A renal diet is a diet aimed at keeping levels of fluids, electrolytes, and minerals balanced in the body in individuals with chronic kidney disease or who are on dialysis. Dietary changes may include the restriction of fluid intake, protein, and electrolytes including sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. [1] Calories may also be supplemented if the individual is losing weight undesirably. [1]
The diet may help limit the buildup of waste products within the body and reduce strain on the kidneys, as well as reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of fluid build-up around the heart and lungs. [2] [3] [4] [5] Phosphorus restriction can help maintain bone health, as phosphorus buildup in the blood results in the leaching of calcium from bones and subsequently an increased fracture risk. [6] The evidence supporting uptake of a renal diet and a reduction in cardiovascular events and mortality is limited, but dietary interventions may increase health-related quality of life and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) while lowering serum albumin and serum cholesterol levels. [4]
The restrictiveness of a renal diet depends on the severity of the patient's kidney disease, and the diet should be undertaken with the advice of a dietician. [5] [7] Patients with comorbid conditions like diabetes may need to further alter their diets to meet the needs of those conditions simultaneously. [7]
Diet modification is recommended in those diagnosed with CKD stage 3-5 or GFR <60 mL/min/1.732 that are NOT on dialysis. Those with eGFR greater than or equal to 60 mL/min/1.732 are recommended to follow the general population dietary recommendations (DASH diet). [8]
Sodium restriction in CKD has been studied and recommended in individuals w/ coexisting hypertension, volume overload or proteinuria. Sodium restriction to <2 g/day (<5 g/day of salt) has shown improved blood pressure control, improved volume control and reduced proteinuria. [9] [10] [11] [12] High sodium intake of above 6g/day has been shown to increase rates of cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall mortality. [13] [14]
|
Salt/sodium-free | Less than 5 mg of sodium per serving |
Very low sodium | 35 mg or less of sodium per serving |
Low sodium | 140 mg or less of sodium per serving |
Reduced sodium | At least 25% less sodium than the regular product |
Light or lite in sodium | At least 50% less sodium than the regular product |
No salt added or unsalted | No salt is added during processing, but these products may not be salt/sodium-free unless stated |
Potassium management for individuals with CKD is variable and dependent on various factors including CKD stage/eGFR, serum potassium levels and concomitant use of potassium altering medications such as ACE inhibitors/ARBs. Potassium regulation requires an individualized approach with the assistance of a dietician and physician.
Fruits | Vegetables | Proteins | Dairy | Other |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bananas Oranges Raisins Avocado Coconut Figs Kiwi Mango Prunes Nectarines Cantaloupe | Artichokes Baked beans Beets Brussels sprouts Chard Olives Potatoes Pickles Pumpkin Tomato Acorn squash Butternut squash | Beans (black/kidney/pinto) Lobster Salmon Sardines Scallops Whitefish | Milk Ice cream Processed cheese Yogurt | Chocolate Peanuts Peanut butter Sports drinks |
Fruits | Vegetables | Proteins | Grain | Fluids | Snacks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apples Blueberries Cherries Dried fruits: apples, blueberries, cherries, coconut, cranberries Grapes Lychee Pear Persimmon Pineapple Plum Raspberries Strawberries Tangerines Watermelon | Asparagus Bean sprouts Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Cherry tomatoes Corn Cucumber Eggplant Green or wax beans Greens: collard, mustard, turnip Jicama Kale Leeks Lettuce Mushrooms Okra Onion Peas: green, sugar snap, snow Peppers: green, red, yellow, jalapeño Radish Spinach (raw) Squash: spaghetti, yellow Turnips Water chestnuts | Beans Beef Chicken Edamame Eggs (whole or egg whites) Fish Lamb Lentils Pork Tofu Turkey Veal Wild game | Bagel (half) Bread loaf Cereal Corn tortilla Couscous English muffin (half) Old-fashioned or steel-cut oatmeal Pasta Pita (half) Quinoa Rice Rice cakes Slow-cook Cream of Wheat Slow-cook grits | 100% fruit juices: apple, cranberry, grape, pineapple Fresh-brewed coffee Fresh-brewed tea: black, herbal Fresh-squeezed lemonade Nectars: apricot, guava, mango, papaya, peach, pear Sodas: club, lemon-lime Water: sparkling, tap | All-natural fruit leather Animal crackers Applesauce Frozen fruit bars Fruit cocktail Homemade desserts: fruit pie or cobbler Italian ice Nuts, seeds and natural nut butters (2 tablespoons) Rice Krispies Treats® Sherbet Unsalted snacks: crackers, pita chips, popcorn, pretzels, tortilla chips |
Increased serum phosphate levels in CKD is associated with poor bone health, increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. [15] [16] Although there isn't enough evidence that dietary restriction of phosphorus leads to decreased serum phosphorus, KDOQI recommends a maximum of 0.8 to 1 g/day intake restriction of dietary phosphorus. [17]
Serum phosphate levels in CKD are heavily influenced by calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. In CKD, the kidneys are unable to make adequate amounts of vitamin D, resulting in decreased calcium absorption. Low calcium leads to parathyroid hormone release, which moves calcium and phosphorus out of bones and into the blood. Therefore calcium supplementation in CKD patients results in decreased PTH and decreased phosphorus levels. KDOQI recommends a calcium intake goal of 800 to 1000 mg/day (diet and medications combined). [17] Excessive calcium supplementation of 2000 mg/day for CKD patients may result in calcium deposition in other tissues leading to calcification. [18]
Protein | Grains | Dairy | Fluids |
---|---|---|---|
Pre-packaged or breaded meats and fish Deli meats Hot dogs Processed meats | Biscuits Muffins Corn bread Pancakes Waffles | Processed cheeses Cheese sauces Ice cream Milk Pudding Frozen yogurt | Beer Hot cocoa Canned soup Some carbonated beverages, flavored waters and teas Milk Milkshakes Some protein shakes |
Protein | Grains | Dairy | Fruits |
---|---|---|---|
Fresh meats without breading or marinades Turkey breast/thigh, skinless Chicken breast/thigh skinless Pork chop/roast Salmon Sea bass Shrimp Yellowfin | Flour tortillas: without baking powder White pita bread White bread Sourdough bread | Almond milk Sour cream Soy milk Egg whites Cream cheese: 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons | Apple Cherries Peach Pineapple Strawberries |
A low protein diet for individuals with non-dialysis CKD has shown to lower the rate of CKD progression and electrolyte balance. Low protein diets of <0.8 g/kg/day have shown improved CKD management with reduced serum phosphorus, serum urea nitrogen and reduced protein in the urine. [19] [20] [21] A very low protein diet (0.28 g/kg/day) is not recommended due to the possibility of malnutrition. The National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) recommends a low protein diet of 0.55-0.6 g/kg/day but specific levels of protein intake varies for each individual and should be altered with the advice of a dietician and/or physician. [22] [23]
Kidney stone disease, also known as renal calculus disease, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, is a crystallopathy where a solid piece of material develops in the urinary tract. Renal calculi typically form in the kidney and leave the body in the urine stream. A small calculus may pass without causing symptoms. If a stone grows to more than 5 millimeters, it can cause blockage of the ureter, resulting in sharp and severe pain in the lower back that often radiates downward to the groin. A calculus may also result in blood in the urine, vomiting, or painful urination. About half of people who have had a renal calculus are likely to have another within ten years.
Kidney disease, or renal disease, technically referred to as nephropathy, is damage to or disease of a kidney. Nephritis is an inflammatory kidney disease and has several types according to the location of the inflammation. Inflammation can be diagnosed by blood tests. Nephrosis is non-inflammatory kidney disease. Nephritis and nephrosis can give rise to nephritic syndrome and nephrotic syndrome respectively. Kidney disease usually causes a loss of kidney function to some degree and can result in kidney failure, the complete loss of kidney function. Kidney failure is known as the end-stage of kidney disease, where dialysis or a kidney transplant is the only treatment option.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a type of kidney disease in which a gradual loss of kidney function occurs over a period of months to years. Initially generally no symptoms are seen, but later symptoms may include leg swelling, feeling tired, vomiting, loss of appetite, and confusion. Complications can relate to hormonal dysfunction of the kidneys and include high blood pressure, bone disease, and anemia. Additionally CKD patients have markedly increased cardiovascular complications with increased risks of death and hospitalization.
Metabolic acidosis is a serious electrolyte disorder characterized by an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance. Metabolic acidosis has three main root causes: increased acid production, loss of bicarbonate, and a reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete excess acids. Metabolic acidosis can lead to acidemia, which is defined as arterial blood pH that is lower than 7.35. Acidemia and acidosis are not mutually exclusive – pH and hydrogen ion concentrations also depend on the coexistence of other acid-base disorders; therefore, pH levels in people with metabolic acidosis can range from low to high.
A high-protein diet is a diet in which 20% or more of the total daily calories come from protein. Many high protein diets are high in saturated fat and restrict intake of carbohydrates.
Protein toxicity is the effect of the buildup of protein metabolic waste compounds, like urea, uric acid, ammonia, and creatinine. Protein toxicity has many causes, including urea cycle disorders, genetic mutations, excessive protein intake, and insufficient kidney function, such as chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Symptoms of protein toxicity include unexplained vomiting and loss of appetite. Untreated protein toxicity can lead to serious complications such as seizures, encephalopathy, further kidney damage, and even death.
Phosphate binders are medications used to reduce the absorption of dietary phosphate; they are taken along with meals and snacks. They are frequently used in people with chronic kidney failure (CKF), who are less able to excrete phosphate, resulting in an elevated serum phosphate.
Renal osteodystrophy is currently defined as an alteration of bone morphology in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is one measure of the skeletal component of the systemic disorder of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). The term "renal osteodystrophy" was coined in 1943, 60 years after an association was identified between bone disease and kidney failure.
Sevelamer (rINN) is a phosphate binding medication used to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. When taken with meals, it binds to dietary phosphate and prevents its absorption. Sevelamer was invented and developed by GelTex Pharmaceuticals. Sevelamer is marketed by Sanofi under the brand names Renagel and Renvela.
Microalbuminuria is a term to describe a moderate increase in the level of urine albumin. It occurs when the kidney leaks small amounts of albumin into the urine, in other words, when an abnormally high permeability for albumin in the glomerulus of the kidney occurs. Normally, the kidneys filter albumin, so if albumin is found in the urine, then it is a marker of kidney disease. The term microalbuminuria is now discouraged by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes and has been replaced by moderately increased albuminuria.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is the medical condition of excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands in response to hypocalcemia, with resultant hyperplasia of these glands. This disorder is primarily seen in patients with chronic kidney failure. It is sometimes abbreviated "SHPT" in medical literature.
Cystatin C or cystatin 3, a protein encoded by the CST3 gene, is mainly used as a biomarker of kidney function. Recently, it has been studied for its role in predicting new-onset or deteriorating cardiovascular disease. It also seems to play a role in brain disorders involving amyloid, such as Alzheimer's disease. In humans, all cells with a nucleus produce cystatin C as a chain of 120 amino acids. It is found in virtually all tissues and body fluids. It is a potent inhibitor of lysosomal proteinases and probably one of the most important extracellular inhibitors of cysteine proteases. Cystatin C belongs to the type 2 cystatin gene family.
The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a Class C G-protein coupled receptor which senses extracellular levels of calcium ions. It is primarily expressed in the parathyroid gland, the renal tubules of the kidney and the brain. In the parathyroid gland, it controls calcium homeostasis by regulating the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). In the kidney it has an inhibitory effect on the reabsorption of calcium, potassium, sodium, and water depending on which segment of the tubule is being activated.
Malnutrition–inflammation complex (syndrome) (MICS), also known as malnutrition–inflammation–cachexia syndrome, is a common condition in chronic disease states such as chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure.
Calcium acetate/magnesium carbonate is a fixed-dose combination drug that contains 110 mg calcium and 60 mg magnesium ions and is indicated as a phosphate binder for dialysis patients with hyperphosphataemia. It is registered by Fresenius Medical Care under the trade names Renepho (Belgium) and OsvaRen.
The International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) is a learned society on nephrology that has the objective of advancing knowledge, education and awareness pertaining to nutrition and metabolism in kidney disease by fostering communication of the advancements of knowledge in renal nutrition. The ISRNM website states that it promotes expert patient care, advances medical research, and educates the kidney community on the role of nutrition in chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury including the role of nutritional status, uremic malnutrition, protein-energy wasting, and dietary derangement. The site also mentions a role in informing policymakers about issues of relevant to kidney and nutrition communities and the patients.
Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh is a US American physician doing research in nephrology, kidney dialysis, nutrition, and epidemiology. He is best known as a specialist in kidney disease nutrition and chronic kidney disease and for his hypothesis about the longevity of individuals with chronic disease states, also known as reverse epidemiology including obesity paradox. According to this hypothesis, obesity or hypercholesterolemia may counterintuitively be protective and associated with greater survival in certain groups of people, such as elderly individuals, dialysis patients, or those with chronic disease states and wasting syndrome (cachexia), whereas normal to low body mass index or normal values of serum cholesterol may be detrimental and associated with worse mortality. Kalantar-Zadeh is also known for his expertise in kidney dialysis therapy, including incremental dialysis, as well as renal nutrition. He is the brother of Kourosh Kalantar-zadeh, who is an Australian scientist involved in research in the fields of materials sciences, nanotechnology, and transducers.
Mesoamerican nephropathy (MeN) is an endemic, non-diabetic, non-hypertensive chronic kidney disease (CKD) characterized by reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with mild or no proteinuria and no features of known primary glomerular diseases. MeN is prevalent in agricultural communities along the Pacific Ocean coastal lowlands Mesoamerica, including southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica. Although most cases have been described among agricultural workers, MeN has also been described in other occupations, including miners, brick manufacturers, and fishermen. A common denominator among these occupations is that they are outdoor workers who reside in rural areas in hot and humid climates.
Andrew S. Levey is an American nephrologist who transformed chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinical practice, research, and public health by developing equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and leading the global standardization of CKD definition and staging.
Peter Stenvinkel is a Swedish nephrologist and academic. He is a senior lecturer at Karolinska University Hospital and a professor of nephrology at Karolinska Institutet.