Renalnutrition: The Shield in preventing Kidney Complications

What is Renal Nutrition?

Did you know Kidneys play an essential role in maintaining the electrolytes of our bodies? They silently perform their function day and night removing and filtering all the waste in the form of urine and removing metabolic waste and toxicity, expelling it out of the body. They produce erythropoietin needed for synthesis of red blood cells and activate vitamin D for absorption of Calcium.

Kidney failure is defined as e GFR <15 which deteriorates the health of the kidneys and its functional ability. What you eat and drink can help slow down chronic kidney disease. Some foods are better for your kidneys than others. Medical nutrition therapy may prevent and delay the onset and slow the progression of CKD. It may help to manage CKD complications. Delaying the need for dialysis for even a few patients can have a great impact.

A healthy eating pattern limits sodium as higher sodium intake is associated with increased blood pressure. This dietary therapy is tailored according to the unique renal issues majorly controlling the key elements such as potassium, phosphorus, and protein. The adoption of a renal-friendly diet can assist individuals in regulating fluid balance, blood pressure, and electrolyte levels, as well as relieving the burden on their kidneys.

What does Chronic Kidney Disease mean?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a progressive deterioration in kidney function, which occurs gradually over time. This disorder is classified into five separate phases, each reflecting the degree of impairment in kidney function. As chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses, the renal function of waste filtration and electrolyte regulation gets more impaired.

It is typically a progressive disease it is defined as

• Reduction of kidney function-defined as an eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73 m2

AND/ OR

• Evidence of kidney damage, including persistent albuminuria-defined as > 30 mg of urine albumin

Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease

Blood Pressure control may slow CKD progression. Limit the sodium to 2300 miligrams Diabetes Control early may lower CKD risk. Target HbA1c is individualized, based on age, comorbid conditions and frequency of hypoglycemia

Traditional Risk Factors	Non-Traditional Risk Factors
Hypertension	Albuminuria
Diabetes	Anemia
Dyslipidemia	Abnormal metabolism of calcium and phorphorus
Smoking
Age
Inflammation

Diagnosis of CKD

CKD is detected and monitored by two tests:

• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
• Urine albumin -to-creatinine ratio (UACR)

Nutritional Shield: Role of Renal Diet in Preventing Complications

Renal diets also known as Uremic Diets are frequently prescribed by physicians and registered dietitian and nutritionist as a preventative measure with numerous advantages. While it may not eliminate kidney disease, it has a significant impact on risk prevention, disease progression reducing complications and Improving Quality of living.

Who Needs Renal Diet?

• Individuals with chronic kidney disease
• People with kidney stone
• Hypertension (High blood pressure) patients with a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease
• Diabetic patients with CKD
• Post-transplant patients
• Elderly patients with CKD

The Steps to Eating Right

STEP 1: Choose and Prepare food with less salt and sodium.

Look For Food Labels
Sodium free		Reduced Sodium		Low Sodium		Unsalted		Salt Free		Lightly Salted

STEP2: Eat the right amount and right type of protein.

Animal Protein						Plant Protein Foods
Chicken, Fish, Meat, Eggs and Dairy						Beans, Nuts and Grains

STEP3: Choose foods that are healthy for your heart.

Heart Healthy Foods
Meat cuts without fat (Lean)		Fish		Beans		Low fat milk		Cheese
Chicken without Skin		Fruits		Vegetables		Yoghurt

STEP4: Choose foods with less Phosphorus

High Phosphorus food list						Low Phosphorus food list
Mushrooms						Bell pepper
Seeds						White rice
Oatmeal and Milk						Fresh Fruits and Pineapple
Beans and poultry						Watermelon
Meat						Lettuce

STEP5: Choose foods with less Potassium

Potassium contributes to the maintenance of a healthy fluid balance and the proper functioning of muscles and nerves, among other functions in the body. Nonetheless, potassium accumulation in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia, can result from renal disease, making it critical for these individuals to regulate their potassium consumption.

High Potassium food list						Low-Potassium food list
Banana						Apple
Tomatoes						Onion
Beetroot						Blueberries
Bran Cereal						Eggplant
Orange						Cucumber
Spinach						Watermelon
Dates						Pineapple ( not for diabetics)
Potatoes						Peaches
Beans and Nuts						Dairy Foods

STEP 6 : Choose foods with less Sodium.

If your blood has excess sodium the damaged kidneys will find it difficult to clear them; this can cause fluid retention and elevated blood pressure. The vigilant monitoring and restriction of sodium intake are critical components of a renal diet.

High Sodium food list						Low Sodium food list
Fast food						Fish
Olives						Unsalted popcorn
Processed Cheese						Almonds
Instant noodle						Walnuts
Potato chips						Oats

Getting Support for Renal Nutrition right at home with The Food Balance Clinics

At The Food Balance Clinics, we're here to help people dealing with kidney issues, offering an easy way to manage their kidney health from the comfort of their homes. Our experienced dietician creates personalized diet plans for kidneys, focusing on specific needs for the best kidney function. Contact us and get expert advice from our dietician; it helps individuals boost their ability to take care of and improve their kidney health.

Conclusion

Renal Diet can help you prevent and control your blood pressure and electrolytes. Contact our clinics for information on your nutritional care.