Diet to Follow to Prevent Decline in Kidney Function

Proper kidney function is vital to human health. The kidneys eliminate both blood wastes and excess fluid from the body, and impairments to these activities can result in potentially life-threatening complications. For those at risk for decline in kidney function or with existing deficits, proper diet is an essential factor in preventing further health declines.

Diet Overview

• If you suffer from impaired kidney function, you will benefit greatly from a diet that diminishes your body's need to eliminate waste products through your bloodstream. You will also benefit from reductions in excess fluid production. The U.S. National Library of Medicine cites dietary intake of protein, sodium and potassium as three major factors. The breakdown of protein in the body produces relatively large amounts of blood waste, and restricting protein intake will help you avoid additional kidney damage. By restricting sodium, you will diminish a main factor in excess fluid accumulation. For some, decreases in kidney function lead to a build-up of potassium. Although this build-up will not directly affect kidney function, it can lead to dangerous irregularities in your heartbeat.

Protein

• You cannot entirely eliminate protein from your diet and maintain proper health. To limit your protein intake while still getting adequate nutrition, choose high-quality sources that provide benefit in reduced portions. Examples here include chicken, fish, lean meat, cheese and eggs. As a general guideline, your overall intake of these foods may be limited to five to seven ounces daily. Be aware that significant amounts of protein can also be found in unexpected foods, such as cereals, breads and vegetables. Consult a nutritionist to educate yourself on these sources, and limit their presence in your diet as needed.

Sodium and Fluids

• Begin lowering your sodium intake by avoiding salt use whenever possible. As a substitute, consider using flavorful herbs or spices or a commercial sodium substitute. You will also need to pay close attention to the labels on packaged foods. In addition to sodium itself, watch for foods that contain large amounts of monosodium glutamate. Additionally, you may need to avoid processed or preserved meats, as well as processed cheese. To further protect yourself from excess fluid retention, ask your doctor for guidelines on daily fluid intake. In some cases, fluids are restricted to roughly 48 ounces a day, including products such as soup, ice cream and Jell-O. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, celery and lettuce can also add substantially to your fluid intake.

Potassium

• To lower your potassium intake, avoid or limit foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, dried peas and beans, nuts and dried fruit. In addition, ask your doctor before using sodium substitutes. These products often contain substantial amounts of potassium, and using them will merely shift the harm to your body from one area to another.

Additional Considerations

• In some cases, you may also need to protect against the build-up of calcium and phosphorus in your bloodstream. Ask your doctor or nutritionist for the best methods of restricting these substances.