Often we consider food as fuel for our bodies. However, it is much more than that. It creates building blocks for our cells and overall well-being. Food can and does affect one’s health. When someone is diagnosed with CKD, they need to evaluate their diet first. Discuss your diet with a nephrologist and dietician to understand areas to work around.
Most of us prefer taste over health and overlook the effects food brings to our life. Thus, maintaining health becomes a tedious task.
Here are a few things one can follow to improve their diet as a CKD patient:
Limit your fluid intake: Your daily fluid intake depends upon your output. Generally your daily fluid intake should be your output plus 500ml. But, if you are anuric or without any urine for the entire day, it is recommended to restrict it to 1 liter per day only. Remember, fluid includes – soups, beverages, plain water, water in your food preparations and any liquid item that you have in the day.
Understand protein better:
Protein, fat and carbohydrates are the three critical parts of food. Meats, nuts, seeds, dairy, and vegetables are filled with proteins. Protein is needed to build muscle, red blood cells, hormones, and much more. However, often individuals end up with far more protein than needed. Also, for individuals with CKD, protein can be hard on weak kidneys. Therefore, patients with CKD need to follow their dietician’s suggestions when it comes to protein intake.
- Learn about the protein contents of your food.
- Eat less meat and more vegetables.
- Eat the right portion size.
- Find substitutes for the protein and other calories that might be missing.
The amount of protein one needs depends on the CKD stage and if you are on dialysis. The protein needs vary from person to person based on his ideal body weight. A person on dialysis would need 1.2-1.5g per kilogram of ideal body weight.
Limit the intake of phosphorus:
Phosphorus is commonly found in meat, poultry, fish, dairy and cola. The kidneys of CKD patients cannot get rid of the excess phosphorus from the blood. Often, doctors will prescribe phosphate binders to take with each meal and snack. It helps the patients get rid of the phosphorus from their blood.
Keep sodium levels in check:
Sodium controls fluid balance and blood pressure. But often, we end up with more sodium than needed due to processed and packaged foods. Hence, it is crucial to keep sodium levels in check for not only CKD patients but also for everyone. CKD patients must avoid salt substitutes as they have far more potassium than required.
Evaluate potassium levels:
Kidneys are responsible for keeping the mineral potassium in check. Excess potassium and low potassium both are hazardous to one’s health. Ask your dietician how much potassium to aim for every day. At times changing the cooking style can reduce potassium levels in some foods. For example, the process of leaching brings down potassium levels to 70%. You can cook vegetables in water and bring them to a boil before draining them. After that, you can add a little more fresh water to the pieces and boil them again until cooked fully. Consume only low potassium fruits such as pear,papaya,pineapple,strawberries and apples (Restricting it to 2-3 pieces of any one of these fruits per day).
Understand sugar and starch:
If any individual is overweight or struggles with diabetes, it is better to limit sugar and starch. As for patients with CKD, one must limit both sugar and starch as per your doctor’s suggestions. Generally, candies, corn and corn-based products, ice creams, and hard squash are some of the commonly enjoyed foods with high sugar and starch. Though enjoying them once in a while won’t harm someone with healthy kidneys; CKD patients need to take care of them.
Understand your health and take informed decisions to maintain it. Ensure to clarify any doubts you might have with your doctor.
If you want to know more about NephroPlus and CKD click here. In addition, if you want renal-friendly recipes to enjoy guilt-free, click here. Call on 1800 120 001 001 to connect with experts at NephroPlus.