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Double Kidney Failure Diet

Kidney (renal) failure can occur for any number of reasons, including hypotension (low blood pressure), infection, clotting disorders and disease within the kidneys themselves. Double kidney failure requires a stringently followed combination of diet and dialysis to treat, requiring that you limit the strain on your kidneys by following a diet restricted in protein, sodium, phosphorous and potassium. However, first consult your doctor and a dietitian before making any drastic changes, as kidney failure is a dangerous condition.

  1. Protein Limitations

    • Limit your overall protein intake to between 40 to 60g per day while following a renal diet. Don't drop protein intake lower than that, however, as the body requires protein for normal functioning and tissue repair. Limit your consumption of high-protein foods such as meats and dairy products, while keeping a close eye on the trace amounts of protein you ingest from other foods. Keep a running total of the number of grams of protein you consume by checking the nutritional labels on your menu items.

    Sodium Limitations

    • Limit the amount of sodium in your diet to less than 2,000mg per day while following a diet for double kidney failure. Avoid table salt completely, and opt for low-sodium versions of your favorite meals and dishes. The best way to reduce sodium intake is to perform all your cooking yourself, so you can avoid including sodium in the foods you cook. Stick to fresh items and avoid processed, canned and frozen goods, as they often contain sodium as a preservative. Read labels carefully, as soups and foods touted as "low sodium" may still contain too much for your condition. As with protein, you might want to keep a running tally of sodium intake until you find a meal regimen that works within your limits.

    Phosphorous Limitations

    • Eliminate foods high in phosphorous from your diet. Foods with high concentrations of phosphorous include nuts, beans, dairy products (which are already restricted due to their protein content), peas, beer, cocoa and cola drinks. While removing these items will eliminate most phosphorous from your diet, check with your doctor to determine if you should take further steps depending on your specific condition.

    Potassium Restrictions

    • Omit foods that are high in potassium to further relieve the workload on your kidneys. Foods with high levels of potassium include bananas, prune juice, papaya, raisins, pears, kiwis, mangoes, oranges, melons (both honeydew and watermelon), cantaloupe, pineapples, peaches, apples and strawberries. As with eliminating phosphorous, consult your doctor to determine if you should take additional steps to further restrict potassium levels.

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