University of Virginia Health System

A Special Diet Can :
-  Help control buildup of waste products and fluid in your blood
-  Decrease workload of your kidneys
-  Slow down or stop the progression of kidney disease
-  Your dietary restrictions will depend on your nephrologist's (kidney doctor) 
   assessment

Follow an Overall Healthy Diet:
-  If you are diabetic, keep track of your carbohydrate intake
-  Include variety of allowed foods...meat, fruit, vegetables, grains
-  Choose "low fat foods"
-  Portion control is important: 2-3 oz lean meat, ¾ plate grains/starch and
   vegetables, and fruit

Protein:
-  For growth, building muscles and repair tissues
-  Excess protein turn into a waste product called urea that your kidneys get rid of
-  Goal: adequate protein for nourishment and prevent too much urea
-  Rich sources of protein: lean meat, poultry, dairy, fish, and seafood
-  Ask your nutritionist how much protein is appropriate for your diet

Sodium:
-  High sodium intake can increase blood pressure and fluid retention (edema)
-  High sodium foods: salt, canned soups, processed cheese, some canned goods,
   "fast foods", pickles, olives, smoked and cured foods: bacon, ham, luncheon meats
-  Read labels. Choose products with less than 140 mg. sodium per  serving and less
   than 600 mg. sodium per frozen dinner
-  Excess fluid in the body causes difficulty breathing, chest pain, edema, high blood
    pressure
-  Your nutritionist can share tips on how to control thirst and dry mouth

Fluid:
-  If you are retaining fluids, you may need to limit liquid intake to 6-8 cups of fluid a
   day
-  Measure any liquid or any food that melts in your mouth like ice cream, ice, jello,
    pudding, broth, coffee, tea, milk
-  Excess fluid in the body causes difficulty breathing, chest pain, edema, high blood
    pressure
-  Your nutritionist can share tips on how to control thirst and dry mouth

Phosphorus:
-  High levels of phosphorus weaken your bones and can cause them to break easily
-  Control phosphorus by:                     

• Avoid high phosphorus foods: dried beans and peas, nuts, liver and other organ meats, cola, beer, canned salmon. Limit milk to ½ cup and cheese to 1 ounce.
• Take phosphate binders as prescribed by your doctor. Examples of "binders" are calcium carbonate, "Tums", Phoslo, Renagel, Amphojel/Alucap.

Potassium:
-  Potassium levels can be affected. Both high and low potassium levels are
   dangerous to your heart
-  Ask your physician what your potassium level is once you are diagnosed with
    kidney disease
-  Foods that have significantly high potassium content are: Bananas, orange, kiwi, 
    dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, dried beans, "salt substitutes", nuts,
    potato, tomato
-  See your nutritionists for detailed instructions

Vitamins and Minerals:
-  Vitamins made for patients with kidney disease may be prescribed. This has extra
   B-vitamins, no Vitamin A and some Vitamin C. Talk to your physician about over-
   the-counter supplements
-  Iron supplements is needed to help increase red blood cells. Do not take your iron
   with your calcium.