Kidney Transplant Nutrition - Nephrology, Inc.

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Nephrology, Inc.
710 Park Place
Mishawaka, IN 46545
574-273-6787

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Nutrition for Transplant Patients

Sodium
Low Fat/Low Cholesterol

Exercise

Sodium

What is sodium?

Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in food. Your body uses sodium for several functions including:

Maintaining fluid balance
Regulating blood pressure
Muscle contraction
Nerve activity

How do sodium and salt differ?

The words sodium and salt do not mean the same thing. Sodium is a part of salt. Table salt is a common name for "sodium chloride", which is made up 40% sodium and 60% chloride. You can decrease your sodium intake by not using salt and by watching the kinds of foods you eat.

Why is sodium restricted in the diet?

When your kidneys aren't functioning properly, they lose the ability to get rid of excess dietary sodium. Elevated levels of sodium in the blood can cause:

Excessive thirst
Rapid weight gain
Shortness of breath
High blood pressure
Enlarged heart
Edema (swelling of the feet, legs, fingers)

How do you avoid getting too much sodium?

Avoid foods high in sodium.
Avoid the salt shaker while cooking or at the table.
Limit processed and commercially prepared foods such as:
- American Cheese
- Canned Soups
- T.V. Dinners
- Deli Foods
Read food labels for sodium content. Look for the words salt, soda or sodium on the list of ingredients. If these words are among the first five listed, the food is high in sodium.
Limit seasonings and condiments that are high in sodium such as:
- Garlic Salt
- Hot Sauce
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Morton's Lite Salt 1tsp = 1110 mg of sodium
- Nature's Seasons 1tsp = 1300mg of sodium
- Onion Salt
- Salt 1 tsp = 2325 mg of sodium
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Worcestershire Sauce

For further information on sodium, Contact Us.
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Low Fat/Low Cholesterol

Why is fat/cholesterol restricted?

High blood cholesterol is one of the three modifiable risk factors of coronary artery disease. Because high blood cholesterol is a risk to your health, you need to take steps to lower your blood cholesterol level. The best way to do this is to make sure you eat foods that are low in fat and cholesterol.

What are the types of fat?

Saturated Fat: Contained primarily in animal foods like meat and dairy products, it encourages your body to produce more cholesterol. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated): May lower blood cholesterol. They are usually of vegetable origin, and they are liquid at room temperature.

Dietary Cholesterol: Is found in the food you eat. It is found only in foods of animal origin, not plant origin.

Hydrogenation: A chemical process that changes liquid vegetable oils (unsaturated fats) into a more solid saturated fat.

What are some simple steps to cut back on fat/cholesterol?

Limit foods that are high in fat/cholesterol
Substitute high fat foods with low fat foods, for example 1% or skim milk instead of whole milk

For further information on fat/cholesterol, Contact Us.
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Exercise

Why is exercise important?

To minimize weight gain due to transplant medications and diet changes.

How much should I exercise and how often?

A minimum of three times a week for thirty minutes is recommended. This can be divided up into 3-10 minute increments or 2-15 minute increments.

How do I get started?

Start out slowly
Increase your time gradually
Don't forget to warm up
Don't forget to cool down

What types of exercise can I do?

Here are some examples:

Walk
Jog
Exercise equipment
Bike
Swim
Yard work
Dance
Recreational sports
Aerobics

Always check with your Physician before starting an exercise program/routine.

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