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Natural Diet for Renal Patients

The natural diet for kidney patients on dialysis is typically high in protein and low in potassium, sodium and phosphorus. For kidney patients, fluids are restricted so as to minimize the work of kidneys. The purpose of a natural diet for kidney patients is to keep a balance of minerals, electrolytes and fluids. End-stage kidney patients in particular require sufficient nutrition to keep them from malnourishment.

  1. Fluids

    • Excessive fluids for renal patients can cause swelling of feet and legs in addition to hypertension and heart failure. Restrict fluids, depending on urine output and also on the type of dialysis. Generally, allow 1 to 1.5 liters of fluid.

    Sodium and Protein

    • In order to prevent congestive heart failure and hypertension, modify the amount of sodium present in your diet. Restricting sodium intake will certainly help avoid the longing to consume fluids and will maintain an acceptable balance of fluids. Sodium is mostly found in table salt, monosodium glutamate (or MSG), baking soda, additives, meat, eggs, poultry and dairy foods. Keep sodium in a range between 1,000 to 3,000mg every day.

      Depending on your nutritional status and the dialysis type, your protein requirements vary from 1.1 to 1.5g per kilogram of body weight. It is absolutely essential to keep your protein intake balanced to maintain the visceral protein stores and also to avoid the excess, which can lead to accumulation of waste material in the blood. The best sources of moderate protein are soy milk, soy yogurt, tofu, reduced-sodium cottage cheese, fish, shellfish, chicken and turkey.

    Phosphorus and Potassium

    • Kidney disease can build up an increased level of phosphorus in your blood, which disturbs the balance of calcium and phosphorus. Excessive phosphorus can cause metastatic calcification, which means calcification of soft tissues. The recommended intake of phosphorus typically ranges from 800 to 1,000mg every day. Obtain phosphorus from sources such as milk, lean meats and grains.

      Restriction of potassium usually depends on the level of potassium in the blood, medications and residual functioning of kidneys. Patients with end-stage renal disease are usually restricted to 2,000 to 3,000mg each day. Obtain potassium from bananas, apricots, raisins, oranges, dates, avocados, watermelon, broccoli, potato, mushrooms, lentils, peanuts, milk and beans.

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