Dietitian Anuradha: Nutrition & Renal Diseases: Are You Eating Right?

Nutrition is very important, for treatment of any chronic disease. The question is about nutrition and renal disease; are you eating right? Challenge becomes bigger when there is organ damage involved. Kidney is a very crucial organ, which plays several important functions.

Avoid renal disease

Before I discuss diet for renal disease, I wish to talk about how to avoid renal disease.

1. Drink plenty of water to avoid kidney stones

2. Avoid excess salt, processed food, keep blood pressure in check

3. Follow balanced diet and healthy lifestyle including water, exercise and sleep. This will avoid diabetes.

Please note, diabetes is one of the leading causes of renal disease.

4. Manage stress, meditate, enjoy, and include recreational activities.

Renal Disease and nutritional problems

Diet in renal disease is based on the issues that are caused by the disease itself. Let’s try to understand:

1. Since kidney is unable to excrete urine, water retention in system happens. Water intake can be maximum 500 ml + amount of urine excreted per day.

2. Kidney has a system called rennin-angiotensin system which helps in maintaining blood pressure. Diseased kidney cannot handle this well. Hence, blood pressure fluctuates.

For this reason, salt restriction is very important.

3. Potassium is very crucial in renal disease. Sudden increase in potassium can lead to severe consequences.

Most fruits, vegetables, pulses, potatoes etc have potassium. Judicious choices are important as avoiding so many foods can cause deficiencies.

4. Erythropoietin system in kidney is responsible to maintain Red Blood Cells. Hence managing hemoglobin will require supplementation in kidney disease.

5. Phosphorus increase causes calcium loss from bones; the balance needs to be maintained. Hence, phosphorus rich foods are to be taken judiciously too.

Milk products being important source are mostly stopped, but they are important for other imp nutrients too, especially in vegetarian diet.

6. Protein restriction is most emphasized on. Please try to understand:

i. Chronic disease causes excessive protein loss in human system.

ii. Indians already take less protein in diet as compared to their requirement.

iii. Kidney disease require protein restriction

iv. Protein Restriction is 70-80% of the person’s ideal requirement, not less than what the patient is eating.

v. Protein restriction does not hold for patient on dialysis. In fact, lot of restrictions are relaxed for patients

7. Since, renal disease related diet is very restrictive, with good precautions also deficiencies occur. Supplementations are required with the help of medical practitioners

Renal Disease with other disease

Diet in renal disease is not very easy to frame anyways. When clubbed with other disease like blood pressure or diabetes, it becomes seriously difficult.

Simple fact, since proteins are restricted in Renal diet, carb rich diet is ideally given for the protein sparing action. In diabetic diet, carbs are restricted according to requirement. Opposite diets – two diseases –one patient. How do we manage?

Cannot write that in blog, as I do not wish people to follow it and get more sick. Patient will have to visit a qualified dietitian, period.

Final Word

If we do not want this to happen, take care of your health. Chronic disease can be avoided with proper diet and lifestyle. Prevention is better than cure.

The black mark on your neck is not dirt it is Acanthosis Nigricans. It means insulin resistance. You are already heading towards diabetes and eventually kidney disease. STOP NOW.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How the Best Child Nutritionist in Kolkata Can Help Your Child Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Image
Raising a healthy child goes beyond just providing meals—it’s about instilling lifelong habits that ensure proper growth, energy, and overall well-being. Many parents face challenges like picky eating, junk food cravings, or nutritional deficiencies in their children. This is where the best child nutritionist in Kolkata can make a real difference. With the right guidance, your child can develop healthy eating habits that support both physical and mental growth. Why Consult the Best Child Nutritionist in Kolkata? The best child nutritionist in Kolkata understands the unique nutritional needs of growing children. Every child is different—what works for one may not work for another. A professional nutritionist takes into account age, lifestyle, activity level, and medical history before designing a personalized diet plan. This ensures your child gets the right balance of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. How the Best Child Nutritionist in Kolkata Builds Health...
Read more

Essential Cancer Diet Plan: Foods to Avoid and Foods to Include

Image
A cancer diet plan plays a vital role in supporting treatment and recovery. Proper  health diet and nutrition can help manage symptoms, boost the immune system, and improve overall quality of life during cancer treatment. Additionally, certain foods are linked to a reduced risk of cancer and can be part of an effective prevention strategy. Here’s a guide to meal plans for cancer patients and foods to eat to prevent cancer : Foods to Avoid in a Cancer Diet Plan: 1. Processed Meats & Grilled Foods : Processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs contain nitrates, which, when metabolized, form carcinogenic compounds. Similarly, grilling or smoking meats at high temperatures can create harmful chemicals. Recommendation: Choose fresh, lean proteins like chicken, fish, or plant-based options. Cook at lower temperatures to reduce the formation of carcinogens. 2. Excessive Red Meat: While red meat can be a source of essential nutrients, consuming it in large amounts, espe...
Read more

Healthy Habits for a Cancer-Free Life

Image
Cancer is a daunting reality that affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s a scary thought, there are ways to prevent and manage this disease. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of a balanced lifestyle, diet and stress management in preventing cancer. In today’s world, it’s challenging to avoid cancer-causing agents entirely. However, by making conscious choices, we can reduce our risk. A healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and stress management are crucial in preventing cancer. Dietary Changes for Cancer Prevention A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help prevent cancer . Here are some foods that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties: – Leafy greens like methi, amaranth, and dhaniya – Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli – Berries, citrus fruits, and other antioxidant-rich foods – Omega-3 rich foods like nuts and seeds – Probiotic-rich foods like curd and fermented vegetables Lifestyle Changes for C...
Read more