Food Groups for Kidney Patients

In November 2008, The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that 13 percent of American adults---about 26 million people---have chronic kidney disease. Kidney or renal disease happens when a person's kidney function declines. The waste products in the body have a tougher time being eliminated from the body. Maintaining a special diet can help slow the process of kidney disease by helping your kidneys to not work so hard.

Protein

• Protein is a necessary nutrient. It helps us fight infection, heal from injury and bleeding. When you have kidney disease, you still need protein but the amount is more questionable. Most kidney patients have to limit their protein intake because their kidneys are not able to eliminate a lot of protein waste. It is also dependent upon your body size and the level of your kidney disease. Eating too little protein may cause malnutrition, as well. It is imperative that you talk with a kidney specialist and nutritionist before limiting your protein intake.

Sodium

• Kidney disease causes difficulty in eliminating excess salt and body fluid. It may also be a result of diabetes or high blood pressure. To control blood pressure and diabetes, it is important to take in enough salt to prevent dehydration but not too much that it causes your blood pressure to rise. For kidney patients, reducing the amount of sodium in your diet will help regulate your blood pressure and prevent waste and fluid build-up in the body. There is sodium in processed foods, so you may be taking in more than you think. This is where your dietitian can help.

Potassium

• Potassium is a mineral that controls the muscle and nerve functioning in the body. One large and important muscle works well because of potassium---the heart. Healthy kidneys keep potassium levels normal by eliminating any excess. Challenged kidneys have trouble keeping potassium levels balanced. If your potassium levels are too low or too high, it can be dangerous. Consult with your renal nutritionist about a diet with the right amount of potassium for you.

Phosphorus

• Phosphorus is a mineral. Nearly 85 percent of the phosphorus in your body is in your bones. Fortunately, phosphorus is naturally found in many foods, so you should not have any problem getting phosphorus into a healthy diet. Unhealthy kidneys are no longer able to remove phosphorus from the blood and get rid of the excess in urine. This can pose a problem especially those with stage four or five kidney disease. To keep your phosphorus levels in a healthy range, kidney patients are encouraged to lower their phosphorus intake. Nutrition Facts on food labels often do not provide phosphorus information. Be sure to ask your renal dietitian about the type of foods to substitute or avoid.

Always consult your doctor

• The amount of protein, salt, potassium and other minerals depend upon the level your kidneys function at. Be sure to consult with your doctor and nutritionist who specialize in kidney care before changing your diet or taking any supplements.