Nutrition & Acute Renal Failure

Kidneys filter toxins from your body but stop working as efficiently if they are damaged or deteriorate due to illness. There are five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with acute renal failure (ARF) being stage five, the most serious. Someone diagnosed with CKD needs to alter his diet. It is critical for someone in ARF follow current nutritional guidelines for kidney patients.

Goals

• The goal of an acute renal failure diet is to restrict the amounts of protein, phosphorus and sodium ingested. Reducing these elements reduces the need for the kidneys to filter excess levels from the body.

Benefits

• The benefits of following the ARF diet are an increase in energy, reduced risk of infection and maintenance of body muscle and weight, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Hypercatabolic State

• According to a study by the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, Calif,, acute renal failure patients on dialysis tend to have much higher metabolisms and corresponding wasting of body tissue (hypercatabolism), which necessitates an increase in nutrients to avoid starvation.

Potassium

• People with CKD or ARF has to restrict their intake of potassium, because the kidneys no longer keep levels in the proper balance. Too much potassium can cause heart palpitations and cardiac arrest.

ARF Diet

• There is no exact ARF diet with one-size-fits-all guidelines. Your nutritional needs will vary depending on the stage of your kidney disease and personal nutrient requirements, plus any other health issues, such as diabetes. Your doctor likely will refer you to a dietitian who can help you design the right eating plan.