What Is A Chronic Kidney Disease Diet And How Is It Different?

Sticking to a healthy diet is itself a ‘mantra’ to keep chronic ailments at bay! It would be sensible to keep track of your daily diet especially when you have been diagnosed with advanced diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) demands necessary changes to your diet that limits protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium along with losing extra kilos through maintaining enough calories. Liquids may also need to be limited in the later stages of CKD.

Alteration in your diet can reduce the risk and control the progression especially if you have other health problems, such as diabetes. However, sharing a word with your renal dietician helps in understanding the meal plan as it is planned based on an individual’s condition.

Read on to know more about a chronic kidney disease diet;

What Kinds Of Diet Changes Are Needed?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has 5 stages. Generally, stages between 1 and 3 are considered to be mild where one might not need to follow a particular diet. However, if the condition worsens, your specialist will refer you to the dietician who will plan meals that are right for you. Here’s what you can expect;

Limiting the portion size of protein you eat to reduce load on the kidney, as it removes waste products of protein from the body in the form of urea. Earlier, complete restriction on protein was suggested to people having kidney disease. Nevertheless, getting the right balance is very important: not too much, not too little! A diet that is too low in protein can lead to fatigue and cause problems with insulin and blood sugar levels.

People with CKD need to focus on sodium intake. Our primary source of sodium is salt, which needs to be reduced to less than 2,300 mg each day. Certainly, the exact amount depends on the stage of kidney disease an individual is experiencing. However, consuming salted snacks, processed meat, or hard cheese should be strictly avoided as they are high in sodium.

Phosphate and calcium are essential for building bone health. If phosphate level increases it will affect the calcium levels causing bones to weaken. Dairy products, beans, whole grains, peas, and nuts are high in phosphorus which needs to be consumed in a moderate manner when you are suffering from CKD. Itchy skin could signify high phosphorus levels in the body.

Normal blood levels of potassium help in regulating kidney functions at their best. Damaged kidneys allow potassium to build up in the blood causing serious heart problems. Limiting potassium is only required when the blood results indicate high levels. Potassium is found in many food Limit potassium if your potassium blood levels are too high. Your dietitian or healthcare provider will tell you if you need to limit potassium. Potassium is found in fruits and vegetables. Apples, strawberries, carrots, white bread, rice milk are some of the food items that have low potassium.

Hydration is the key to preventing kidney illnesses. Somehow, the situation reverses when your kidney starts to malfunction. Along with restrictions on certain foods, your liquid intake is also monitored by the specialist. In advanced stages of CKD, the body starts to retain fluids causing swelling. Excessive fluid build-up disrupts lungs health and raises symptoms like shortness of breath. If you are on haemodialysis, probably daily fluid intake should be what you pass in the urine. 

Goals Of Dietary Therapy In Ckd Patients

·         Firstly, the aim is to slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease along with restricting the need for dialysis.

·         Maintaining optimal nutritional level in the body.

·         Reducing the toxins levels in blood and effects of excess urea.

·         Reducing the risk of cardiovascular and liver diseases.

·         Preventing the loss of lean body mass.

·         Making the right balance of fluid in the body. 

Final Thought

It is highly challenging to manage CKD, especially through diet as the condition can cause a severe reduction in appetite. The mentioned article is a brief guide for the patients and caretakers that help in protecting the kidneys from further damage. Always consult your specialist before making alterations in your diet, it is important to know if it applies to your circumstances or not!.