What Is a Renal Diet?
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. They also keep red blood cells functioning properly and maintain healthy bones. When a person who has kidney disease does not follow a renal diet, the body cannot efficiently eliminate fluids and waste. As a result, the patient may experience a variety of health problems.
People who follow a renal diet must avoid consuming too many liquids, as this will cause 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 dialysis. 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, those who follow a renal diet can eat more fruits and vegetables, foods that have smaller amounts of potassium. Other low-potassium foods include bread, rice, and noodles. Patients should remember that nearly all foods have potassium and should therefore monitor serving portions.
Following a renal diet requires that patients limit their sodium intake as well. Sodium, or salt, is located within the human body. Too much sodium causes the body to retain water. In turn, excessive water in the body 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. They should season their food 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 suffers 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, the kidney patient should eat more broccoli, sherbet, zucchini, squash, and other foods low in phosphorous.
Under a doctor's care, a kidney disease patient can follow a renal diet that will improve the patient's 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.
Written by K T Solis
