Kidney Health & Nutrition

Kidneys are the organs that filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body.

Symptoms of kidney failure are due to the build-up of waste products and excess fluid in the body that may cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, swelling, and confusion. Inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. Initially kidney failure may cause no symptoms.

There are numerous causes of kidney failure, and treatment of the underlying disease may be the first step in correcting the kidney abnormality.

Some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.

The diagnosis of kidney failure usually is made by blood tests measuring BUN, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Treatment of the underlying cause of kidney failure may return kidney function to normal. Lifelong efforts to control blood pressure and diabetes may be the best way to prevent chronic kidney disease and its progression to kidney failure. As we age kidney function gradually decreases over time.

If the kidneys fail completely, the only treatment options available may be dialysis or transplant.

Nutrition

When your kidneys can no longer do their job well, you have to control the kinds and amounts of food you eat. Together, you and your nutritionist will make a daily eating plan which will:

·                   Meet your nutritional needs

·                   Cut down the workload on your kidneys

·                   Help keep the kidney function that is left (before starting dialysis)

·                   Control the build-up of food wastes like urea

·                   Reduce symptoms like fatigue, nausea, itching and bad taste in the mouth

·                   Control the effects of high blood sugar if you have diabetes

Each person has different needs depending on their age, medical history and kidney function. Your nutritionist will work with you to design an individual daily eating plan that's right for you. Together you can plan proper food choices to keep you feeling as well as possible, and to try to slow the loss of kidney function.

Making healthy food choices

The following are the foods and nutrients you will have to consider to help relieve symptoms, control blood pressure and maintain health. These are protein, energy foods, sodium, potassium and phosphorus.

Protein

Protein builds, repairs and maintains your body tissues. It also helps your body fight infections and heal wounds. As your body breaks down protein foods, a waste called urea is formed. If this is not eliminated, too much urea in the blood may cause tiredness, nausea, headaches and a bad taste in your mouth.

If you eat too little protein, you may lose muscle and weight, lack energy and have difficulty fighting infections. Your daily eating plan will provide enough protein for your body while limiting the amount of urea formed. Foods like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, tofu and milk are high in protein

Energy Foods

Energy foods provide the fuel (calories) you need to do your daily activities and help you maintain a healthy body weight. When you are controlling your protein intake, it is important to get the energy you need from other food sources. Energy is found in most foods, particularly starches, sugars, grains, fruits, vegetables, fats and oils. Your daily eating plan will help you to select enough food choices to meet your energy needs and - if you have diabetes - assist with blood sugar control.

Sodium

Sodium affects your body fluids and blood pressure. You need to control your salt intake and avoid foods with a high sodium content. These include processed foods like "deli" meats, canned foods, convenience and "fast" foods, salty snacks and salty seasonings. To improve the taste of unsalted food, you can use unsalted spices, herbs, vinegar and lemon.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral which helps your nerves and muscles work well. Some potassium is necessary for good health, but too much can be dangerous. If the potassium level in your blood is too high or too low, it can affect your heartbeat. A very high level can cause the heart to stop beating.

Usually people with CKD don't need to limit their potassium intake; however, if necessary your doctor and nutritionist may recommend you adjust how much potassium you eat. If required, your nutritionist will give you a list of how much potassium is found in various foods and help you make an eating plan. This will help you make wise food choices to keep your potassium level within a healthy range. Some high potassium foods are potatoes, squash, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, dried peas and beans.

Phosphorus (Phosphate)

Phosphorus is a mineral which normally keeps your bones strong and healthy. However, too much phosphorus may cause itchy skin or painful joints. When the kidneys start to fail, your blood phosphate level will rise. Therefore, you may need to limit certain foods which contain even a moderate amount of phosphorus. These include milk, cheese and other milk products, and protein foods such as meat, fish and poultry. However, you still need some milk products and protein foods for overall good nutrition, so your nutritionist will make sure you have enough of these in your daily eating plan.

Generally, foods with very high levels of phosphorus, such as seeds, nuts, dried peas, beans and processed bran cereals, are not included in your daily eating plan.

Your doctor may also prescribe phosphate binders. These medications bind with the phosphorus in your intestine. The bound phosphorus will pass in your stool. You need to take phosphate binders at meals and snacks. Do not take phosphate binders at the same time as iron supplements.

Fluids intake

Some people need to limit their fluids while others can drink any amount they wish. As kidney function decreases, the kidneys may not produce as much urine as before, and your body may become overloaded with fluid. This can cause swelling of the legs, hands and face, high blood pressure and shortness of breath.

To relieve such symptoms, you may need to limit your fluids. Your nutritionist will build your fluid allowance into your daily eating plan. Fluids include water, soup, juice, milk, popsicles and gelatin.

Vitamin and mineral supplements

Normally, a well-balanced diet will supply you with enough vitamins and minerals to keep you in good health. With kidney problems, you may need additional vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and iron. Vitamin and mineral supplements must be prescribed by your doctor in collaboration with your nutritionist. This ensures that you get the right kind. Some over-the-counter vitamins and minerals may be harmful.

Herbal remedies and "health foods"

Before you take any kind of herbal remedy or "health food", discuss this with your nutritionist and doctor. These substances may create serious problems for someone with kidney disease.

Courtesy: The Kidney Foundation of Canada & https://www.medicinenet.com

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