Diet For Kidney Disease Patients
The best diet for kidney disease patients comprises of foodstuff that does not aggravate the said condition
and keeping the mindset of always being in control. People, even health conscious ones and those who have impaired
bodily conditions seem to lose control when food is involved, eating whatever satisfies their craving. After the
habit, they soon realize that their condition is aggravated but it is already too late.
Diet for kidney disease patients includes having a carbohydrate rich diet. Having some Dry toast in the
morning, rice, crackers or biscuits will do the trick. Having richer intake of these allows the body to recuperate
much faster. With carbohydrates as a source for energy for daily activities, protein sources are kept to a
minimum and lessen nitrogenous wastes from building up. Repairs for any damages in the kidney will also be
faster if there are enough carbohydrates readily available for use. As mentioned, a low protein diet is also very
important since the kidney primarily processes and filters this food component.
If not processed properly by the kidney, nitrogenous waste would build up and cause
a condition known as azotemia. This is dangerous when nitrogenous waste ascend to the brain causing incoherence
and other neurologic deficits. By lowering or not at all taking in protein, “rest” is provided for the
kidneys. Sodium intake should also be lowered or if possible, not taken at all. Wherever sodium goes,
water follows. Sodium in the blood pulls in water and increases but dilutes the blood volume of the body
thereby, further increasing the body’s blood pressure.
Explanation on how diet for kidney disease patients connect with
high bloof pressure.
With the blood pressure already increased in renal failure patients because of the
improper regulation of the kidney (which controls blood pressure through RAAS), increase in sodium intake
further aggravates it. Potassium, an important electrolyte for heart functioning is also increased in renal
failure cases. Thus, it is advisable to have low potassium intake from food sources like apples and banana.
Of course, diet for kidney disease patients would not be complete without daily intake of 2-3 liters of
drinking water. Water, the universal solvent, is important in normal individuals but most especially those with
kidney disease. Some physicians even order their clients to FORCE FLUIDS. What it means is that the client must
take 3-4 liters of drinking water per day in order to flush out toxins that are already accumulated. Toxins
accumulate because of the improper or insufficient kidney filtration of the body and would need to be excreted out
of the body through urine.
In following this diet for kidney disease patients, it is also important to keep track of food sources. Don’t buy
processed food if possible or if you decide to, at least look at the nutrition facts at the back of the food label
to be sure that you are not increasing the nutrients, minerals and electrolytes that are already in excess or
lowering those that already are decreased in amounts.
Resources:
Diet for Kidney Disease
Diet for Kidney Failure
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