Renal Diet
Renal is a word that means of or relating to the kidneys. Renal health is a very complicated and very necessary function for the human body. The kidneys in the body filter waste from blood and excrete them. Kidneys are very vital organs and renal health is very important. Renal failure can be from any number of different reasons but is typically a result of liver failure or a bodily decrease in muscle mass.
Renal failure can happen in two broad stages: Chronic renal failure which is slow, happens over a prolonged period of time, and doesn’t necessarily show any symptoms or acute, which is rapidly progressing.
There are three treatment methods for renal failure, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, or Kidney Transplant, and three markedly different diets applied.
Hemodialysis: the cleaning and filtering of blood. This may be done at a clinic or at home and is a long term treatment option. Foods restrictions include:
-balanced foods high in protein; meat or chicken as animal proteins are better used by your body than vegetable proteins
-be wary of too much potassium (found in some fruit, vegetables, milk, chocolate, nuts) too much or too little can hurt your heart
-limit your liquid intake; fluid buildup happens quickly when your kidneys aren’t functioning properly
-avoid salt
-Limit milk, cheese, nuts, dried beans, soft drinks – these contain phosphorus
Peritoneal Dialysis: a catheter, a small tube, is placed in your abdomen where it lives. Food intake isn’t that much different than Hemodialysis. However some restrictions include:
-watch caloric intake. Sugar may cause you to gain weight quickly
-may need to eat more potassium
-may need to eat more protein
-you may be able to eat more salts and fluids with this method of treatment
Kidney Transplant: exactly what it says it is. A healthy person’s kidney replaces your own. Dietary restrictions are very different for this method of treatment and include:
-calorie counting. Medication you take will give you a bigger appetite and cause you to put on weight. This will last for as long as you’re on the medication.
-Limit salty foods
-medication may also retain salt, leading to high blood pressure
-may need to eat less protein as medication may lead to buildup in the blood.
As always these are all generalities until you speak to your doctor about your specific situation. Renal failure can be a nightmare but it doesn’t have to break you. Speak with your doctor, get the information, and make informed decisions.