What Does A Kidney Diet Do?
A kidney diet, also known as a renal diet or dialysis diet is one that for people in the early stages of kidney disease should closely monitor and control the amount of sodium, phosphorous and protein and liquid that is consumed in every meal. A proper kidney diet will enable your kidneys to function normally for a longer period of time. Following a specific diet may seem like a hassle or something you just do not think you will be able to do, but the alternative is much worse than any diet will ever be.
Following specific dietary recommendations and guidelines has proven very beneficial for people suffering from the disease. While there is not a specific diet for the diseases of the kidneys, seeking the professional advice from a doctor, renal dietician or nutritionist familiar with the disease for professional nutritional guidance is highly recommended.
Each person is different and so will be their specific needs in a diet designed for their kidneys. The determining factors in structuring these diets are limiting phosphorus, proteins, liquids and sodium. It is important to understand why it is critical to limit the levels of phosphorus, proteins, liquids and sodium when dealing with your kidney disease.
Levels of phosphorus in the blood increase to dangerous levels when kidney disease is present. These levels increase due to the fact that the kidneys can no longer filter the phosphorus from the bloodstream, this is why it is important to control the amount of phosphorus that enters the bloodstream, this is done by avoiding foods that are high in phosphorus levels. It is important to note that when phosphorus levels are high, calcium is lost. Without calcium our bones become weak and can break easily. Below are some foods that contain high phosphorus levels:
* Dairy products ~ milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, ice cream
* Peanut butter , nuts, seeds
* Beer, cocoa, cola drinks
* Dried peas and beans
When kidney disease is present the kidneys are no longer rid the body of urea produced. Urea comes from the remaining waste that is left over after our body processes the proteins we consume. While protein is very important to tissue repair, muscle building and growth it is critical for people with kidney disease to limit the amount of protein that is consumed each day. Below are the foods that are high in protein:
Meats ~ Poultry ~ Seafood
Milk ~ Cheese ~ Eggs
Still other foods that contain some proteins include starches, grains and some fruits and vegetables.
It is important to that you keep the workload on the kidneys at a minimum, that is why it is important to limit the amount of sodium that is consumed. It is when the kidneys are unable to remove the extra build-up of sodium from the body that we become thirsty which in turn causes us to drink more liquids which then cause the kidneys to work harder. It is a vicious cycle. Below are foods that contain high levels of sodium:
Table salt ~ Salted snacks ~ Fast foods
Canned soups ~ Canned vegetables
Processed cheese ~ Lunch meats
Pickles ~ Olives
Smoked meats ~ Cured meats
While it is important critical to limit the levels of phosphorus, proteins, liquids and sodium when dealing with your kidney disease, it is also important to ensure that your diet will include enough calories so that you maintain a healthy weight. If you work closely with your doctor or diet nutritionist you will be able to put together a healthy kidney diet that will meet all your kidney and health issues. Please do not put if off and think it will go away if you just do not eat certain foods mentioned above, kidney disease is serious and finding the right kidney diet for you is very important.