A kidney diet is a set of guidelines that helps you eat enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to maintain your health. Kidney diet Memorial Hermann Cypress is great for people with chronic kidney disease. Your doctor may recommend this diet after a partial or complete kidney transplant.
A kidney diet is designed to reduce the workload on your kidneys by restricting certain foods and fluids that can cause harm. There are several reasons why your doctor might recommend a kidney diet for you:
You have high sodium levels in your blood (hypernatremia)
High sodium levels can be dangerous for people with chronic kidney disease because they put extra stress on the kidneys and make them work harder than they should. High sodium also causes swelling (edema) of the legs, feet, hands, and face. Doctors use dialysis machines to cleanse the blood of excess sodium so that patients do not suffer from these symptoms. Doctors also often recommend a kidney diet that contains less sodium as a treatment program.
You have kidney disease
If you have kidney disease, the kidneys cannot remove waste products from your blood as effectively as they should. That can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. Your doctor may recommend following a kidney diet to improve your health.
You have hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is common among people who have chronic kidney disease. Your body needs potassium to function normally and keep your heart beating correctly. If you have low potassium levels in your blood, your heart muscle may not be able to pump enough blood to meet the needs of all your organs and tissues.
Your doctor can test your blood for electrolytes and check how much potassium is circulating. If you have low potassium levels, then you will probably need to bring down those levels by eating foods that are high in potassium and drinking plenty of water.
You are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the future
If you have an inherited condition called the fibrocystic disease of the kidneys (FDC), your healthcare team may recommend a low-protein, high-fiber diet. FDC is more common among people of African American and Caucasian ancestry. In addition, some people with FDC have a family history of CKD, which makes them at greater risk of developing it.
A kidney diet is designed to reduce the workload on your kidneys by restricting certain foods and fluids that can cause harm. The most common reason for a kidney diet is to treat or prevent kidney stones or blockages. A doctor may also recommend this diet to help your body get rid of excess water, for example, after an injury. You should contact your doctor if you suspect you have any kidney-related problems or if you are at risk of developing kidney disease. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and any symptoms you’re experiencing that might indicate why you need medical attention and a kidney diet. The doctor will also choose the best treatment plans for you alongside the kidney diet. Contact Houston Kidney Specialists Center and request an appointment with a doctor to learn more about the kidney diet and its benefits.