Diet for Renal Insufficiency

According to information from The Foundation for IgA Nephropathy, renal insufficiency is a condition where the kidneys are unable to maintain normal functionality, leading to eventual kidney failure. While there is no way to cure a set of failing kidneys, adherence to a renal diet can help to prolong their useful life, delaying the inevitable and increasing the quality of life for a renal patient. Although following a renal diet might seem difficult, it is often necessary to make the most of a bad situation.

Protein

• According to information from the medical website Medline Plus, a low-protein diet should be used to combat renal failure. Generally speaking, a renal insufficiency patient should consume no more than 0.6g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Remember to come close to this protein ceiling, as the body requires a limited amount of protein to build and repair tissue.

Sodium

• A low-sodium diet is also recommended to take further stress off the kidneys. According to information from the Cleveland Clinic, shoot for no more than 2,000 mg of sodium per day. Accomplish this by removing all excess salt from the diet--do not use table salt in any capacity, and avoid higher-sodium foods such as canned and processed goods. Stick to fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats, as food in their natural state contain limited amounts of sodium. Avoid salty snacks like chips and salted nuts.

Potassium

• Limit intake of foods which contain excess amounts of potassium, as this too can result in the kidneys having to work overtime to process the mineral load. According to information from Drugs.com, potassium-rich foods to avoid include papayas, bananas, melon, honeydew, prunes, oranges (and orange juice), kiwis, mangoes, pears, tomatoes, yams, potatoes, avocados, beans, dairy and soy products. Rely on your health care provider to dictate your daily limit for potassium.