There is no standard “kidney diet” and managing your kidney diet needs can be quite challenging, especially if you have to balance two or more different diets at the same time (such as a diabetic diet or heart health diet with your kidney diet). Additionally, your kidney diet can have a big impact on your quality of life on everything from how well you feel to participating in family celebration and holiday meals.
What is a “Renal Diet”?
A renal diet is simply a diet that has been prescribed for someone with kidney disease. It is based on the stage of kidney disease, blood work results, medications and any other dietary needs that are unique to each person living with kidney disease. Since there is no standard renal diet, the diet can vary from person to person and can change over time. The goals of the diet are complex but can be broken down as such:
- To prevent build-up of the toxins that healthy kidneys normally clear out of the blood;
- To reduce the workload of the kidneys (before dialysis);
- To prevent complications that can occur from a build-up of toxins;
- To meet all your nutritional needs.
While the diet may be different for everyone the common themes are restricted sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and low or high protein needs. Some people may also require a fluid restriction. A registered dietitian will help to devise a nutrition care plan that is individualized to meet your specific needs.
Take a look at these frequently asked questions about the renal diet.
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