Question

Why is knowing about protein consumption important for chronic kidney disease? What are the steps in maintaining nutrition recommendations for such patients?

Answer 1

High protein intake may lead to increased intraglomerular pressure and glomerular hyperfiltration. This can cause damage to glomerular structure leading to or aggravating chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hence, a low protein diet (LPD) of 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day is often recommended for the management of CKD. Hence knowing about protein consumption is very important for chronic kidney disease.

Steps to maintain nutrition in chronic kidney disease.

• Good choices include fish, chicken breast, and low-fat soy products as well as low-fat dairy products. Phosphorus is a mineral that builds up in the blood as kidney failure progresses. You may be advised to reduce high protein foods that are high in phosphorus, if your level goes above normal.

• As CKD progresses, people often lose their appetites because they find that foods do not taste the same. As a result, they consume fewer calories—important units of energy in food—and may lose too much weight. Renal dietitians can help people with advanced CKD find healthy ways to add calories to their diet if they are losing too much weight.

• There is no such thing as a “special kidney diet” for everyone. That’s because each person has very individual nutritional needs depending on their age, medical history, amount of kidney function, activity level, and other factors. Not everyone with chronic kidney disease follows the same diet.