Rennal Diet: The Role Of A Renal Diet

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The purpose of this paper is to take an in depth look at a renal diet which is designed for people suffering from certain kidney conditions. A renal diet can be described as a nutritional regime which is: “low in sodium, phosphorous and protein... [It] also promotes the importance of consuming high-quality protein and usually limits fluids. Some patients may also need to limit potassium and even calcium” (Nephcure). Throughout the course of this paper various aspects are addressed. these include: the role of the kidneys, the importance of professional guidance, the reasons why people follow a renal diet, monitoring sodium intake, monitoring potassium intake, monitoring phosphorus intake, protein consumption, and fluid control.
The Role of the …show more content…

These wastes are derived from the liquid and food that the individual had consumed. In cases of compromised kidney function, the kidneys are no longer able to remove or filter wastes in the normal way. This means that wastes are left to accumulate in the bloodstream. When this scenario takes hold, it can negatively impact the patient 's electrolytes, therefore, positive action has to be taken to optimize the situation. When patients follow a renal diet it can help to slow down the advancement of total kidney failure, and ameliorate kidney function. Along with chloride and potassium, sodium represents one of the body 's main three electrolytes. The latter manipulate the fluids with enter and leave the body’s cells and tissues. Therefore, patients with renal disease must monitor their intake of electrolytes. Keeping a daily food dairy is essential (Nephcure), and will be of great benefit to the dietitian who can pinpoint certain details.
Monitoring Sodium Intake on a Renal Diet A renal diet involves limiting: “total sodium content to 400 mg per meal and 150 mg per snack” (Nephcure) by: cooking without salt, avoiding processed food, buying fresh instead of packaged meat, and choosing fresh vegetables and fruit, not consuming frozen and canned produce which have added salt and paying attention to the size of the …show more content…

As the kidneys regulate the quantity of fluid which leaves the body, patients who suffer from kidney disease progression, may be not be able to regularize fluid removal from their body. Due to this scenario, their physician or specialist may ask them to reduce their intake of fluid. Lowering daily fluid intake for the renal diet involves: not drinking to socialize or from habit, only having a drink when thirsty, and sucking on a wedge of lemon or chips of ice. It also entails taking measures for monitoring the quantity of fluid that is drunk. This is done by measuring a regularly used glass or cup to measure the quantity of fluid it holds, as well as placing the recommended daily quantity of water into a specific container, and then only taking the fluid that is consumed from this. This insures that the recommended amount is not exceeded (Medical

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