient can enjoy stronger bones, a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and an overall sense of well-being.
