Nephrology and Renal Care

Renal Nutrition & Diet

Compromised kidney functions people are often advised to follow a renal diet that is low in sodium, phosphorous, and protein as to cut down the amount of waste in their blood. The kidneys do not tend to remove waste and fluids properly when they are compromised kidneys. The renal nutrition and diet emphasize maintaining a balance between food intake and usually limiting fluids. Every person’s body is different and so are their requirements so a renal dietician tailors a diet according to their need. Kidney patients monitor sodium intake as kidneys cannot eliminate excess sodium and fluid. Kidney failure can no longer remove excess potassium and thus it causes hyperkalemia and to avoid that, paying attention to serving size, choosing fresh produce, limiting dairy products, and substituting salt with other spices help. Monitoring phosphorus intake as high levels of phosphorus can pull calcium out of the bones, and make them weak so avoiding the word “PHOS” on ingredient labels, eating smaller portions, and choosing foods that have low phosphorous. 

Related associations and societies:  Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN), Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), California Dialysis Council (CDC), International Society for Hemodialysis (ISHD), American Society of Transplantation (AST), International Society of Nephrology (ISN), American Society of Nephrology (ASN), UK Kidney Association (UKKA), Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN), Hong Kong Society of Nephrology (HKSN), Saudi Society of Nephrology and Transplantation (SSN&T)