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Meat Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease

The main function of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the blood. The kidneys allow us to consume all kinds of foods, drugs, vitamins, additives and fluids without having to worry about toxic byproducts that can build to harmful levels. Healthy kidneys process close to 200 liters of blood every day and also produce about two liters of urine through which waste is eliminated. When these functions do not work correctly, it is because of some kind of kidney disease.

  1. Types of Kidney Disease

    • Kidney diseases ranges from mild, such as kidney stones, to quite serious, when the kidneys cease to flush out toxins and/or fail to regulate hormones. Sometimes this can be because of genetics and/or some congenital problem. People with diabetes and high-blood pressure are at greater risk for developing kidney disease.

    Symptoms of Kidney Disease

    • Symptoms can include fatigue, headaches and lack of concentration. Other symptoms include pain during urination, blood in the urine and too-frequent urination, along with swelling in hands and feet. If you have high-blood pressure or diabetes, you should be tested for kidney function at least once a year. The earliest sign of diabetic kidney disease is an increased excretion of albumin in the urine, which can be tested on a regular basis. Too often kidney disease is not discovered until it is at an advanced stage.

    Diet for Kidney Disease

    • Low-protein diets may prevent or slow the progress of some kinds of kidney disease. People with kidney disease need to follow the diet and nutrition recommendations specific to their condition. Because protein makes the kidneys work harder, most such diets recommend reducing intake of meats and other proteins. The protein eaten should be high quality, such as lean meat, fish and poultry. There may also be limitations on consumption of phosphorus, salt and potassium and some limit on fluid intake. Additionally, supplements may be suggested. Vegetarian diets designed for people with kidney disease are available and need to provide enough protein. For anyone with kidney disease, diet is an essential element of treatment. Working with a nutritionist who specializes in such diets is advisable.

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