People with compromised Kidney function should monitor their diet and cut down waste in their blood. Kidneys, when not working are unable to remove the filter out waster properly. If this waste is left in the blood, it effects the electrolyte levels in the body. The body’s 3 electrolytes are Sodium, Potassium and Chloride.
Sodium
Sodium is found in most natural foods. Sodium and salt are not the same. Salt is a compound of sodium and chloride. Processed foods contain higher levels of sodium due to the added salt they use to preserve them.
Sodium, if consumed in the correct does is beneficial as follows;
• Regulates Blood Pressure,
• Nerve function and muscle contraction
• Balances how much fluid the body keeps or eliminates.
Sodium intake should be controlled by kidney patients as their kidneys are unable to eliminate the excess sodium and fluid form the body. This causes increased thirst, Edema – which is the swelling of legs, hand and face, high Blood pressure, heart failure as excess fluid can over work the heart which then becomes enlarges and weakens as a result, and shortness of breath.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral found naturally in the body and most foods and plays a pivotal role in keeping the heartbeat regular and muscles working.
It helps maintain a balance in the bloodstream too. The role of the kidney is to ensure the right amount of potassium is kept in the body and the excess is removed into the urine. So when the kidneys fail, monitoring the potassium intake in paramount. Foods high in potassium include avocado, bananas, potatoes, spinach, beans and fish.
Phosphorous
This plays a crucial role in bone maintenance, developments of connective tissues and helps muscle movement. When phosphorous is consumed, the small instestine will absorb the required amount for the bones. The kidneys function, is to expel the excess phosphorous in the body. When this is no undertaken, high phosphorous levels pulls the calcium from your bones making them weak. Foods high in Phosphorous include fast foods, meats, cheese, milk and seeds.
Fluid Intake
Patients on Dialysis have to monitor their food intake as they tend to urinate less frequently, hence fluid builds up in the body which could become dangerous. Fluid intake needs to be calculated for each patient on an individual basis, depending on their dialysis settings and urine output.
Protein
Your body needs protein to grow, heal and stay healthy. Consuming less protein can cause your skin, hair and nails to be weak. However, on the other hand, having too much protein can also be a problem. The correct amount of protein to be taken varies on your body size, activity level and any underlying health concerns.
For Renal patients, limiting their protein intake is critical because a diet very high in protein can make the kidneys work harder and may cause more damage.
