Diet plan for kidney failure patients

Recent statistics indicate that kidney failure is increasing worldwide by approximately 7 to 8 percent annually even as incidence in Nigeria could be as high as 10 per million population. Mrs Victoria Ahuoiza Ajako, Assistant Chief Dietician at the National Hospital, Abuja, says some of the junks people eat tend to affect the kidney in […]

Recent statistics indicate that kidney failure is increasing worldwide by approximately 7 to 8 percent annually even as incidence in Nigeria could be as high as 10 per million population.

Mrs Victoria Ahuoiza Ajako, Assistant Chief Dietician at the National Hospital, Abuja, says some of the junks people eat tend to affect the kidney in the long run.

Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to excrete wastes and to help maintain the electrolyte balance. The function of the kidneys is, among other things, to get rid of the waste products that result from the body’s metabolism.

Diets are an important consideration for those with impaired kidney function. Consultation with a dietician is therefore necessary to understand what foods may or may not be appropriate in managing the condition.

Since the kidneys cannot easily remove excess water, salt, or potassium, these may need to be consumed in limited quantities. Foods high in potassium include bananas, apricots, and salt substitutes.

A renal failure diet controls the amount of protein and phosphorus (FOS-for-us) in your recipe. You may also have to limit the amount of sodium in your diet. Following a renal failure formula can help decrease the amount of wastes made by your body. It can also help your kidneys work better, which may delay total renal failure.

Mrs Ajako says before a diet plan is given to a kidney failure patient, a close look at urine and creatine levels must be done through a test.  Creatine level is the rate with which blood is filtered through the kidneys. From this, the dietician is able to plan a suitable meal for the patient.

She continues, “We restrict the patient from taking much protein because he or she is coming down with the end product of protein. Reduce sodium that is salt. Potassium in fruits like banana and oranges should be reduced. We recommend the portion to take because the body needs some of these nutrients.”

Renal failure diet

According to health experts the following changes are necessary for any one on kidney failure diet.

Protein: You will need to limit the amount of protein in your diet. This will help decrease the wastes in your blood, helping your kidneys to work better. Foods that are high in protein are meat, poultry (chicken), fish, eggs, and dairy products (milk, yoghurt). The dietician will tell you how much protein to eat each day.

Phosphorus: You will need to limit the amount of phosphorus in your diet. When you have kidney failure, your kidneys cannot get rid of extra phosphorus that builds up in your blood. This may cause calcium to leave your bones and make them weak. Foods that are high in phosphorus are dairy products, beans, peas and nuts. It is also found in liquids such as cocoa, beer and cola drinks. Again, the dietician will tell you how much phosphorus you should have in your diet each day.

Sodium: You may have to limit the amount of sodium in your diet if you have certain health problems. These may include high blood pressure or extra fluid in your body. Your caregiver will tell you how much sodium you should have each day. Table salt, canned foods, processed meats like deli meats and sausage, soups and salted snacks are high in sodium. You may have to avoid this as well as table salt in your diet.

Potassium: Usually, you do not need to limit the amount of potassium in your diet. However, you may need to limit potassium if you have too much potassium in your blood. Your caregiver will tell you if your blood levels of potassium are too high. Potassium is found in fruits and vegetables. You may have to limit fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium, such as banana and oranges.

While it seems like an inordinate amount of food has been eliminated from a wise menu plan for persons with renal failure, it is possible to have a healthy and delicious variety of food every day.