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What should I watch in my diet?
There are several nutrients that you might need to control in your diet including protein, sodium and phosphorus. Some people with kidney disease also need to control their potassium intake. Calories are important too, because they provide the energy you need to use for the other nutrients.
A. Protein
Protein is used by the body to build new tissues and replace old or damaged tissues. You need to eat protein every day to keep up with your body’s demand for cell growth. There are two kinds of protein, animal protein and plant protein. Like the name says, animal proteins are proteins that come from animals such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk. Plant proteins come from plants. Examples include vegetables, breads and cereals.
Ask your doctor if you need to adjust your protein intake. Your dietitian will calculate how much protein you need, depending on your kidney function, your body size, and your health.
B. Sodium
Sodium is a mineral that holds water in your body and increases blood pressure. Normally when you eat sodium, your kidneys get rid of what your body doesn't need. When your kidneys aren't working well, sodium builds up in your body. This can make your blood pressure go up which may damage your kidneys and heart even further. The sodium in your diet comes from the food you eat and the salt you add. Salt (sodium chloride) is 40% sodium.
In addition to not adding salt to your food, you should avoid foods that have extra salt already in them. Examples of high salt foods include canned soup, luncheon meats, pickles, cured meats, snack foods, cheese, TV dinners, soy sauce, seasoning salt and fast foods. Most “convenience foods” contain lots of salt. Read the nutrition labels to see how much.
Click here to see more about Sodium Guidelines for people with CKD.
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C. Phosphorus
In addition to watching protein, you may be told to reduce your phosphorus intake. A low phosphorus diet has been linked to slowing kidney damage. Phosphorus is a mineral that combines with calcium in the body to make bones and teeth. Normally kidneys get rid of extra phosphorus. When your kidneys aren't working well they can't get rid of the extra phosphorous and it builds up in your blood. High blood phosphorus makes blood calcium go down. Your body tries to fix this by taking calcium from the bones which makes them weak. The extra phosphorus and calcium in your blood can damage your heart, lungs and blood vessels.
Phosphorus is found in almost all foods but is especially high in meat, milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, dried beans and nuts. Phosphorus is also used as an additive and preservative in many processed foods. Ask you doctor about your blood phosphorus level. If it is high, a dietitian can help you plan a low phosphorus diet.
D. Potassium
As kidney failure progresses you may also need to watch potassium. Potassium is a mineral found in many foods, but mostly in fruits and vegetables. Normally when you eat potassium, your kidneys get rid of what your body doesn't need. When your kidneys aren't working well, they may not get rid of excess potassium so it builds up in your blood. If your blood potassium is high your kidney doctor may refer you to a dietitian who can help you plan a low potassium diet.
E. Calories
It is very common for people with kidney disease to have a low appetite. If your appetite has decreased or if you are following a low protein diet, you may not be eating enough calories to stay healthy. If you have cut down on protein, you probably cut out some calories too. You need to replace those calories or your body will use the protein you eat for energy instead of building blocks.
It is very important that you maintain a healthy weight when you have kidney disease. If you are losing body weight, check with your dietitian. Even if you are overweight, it is important to eat enough protein and calories to spare your muscles.
F. Vitamins
If you follow a CKD diet you may not be eating enough vitamins. Some vitamin pills also have things in them that are harmful for people with kidney disease, so ask your doctor or dietitian about what vitamins you might need.
