Chronic kidney disease is a condition where the kidneys have been damaged. Diet is very important in managing this condition. The information below is a guide to where to start. You should see an Accredited Practising Dietitian as each person has individual requirements.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• PROTEIN – Protein helps to repair our body when it is damaged. A moderate amount of protein is usually recommended in the diet. When there is too much protein, the kidneys need to work harder to get rid of waste when the body breaks down protein. If there is not enough protein the body will not have enough to do repair work, so there needs to be a good balance.

FOOD SOURCES FOR PROTEIN:

Include dairy products, soy products, eggs legumes, nuts, seeds, lean meat and fish - a dietitian can help you to determine how much protein you need.

• FLUID – One of the important jobs of the kidneys is to control amounts of water in our bodies. As kidneys start to work less, the body can start to store too much.
If this happens you may start to get your hands and ankles swelling or puffiness under the eyes, if this happens you need to see your doctor, to have your fluids intake restricted. Some ways to help you through the day if this may be the case are, drink from a bottle, take some sips during the day, use small cups and glasses too.
If your mouth is dry rinse with water and suck on ice cubes, doing this is worked out to add to 15mls of fluid. Some food may contain water, so be aware of this too.
Count food such as soup, jelly, fruit and vegetables that contain water.

MINERALS:

• SODIUM – (salt) can increase the amount of fluid that our bodies store and will make you thirsty.
• POTASSIUM – Whether or not potassium needs to be restricted depends on the amount of potassium in your blood. If potassium levels are either too high or low this can cause irregular heartbeats.
One way to reduce the potassium in vegetables is to soak them in water for a few hours before using them. Many processed foods have high levels of potassium.
• PHOSPHATE AND CALCIUM – Phosphate and calcium are both minerals that help to keep bones strong. When the kidneys are not working properly it can not regulate phosphate and calcium levels. When one rises the other falls. A build up of phosphate can lead to low levels of calcium which can result in weak and brittle bones.
You may need some medication to sort this out from your doctor.

SOME FOODS TO LIMIT SODIUM, PHOSPHATE AND POTASSIUM:

Sodium: Processed foods, choose no added salt or low salt. Look for foods with less than 120mg of sodium per 100g as these are considered low in salt.
Pretzels, salted nuts, biscuits, salty snack foods such as chips.
Vegetable salts, commercial and Asian sauces, seasonings, and stock cubes.
Potassium: Bananas, rockmelon, avocados, dried fruits, vegetable juice, stone fruits, liquorice, chocolate, hot chips.
Salt substitutes – these do not contain salt but are high in potassium.
Phosphate: soft drinks, cola based ones more so. Peas, nuts including baked beans, peanut butter, seeds, and dried beans.
Milk, cheese and other dairy products.

BE ACTIVE:

Being activity will help blood flow and help store more kidney damage. Be physically activity most days of the week for at least 30 minutes. Some ways of being activity could be going for walk, riding a bike going for a swim.