Managing Chronic Kidney Disease
Data indicates that by 2040 chronic kidney diseases will be the fifth cause of death on Earth. Without effective measures to prevent and delay their progression, patients will be faced with a plethora of problems, such as renal function replacement therapies such as dialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplants. Therefore the importance of following a healthy lifestyle can decrease the risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease. In Cyprus, patients with Chronic Kidney Disease increased rapidly. Therefore, prevention and management of the disease is really important.
Why visit a Clinical Dietitian if you are diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease
Clinical Dietitians who are specialized in Kidney Disease can help to:
- Manage and control the progression of kidney failure.
- In advanced stages, dietary modifications can help to avoid complications or reduce burden of hospitalization.
- Educate to follow a meal plan.
How can you benefit from a kidney diet plan
- Help to choose foods wisely that cannot cause further complications.
- Delay the initiation of dialysis if you follow the right meal plan.
How is a kidney diet plan/ renal diet plan different from a general diet?
- Kidney diet plan is:
- Low in salt
- Low in proteins
- Low in fluids (if needed)
- Low in potassium (based on blood test)
- Low in phosphates (based on blood test)
- Kidney diet/ renal diets are cautiously individualized and require a careful quantification of the above nutrients to keep kidney health in check
Questions I get asked by renal patients
The answer is no. People with kidney dysfunction do need to cut down their potassium intake, although this restriction is based on their biochemical values. Banana is high in potassium therefore, its consumption would be lower, if restriction is needed.
People with hypertension and/or diabetes have higher risk of kidney dysfunction, although maintaining normal levels of blood pressure and glucose with diet, and medication could help to decrease kidney disease progression. Following a Mediterranean lifestyle found that help managing all three health issues.
Whole grain products are high in potassium therefore, based on your blood tests you can do some alternations. If your potassium levels are high therefore whole grains should be limited. This should be advised by your Nephrologist and Clinical Dietitian.