Diet & Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Disease

Waste or fluids from food and drinks pass through the kidneys where they are filtered out of the bloodstream. Chronic kidney disease is characterized as the kidneys' inability to perform normal functions, which leads to a buildup of electrolytes, waste and fluids. Adopt a specific kidney disease diet that includes low amounts of protein, phosphorus and sodium.

Protein

• According to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org. kidneys that have lost the ability to perform normal functions are unable to rid the body of urea. Formed in the liver, urea is a waste product from protein. Excess urea enlarges the kidneys and makes their work more difficult. Despite the problems protein causes the kidneys, it is essential for repairing tissues and building muscles. Reduce the amount of protein in your diet. Stick with small amounts of lean meats, milk, shellfish, eggs, fish, chicken and turkey. Focus more on protein from vegetables, low-fat dairy products and legumes.

Phosphorus

• Phosphorus comes from foods like cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream, lentils, kidney beans, navy beans, nuts, cocoa and carbonated beverages. The kidneys have a hard time removing phosphorus from the blood. When phosphorus levels become too high, you start to lose calcium from the blood. Bones become brittle and weak, thus raising your risk for fractures. Avoid phosphorus-containing foods. Eat dairy alternatives like rice milk, almond cheese, soy milk, coconut ice cream and tofu. Experiment with different brands to find one that you like. Soy cheese tastes more like real cheese when it is melted. Make nutrient-rich smoothies by using coconut ice cream and fruit. Come up with your own phosphorus-free recipes for your favorite meals.

Sodium

• High blood pressure and kidney disease often go hand-and-hand. Sodium can cause blood pressure to spike. Refrain from eating processed foods, frozen foods, canned soups and fried foods. Other foods to avoid are olives, pickles, cured meats and processed cheese. Certain regional cuisines have use an abundant amount of sodium during preparation like Indian, Mexican and Chinese. Sushi from Japanese restaurants is fine if you avoid using soy sauce. Look at food labels for sodium amounts. Stay away from prepared foods like sauces and condiments. Use salt-free seasonings for food. Incorporate herbs like thyme, dill, rosemary and cayenne. As stated by the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org , by following a diet free from high amounts of protein, phosphorus and sodium, you are able to get the nutrients you need and prevent the risk of losing all kidney functions.