Kidney Diseases by DIET

First Identify Associated complications Presence of infection in the form of fever, fluid deprivation due to vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery etc. excessive sweating or sudden unaccustomed exercises.

Management of Risk Factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Stressful lifestyles
• Obesity
• Lack of exercises
• Smoking & Drugs
• Medicines specially pain killers

Diet plays an important part in management of kidney disease. A balanced diet keeps you healthy and avoids excess protein load on your tiring kidneys.

Protein Regulation

In early stage (predialysis stage) daily protein requirement is 0.6gm/kg body weight. An average Indian weighs 50kgs. It means 30-35 grams of first class dietary proteins can be taken every day. However, patients on Dialysis need 1.2-1.3gm/kg body weight, high biological value proteins, e.g. eggs, chicken, meat, fish, paneer/milk products, soyabean and pulses.

Potassium Regulation

Potassium has to be restricted in diet; it is present in high amounts in fruits, nuts and green vegetables. Potassium can be removed from vegetables by leeching.

Sodium Restriction

To reduce sodium content in diet, do not add salt during cooking or on the table.

Avoid

• Cakes, pastries, biscuits, squash
• Papads, pickles, salted chips, nuts, popcorns
• Commercial soft drinks and proprietary drinks (They are high in sodium/potassium)
• Dried foods like fish, fruits; readymade soups and canned foods

Foods which could be eaten regularly

Sugar, arrow-root, sago preparation, unsalted butter, refined flour, rice preparation, vegetable oil. Vegetables especially after leeching.

As a patient of CKD your recommended diet will change over time, depending upon your kidney function and requirement of the renal replacement therapy you are on. The hospital dietician will explain the changes you need to make in your diet and help you choose the right food.