Top 5 Tips On Nutrition For Chronic Kidney Disease

A chronic kidney disease patient’s nutritional needs will vary depending on factors such as the patient’s body size, how active the patient is, the severity of the disease and associated medical conditions. Consumption of sufficient calories and protein is necessary to reduce the risk of malnutrition. In addition, doctors may prescribe specialised kidney nutrition supplements. This article highlights some top tips on nutrition for chronic kidney disease.

Patients should consult their doctors or dieticians for a suitable diet plan.

Nutrition For Chronic Kidney Disease

1. Ensure Sufficient Intake Of Calories

Patients require a sufficient intake of calories to supply their bodies with energy for daily activities. However, calorie intake calculation could be complicated when the patient has associated medical conditions, such as diabetes in particular.

2. Take The Right Amount And Types Of Protein

Chronic kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis need to be careful with their protein intake, which may need to be restricted. As the disease progresses and the body’s ability to remove waste products is reduced, the amount of protein taken will also need to be reduced. This will help to preserve kidney function and prevent additional stress on kidneys. Accumulation of protein waste products in the blood will lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

Protein from animal sources is the best in quality, and are more efficiently used by the body compared to plant-based protein.

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease may be prescribed a very low protein diet together with ketoanalogue.

3. Stick To A Low Salt Diet

Excessive sodium intake increases blood pressure, which may harm the kidneys in the longer term. In addition, high sodium intake increases thirst and can cause fluid overload in chronic kidney disease patients. Generally, patients should reduce salt intake to less than 5 g (1 teaspoon) per day.

Seasonings, most canned food and frozen dinners, processed meats, most restaurant / take out /fast foods, should be avoided.

4. Limit The Amount Of Potassium And Phosphorus Intake

While potassium is an important mineral needed for the proper functioning of the nerves, muscles and heart, diseased kidneys can no longer remove excess potassium. Accumulation of potassium in the blood can cause irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest. Patients thus should avoid high potassium foods

Diseased kidneys are also not able to maintain a balance between calcium and phosphorus. High levels of phosphate can turn bones brittle by attracting calcium out from them. Furthermore, deposition of calcium phosphate salts in the vessels and soft tissues can lead to various complications. Avoid foods high in phosphorus (e.g. dairy products, organ meats, whole-grains and nuts). To mitigate this problem, doctors may prescribe phosphate binder medications.

5. Take The Right Amount of Fluid

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease may need to restrict daily fluid intake to prevent fluid overload due to reduction in urine production. Fluids can also come from beverages and foods (e.g. fruits, porridges), so these need to be taken into account as well.