Renal Diet Principles: Three Elements and Two Substances

The kidney filters the waste and excess water from your body and removes it through urine. Wastes in your blood come from the food and liquid you consume. If the kidney function is compromised, the waste won't be cleaned out from your blood in time, then the electrolyte balance will be disrupted and the waste will poison your body. People with kidney disease need to follow a renal diet that controls the intake of sodium, protein and fluid. Depending on individual circumstances, the intake of potassium, phosphorus and other elements may also be limited.

Sodium

Sodium is one of the three major electrolytes in the human body (the other two are potassium and chloride). It contributes to controlling the acid-base balance of blood, blood pressure and nerve function. But too much sodium in your body will cause edema, high blood pressure and heart failure. Salt is a compound of sodium and chloride. Reducing salt intake is important for controlling kidney diseases. To limit your sodium intake, you should not eat any processed foods with high salt content, like bacon, hot dogs and canned soup. Before purchasing for your dinner, remember to read food labels. Find reduced-sodium versions, and don't eat too much. Self-cooking is a good choice. Just remember to add no salt or use other non-salt seasonings as alternatives.

Potassium

Potassium plays a significant role in regulating the heartbeat and muscle movement. It is also a necessary element for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in your bloodstream. An excess level of potassium may cause irregular heartbeat, slow pauses and heart attacks. Potassium is found mainly in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You’ll need to avoid certain fruits and vegetables and limit the amount of others. Avocados, bananas, potatoes and tomatoes are high in potassium. Eat low-potassium alternatives like apples and carrots. Drink soya milk or coconut milk as substitutes. Most importantly, you should talk with a renal dietitian about what you can eat and how much you can have.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a critical mineral in bone maintenance and development. It also assists in the development of organs and muscle movement. High phosphorus levels can pull calcium out of your bones and weaken them. It also leads to dangerous calcium deposits in the blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Dairy foods and meats are the major sources of phosphorus in the diet. Some vegetables like dried beans and broccoli also contain phosphorus. Regarding carbohydrates, whole grain products have a higher level of phosphorus than white bread and rice. Eat smaller portions when you are eating these foods. Ask your physician about using phosphate binders at mealtime if needed.

Protein

The process of protein digestion will create waste. More protein than you need makes your kidneys work harder and may make your problem worse. But too little isn't healthy either. Both animal and plant foods have protein. When you are choosing protein foods on your plate, pick more fresh meat instead of processed meat, and use special methods to remove excess elements in your food like peeling. Remember to ask your dietitian. He or she can help you figure out the right combination and amount of protein to eat.

Fluid

Fluid control is important for patients in the later stages of CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) because normal consumption may cause too much fluid in the body which could become dangerous. To control your fluid intake, you should drink the same amount of fluid as your doctor orders. And don't forget to count the fluid you use in cooking. Water is the best beverage, both tap water and bottled water. You can also drink a moderate amount of light-colored drinks, such as lemonade and Sprite. Dark-colored drinks usually have phosphorus in order to enhance flavor and prevent decoloration.