Chronic Renal Failure Diet

Renal failure occurs when the kidneys can't get rid of wastes in your blood. This process happens slowly and may ultimately require dialysis to mechanically remove the wastes, or it could even mean a kidney transplant. Diet is very important in the treatment of renal failure, and you should work with your doctor and dietitian to create the best eating plan for you. However, there are some general dietary guidelines that apply to most patients with kidney failure.

Protein Restrictions and Guidelines

Decrease the amount of protein you get in your diet, avoiding most animal products on a regular basis. Instead, choose plant proteins such as soy foods, wheat gluten (seitan), beans, tofu, tempeh and nut butters. When you do eat animal proteins, choose eggs, fish and lean poultry. In the September 1996 issue of the "American Journal of Kidney Disease," Drs. Mackenzie Walser, Sylvia Hill and Elizabeth A. Tomalis concluded that eating vegetarian proteins can actually slow the progression of kidney disease.

Other Nutrient Restrictions

Avoid sodium (salt) as much as possible, taking care to carefully examine food labels for sodium levels. The worst offenders tend to be canned foods, processed meats like deli meats and sausage, soups and salted snacks. Reduce potassium-rich foods only when your kidney function decreases to less than 20 percent. These foods include most fruits, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, limas and squash. If your dietitian recommends cutting down on phosphorus, you'll need to consume fewer eggs, beans, cola drinks and dairy products.

Salt and Fluid Intake

Limit your salt intake to 4 to 6 g a day to avoid fluid retention and control high blood pressure. You'll probably also need to restrict water and other fluids, if your doctor recommends it. This includes water-containing foods such as apples, gelatin, grapes, ice cream, lettuce, celery, melons, oranges, tomatoes and soup.

Carbohydrates

If you have diabetes, reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your diet, and as much as possible, choose low-glycemic foods (those that don't raise blood sugar levels rapidly, which starches and sugars tend to do). Studies in Sweden by Jrgen Vesti Nielsen, Per Westerlund, and Per Bygren published in the March 23, 2006, issue of "Nutrition & Metabolism" showed that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet could improve glycemic control, reduce body weight and prevent the development of end-stage renal failure in overweight patients with type-2 diabetes.