The kidneys are important excretory and endocrine organs in the human body, playing a crucial role in maintaining water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, maintaining a stable internal environment, eliminating metabolic products, and regulating endocrine balance. However, some diseases (such as infection, diabetes, hypertension, gout, nutritional deficiency, poisoning, autoimmune diseases, etc.) and some poor environments, drugs, and lifestyles will affect the function of the kidney, leading to the occurrence of kidney diseases. Patients with kidney disease should not overly worry, as kidney disease can be treated and controlled with current medical technology. Kidney disease patients should not only pay attention to the treatment of the disease, but also pay attention to their diet. As the saying goes, "disease enters through the mouth", so special attention should be paid to diet. Reasonable diet management is crucial for controlling disease progression and protecting kidney function. To share with everyone the dietary taboos and nutritional guidance for kidney disease patients, hoping to help them better control the disease and maintain kidney health.
1、 Diet contraindication for nephrotic patients
1. High sodium diet: nephrotic patients should avoid high sodium diet, because high sodium easily leads to water and sodium retention in the body, increases the burden on the kidney, and then aggravates the symptoms of kidney disease, such as obvious edema and hypertension. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize the consumption of high sodium foods such as soy sauce, chicken essence, various sauces, pickled vegetables, canned foods, pickled foods, instant noodles, etc.
2. High phosphorus diet: When kidney function is impaired, it can lead to an increase in blood phosphorus, increasing the risk of bone diseases. Therefore, kidney disease patients should avoid consuming foods and beverages containing food additives, such as processed meat, ham, sausages, canned fish, fried chicken, baked goods, cola, and other soft packaged beverages.
3. High potassium diet: When kidney function declines in patients with kidney disease, it can lead to an increase in blood potassium, increasing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, high potassium foods such as bananas, potatoes, spinach, beans and their products, mushrooms, pickled foods, nuts, etc. should be avoided.
4. High protein diet: For some kidney disease patients, especially those with impaired kidney function, excessive protein intake can increase the burden on the kidneys and worsen disease progression. Therefore, protein intake should be appropriately restricted.
5. High fat and sugar diet: nephrotic patients should avoid taking too much saturated fatty acid and trans fatty acid, and should avoid taking too much sugar. These too much fat and sugar will increase the risk of cardiovascular and diabetes, and will also aggravate kidney damage. Plant oil and low sugar should be the main choices, and the intake of sugar and animal fat should be limited.
2、 Nutritional guidance for kidney disease patients
1. Low salt diet: Kidney disease patients should follow a low salt diet and control sodium intake, which can help alleviate symptoms of edema and hypertension. Eat more fresh ingredients and less processed foods. When cooking, the taste should be as light as possible, and less salt, soy sauce, monosodium glutamate, chicken essence and other seasonings should be added. Scallions, ginger, garlic and vinegar can be used more for seasoning.
2. Low phosphorus diet: Kidney disease patients should avoid consuming high phosphorus foods and eat more low phosphorus foods, such as rice, flour, vegetables, fruits, etc., which can help control the increase of blood phosphorus.
3. Low potassium diet: For patients with impaired kidney function, a low potassium diet should be followed to reduce the intake of high potassium foods such as potatoes and bananas. However, while following a low potassium diet, it is recommended to regularly check electrolytes to understand blood potassium levels and avoid causing low potassium reactions such as limb weakness, reduced gastrointestinal motility, and heart discomfort.
4. Moderate protein: For patients with kidney disease, protein is an important nutrient for the body, but it should be consumed in moderation. It is recommended to choose high-quality protein such as fish, poultry, lean meat, eggs, etc.
5. Supplementing vitamins and trace elements: Kidney disease patients are prone to vitamin and trace element deficiencies, and should supplement with appropriate amounts of vitamin B, vitamin C, folate, vitamin D, etc. Regularly monitor the levels of trace elements such as iron, zinc, and calcium in the blood.
6. Adequate drinking water: Kidney disease patients should maintain an appropriate amount of water as much as possible, which can help promote the excretion of urine and urea nitrogen. They should eat dry and not dilute food, drink less soup, and reduce the burden on the kidneys. If there are obvious symptoms such as edema, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and inability to lie flat, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately.
In terms of diet, kidney disease patients need to adjust according to their own condition and physical condition, follow the advice of doctors and nutritionists, and develop a reasonable diet plan. At the same time, kidney disease patients also need to regularly monitor various indicators of urine and blood, adjust their diet plan in a timely manner, and maintain good nutritional status and kidney function. I hope this short article can increase society's attention to dietary management for kidney disease patients, help them better control the disease, and improve their quality of life.