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Nutrition for Pre-dialysis is made up of many components. A person with kidney disease may not need to follow each of these diets. Please be sure to check with your Nephrologist before making any diet changes.
Nutrition for Kidney Disease/Failure Sodium What is sodium? Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in food. Your body uses sodium for several functions including:
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:
How do you avoid getting too much sodium?
For further information on sodium, Contact Us. Back to Top Potassium What is potassium? Potassium is a mineral needed in the body for moving your muscles and sending messages to your nerves. It also helps control your heart beat and maintains your normal body fluids. Why is potassium restricted in the diet? When your kidneys are not working properly they lose the ability to get rid of excess potassium. High levels of potassium in the blood can be dangerous to your health and can cause:
How do you avoid getting too much potassium?
For further information on potassium, Contact Us. Back to Top Phosphorus What is phosphorus? Phosphorus is a mineral that has many functions in your body. Most importantly, it helps build and maintain bones. Why is phosphorus restricted in the diet? When your kidneys are not functioning properly, they lose the ability to get rid of excess phosphorus from your diet. High phosphorus levels can cause severe itching. Elevated levels of phosphorus in the blood also cause your blood calcium level to drop. The body tries to maintain adequate calcium in the blood by pulling calcium from the bones. Over time, if untreated, bones deteriorate and joints may become enlarged or painful. How do you avoid getting too much phosphorus?
For further information about phosphorus, Contact Us. Back to Top Protein Why is protein restricted in the diet? When protein is broken down in the body, it produces nitrogen wastes. When your kidneys are not functioning properly, they lose the ability to get rid of these waste products. As the level of nitrogen wastes in the blood goes up, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
A low protein diet is designed to lower the amount of wastes in the blood and lessen the work load of the kidney. What does a low protein diet mean? There are two types of protein in the diet, high quality protein and low quality protein. The physician will work with the dietitian to determine the appropriate amount of protein restriction. The physician will consult the dietitian for an appointment to discuss this type of diet restriction. For further information about protein restricted diets, Contact Us. Back to Top Oxalates This diet is for patients who have kidney stones or are prone to developing kidney stones. Why are oxalates restricted in the diet? Evidence suggests that restriction of oxalate containing foods may help prevent the growth of some types of kidney stones. Where are oxalates found? Oxalates are found primarily in foods of plant origin. How do you avoid getting too many oxalates?
For further information on oxalates, Contact Us. Back to Top Consistent, Controlled Carbohydrates: A Guide for Healthy Blood Sugars PURPOSE: Make a difference in your blood sugars by eating
1. Eat at the right time:
2. Eat the right kind of foods:
How do you avoid getting too many carbohydrates? A dietitian can work with you to determine the appropriate amount of carbohydrates you need to consume in a day and which should be consumed to help keep your blood sugar in a controlled state. For further information on carbohydrates, Contact Us. Back to Top Purine This diet is for patients who have symptoms of Gout. Why is purine restricted in the diet? To decrease blood and urinary uric acid levels. Where are oxalates found? Oxalates are found primarily in foods of plant origin. Where is purine found? Purine is primarily found in foods from animal origin. How do you avoid getting too much purine and reduce Gout?
For further information on purines, Contact Us. Back to Top 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?
For further information on fat/cholesterol, Contact Us. Back to Top Copyright 2007, Nephrology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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