Once acute renal failure has developed, prompt recognition and action facilitate restoration of optimal
renal function. Correction of the underlying condition, such as hydration for a client with hypovolemic shock,
may be all that is necessary.
Here are some of the pointers on diet for kidney problems:
- Enough energy should be provided for patients with acute renal failure to be able to provide sufficient
amount of weight maintenance and to meet the demands of stress accompanying ARF, usually 30-40 kcal/kg of body
weight.
- Nutritional needs are also determined by the treatments that are used by the patient such as dialysis.
Another determinant of nutrition and diet is the cause of ARF. There are generalized variations in patients who
have trauma, burns, or infections to those who had ARF caused by other diseases. In addition, some diseases and
medications affect the patient's appetite thus increasing the need for nutritional balance.
- Fats, oils and simple carbohydrates, and low protein starches should provide non protein kilo calories. -
Fluids are also monitored closely. They are replaced basing upon how much water does the body get rid of each
day including vomitus, urine and diarrhea.
- In cases where dialysis is not a treatment option, protein should be regulated to 0.6 grams per kilogram body
weight. While this is a well accepted value, it should not exceed more than 40 grams on any person. This is the
most accepted value for diet for kidney problems.
- When you are on dialysis, it is much less restrictive on protein as it can be individualized to 1.0 to 1.4
g/kg of body weight.
- On both occasions, however, the use of biologically high value protein is strongly recommended to be followed
in diet for kidney problems.
- During the oliguric phase, sodium salt might be restricted to 1000mg to 2000mg and potassium to 1000 mg per
day. These are two of the most vital electrolytes that the body needs and they may be lost during the period of
frequent urination. Thus, replacement might be necessary for diet for kidney problems.
Acute renal failure treatment, as with any treatment, needs the cooperation and adherence of regimen from
the patient. Providing an optimal quality of life involves concerted efforts by all members of the health care
team with the client and family members as active partners.
Resources:
Diet for Kidney Disease
Diets for Kidney Disease