Nutrition And Kidney Failure: Everything You Need To Know

Controlling your diet if you suffer from kidney failure is very important to prevent malnutrition and slow the progression of the disease. Read this article to learn more about it.

People who suffer from kidney failure, especially in its chronic form, need to make dietary changes to stay healthy and reduce the accumulation of toxic substances that the kidney cannot remove. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about nutrition and kidney failure.

Nutrition and kidney failure

In patients with chronic renal failure malnutrition with a calorie protein is common. It is also a good predictor of mortality and morbidity. It is therefore important to meet the nutritional needs of patients with renal failure to prevent malnutrition.

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

Diet and Kidney Failure

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

Determine the amount of protein

It is important for the nutritionist to adjust the amount of protein in the diet of patients with renal failure. Protein restriction in someone with moderate renal failure slows the progression of the disease. Although proteins make the kidneys work, all people must consume them.

Currently, experts recommend moderate low-protein diets if the patient is not on dialysis. In other words 0.8 g/kg/day (60% of high biological value). If the patient is on dialysis, they need more protein.

Reduce the intake of potassium and phosphorus

If potassium builds up in the blood, it increases the risk of heart defects. Medical professionals should monitor plasma potassium levels. Meanwhile , persistent high levels of phosphorus in the blood have a significant impact on bones.

Protein restriction means a reduction in phosphorus. It is therefore important to limit your consumption of this if you have kidney problems and if your doctor advises you to.

Get a good intake of calcium and vitamin D

Usually there is a calcium deficiency in the intestinal absorption due to a vitamin D reduction. Vitamin D must be supplemented, as a deficiency can cause atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction or ventricular hypertrophy.

In a study published in Nephrology, experts suggest that vitamin D supplementation has a vascular benefit, which is why it’s a good idea for people with kidney problems.

Check your salt intake

Other factors to consider when it comes to diet and kidney failure is keeping sodium in check. This is because it promotes the retention of fluid that the kidney cannot remove. If the patient does not have hypertension, they can consume only 1000-2000 mg/day.

Limit your fluid intake

Patients with renal failure should limit their fluid intake, especially in cases of dialysis treatment. If the patient is on dialysis, they should monitor their fluid intake. People undergoing this treatment usually do not urinate very often.

So if they drink a lot of fluids and don’t excrete them, fluid can build up in the ankles and even in the lungs and heart. It is also recommended that patients always weigh themselves on the same scale to avoid gaining weight during dialysis sessions.

Nutritional Keys in Kidney Failure

In order to carry out the guidelines we outlined above, it is important to keep the following nutrition keys in mind. However, it is best to talk directly to your doctor or nutritionist. They can advise you based on your individual needs.

The consumption of proteins in meat, fish, dairy products and eggs must be individually determined for each patient.
In addition, patients should control their consumption of legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and cocoa. This is because these products contain a lot of potassium. Patients should therefore limit intake to avoid hyperkalaemia.
When they start consuming vegetables, legumes or potatoes, people with kidney problems should soak them in water for three hours before cooking. Then they have to cook them a few times, discarding the cooking water each time. It is also best to sauté them afterwards to reduce their water content.

Another method of consuming vegetables is to eat them frozen. You can also consume canned or cooked fruit (up to twice a day).
It is also best to eat toasted bread, because it contains less water.
However, patients should limit their consumption of whole grains, as they are rich in phosphorus and potassium.
You should also avoid soft drinks, even if they are artificially sweetened. This is because they do not properly eliminate the sensation of thirst. They usually aren’t very healthy either!
Avoid ultra-processed foods, instant soups or mashes, sausages, smoked meats and fish, and packaged snacks so you can follow a low-salt diet.
Consume whole milk products in moderation because of the amount of phosphorus they contain.

Conclusion

As you have seen, patients with renal failure must follow a strict diet. If you have kidney problems, don’t hesitate to visit specialists who can tailor your diet and treatment to your needs.