End-stage renal disease, popularly known as Kidney failure is the stage in time when your kidneys no longer work. Function of the kidneys is to filter fluids, wastes and excess minerals from the body. Then they eliminate them via urination. When kidneys fail dialysis is the only way out. So we should be careful before such situation arise and pay attention to what we are letting go into our system. This is what is suggested by National Kidney Foundation. Minerals like potassium and phosphorous that build inside our body between sessions of dialysis are dangerous for our system. Following are the dos and don’ts in the eating department for people who have this End-stage renal disease.
Potassium:
National Kidney Foundation advises that when kidneys fail potassium builds up inside our body that our system is unable to remove. This puts you at the risk of unbalanced heartbeat and may be heart failure. So you must eat moderately as it is found in most foods and should be avoided. Some fruits have more of it for example bananas, cantaloupe, oranges and their juice, mangoes, honeydew melons, kiwi, papaya, avocado, prunes and their juice. Vegetables to be avoided are any type of potatoes, tomatoes, their sauces and soups, spinach, dried beans, peas, cooked mushrooms, and winter squash. Nuts, seeds and whole grains are also high in potassium.
Proteins:
Enough proteins are a basic part of renal diet. To maintain body’s nutritional status, prevent it from breaking proteins for energy and to keep immune system strong we need additional proteins says Registered Dietitian Stacey Adams. Protein needs are based on your weight and age. And it’s higher than that before developing ESRD. Protein should be taken through poultry, pork, fish and eggs and protein sources like processed meats should be avoided.
Phosphorous:
When phosphorus levels heighten in body it causes calcium loss from bones and this happens when kidneys no longer function to remove phosphorus and this leaves bones as fragile and easily broken states National Kidney Foundation. Dairy foods are rich in phosphorus so rice milk or non dairy creamer should be used instead. Whole grains are also rich in it and hence be avoided. Chocolate and caramel should also be avoided. Doctors often prescribe medication named phosphorous binder to help control phosphorus.
Sodium:
Another mineral that needs to be restricted if you have kidney failure is Sodium. It causes fluid retention, high blood pressure and swelling in tissues. Bulk of your intake of sodium comes from table salt i.e. one spoon equals 2,300 mg sodium doctors usually restrict at 2,000-2,300 per day says one provider of dialysis from Fresenius Medical Center.
Fast foods and those processed are rich in sodium so better take homemade. Avoid canned and frozen food. Salted snacks should be substituted with unsalted ones. Instead of salt-based seasoning, use dried spices or herbs.
Restrict Fluids:
Most patients with ESRD need to check their fluids intake. This will be decided by your physician based on how much urine is still produced by your kidneys. If output of urine declines it leads to swelling in your body. Too much fluid intake will overload and will enter lungs and surround heart. Fluids mean anything liquid at room temperature.