Diet Considerations for Patients with Renal Insufficiency
Introduction
Many people associate special diets with patients who have had heart problems such as high blood pressure or heart attack. However, special diets are also in place for people with other medical conditions. One of these medical conditions is renal insufficiency, also known as chronic kidney failure. Patients who are dealing with chronic kidney failure must keep a close eye on their diets to prevent adding stress to the kidneys and making their condition worse.
Low-Potassium Diet
People with chronic kidney failure need to limit the amount of potassium they eat at each meal. The kidneys are responsible for maintaining potassium levels in the body, but people with renal problems are unable to balance potassium levels properly. This is why it is important that excessive amounts of potassium are avoided. People with kidney problems must limit their portions of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products so that their potassium levels are not increased. If a low-potassium diet is not followed, hyperkalemia (high potassium) can result. This condition can cause nausea, slow pulse, numbness, weakness, or even sudden death if levels get high enough.
Low-Sodium Diet
People with chronic kidney failure often have difficulty with swelling of the ankles, eyelids, and other body parts. This is due to the fluid retention that can result from problems with the kidneys. Avoiding sodium in foods and beverages can help to reduce some of the fluid retention and keep swelling to a minimum. If you have kidney problems, you should avoid adding salt to your food and you should also avoid foods that are known to be high in sodium. This includes bread, potato chips and other salty snacks, canned soups, canned vegetables, and frozen meals.
Low-Phosphorus Diet
Some people with chronic kidney failure have trouble maintaining the proper levels of phosphorus in their bloodstreams. As a result, their physicians put them on low-phosphorus diets. If you are on a low-phosphorus diet, you need to avoid foods such as potatoes, corn, chocolate, and colored soft drinks.
Fluid Restriction
The kidneys are responsible for maintaining the proper balance of fluid in the body. In someone who has renal insufficiency, this function may be compromised, so many people with kidney problems must restrict the amount of fluid they consume. For people with mild insufficiency, this may mean only drinking fewer beverages each day. For people who are on dialysis and have end stage renal disease, fluids may be prohibited entirely.
