Some Foods to Avoid with Kidney Failure
Knowing the foods to avoid with kidney failure will help improve and manage the condition since these foods do not contain less sodium and phosphorus as well as substances and proteins that overload the kidneys. Consuming these foods should not be on the regular because as they are mostly animal-based products or foods which don’t help the overall health.
Again, in cases of kidney failure, vegetarian diet has enormous advantages because they contain fewer proteins, less sodium and phosphorus.
Some facts about Kidney Failure
First of all, we should know what kidney failure really is and the symptoms. Kidney failure is seen as a medical condition that makes the kidneys function less than 15% (fifteen percent) of the normal levels.
As it is, the kidneys lose the capacity to produce urine and eliminate the waste materials that are produced within the body.
Kidney failure can be classified as:
- Acute kidney failure
- Chronic kidney failure
Acute kidney failure may develop quite fast and resolve while chronic kidney failure develops slowly and may be somewhat irreversible. The following are some of the symptoms
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Leg swelling
- Tiredness
Complications of both acute and chronic kidney failure include the following
- High blood potassium
- Uremia
- Heart Disease
- Anemia
- High blood pressure
List of nutrients and foods to avoid with Kidney Failure
It is important to decrease or eliminate the intake of these foods in order to manage the condition better. They include:
- Meat
- Shellfish
- Food high in protein
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin and Supplements
Meat
Meat holds proteins that overload the kidneys. It is noteworthy that meat, fish at lesser extent and also shellfish contain nitrogenated non-protein substances like urea, creating and certain purines which have to be eliminated from within the body system by the kidneys.
When the kidneys cannot carry out their functions properly, the consumption of foods such as meat becomes poisonous to the body and there is probable aggravation of the cause of the disease.
Shellfish
I made a post about shellfish and it gives a detailed information regarding shellfish diseases. As it is, shellfish contains toxins in various forms which, if the body organs fail to eliminate the toxins through excretion or other means can cause serious intoxication. This happens when the kidneys are unable to perform as expected.
Therefore, in cases like these, shellfish is seen as one of the foods to avoid with kidney failure.
Foods high in protein
Some products are left immediately the body must have undergone metabolism and utilization of proteins. Such products like urea, uric acid, creatinine and other acids are toxins which the body must reject and get rid of by the kidneys.
When the kidneys failure to get rid of these toxins, they will accumulate in the body and this becomes very dangerous for the health of the body system. In order to maintain the nitrogen balance, it recommended to take proteins targeted to maintain the balance.
On being cautious about foods to avoid with kidney failure, restricting protein helps improve the condition.
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Sodium
When the kidneys are weak or have been weakened, it is difficult to eliminate sodium properly which is the primary component of normal salt (table salt). When sodium is retained in the body, it causes edemas in the tissues.
It is recommended to take sodium which should not exceed 500 mg about 1.25 g of table salt. The foods to avoid with kidney failure here which hold too much sodium are animal-based foods as well as processed foods.
Potassium
There may be no restrictions regarding the intake of foods that contain potassium especially for moderate cases of kidney failure.
However, when serious cases arise, it will result to scanty urine production or output (oliguria), and here, the kidneys have no ability to excrete it through the urine and the resultant effect may lead to cardiac function being affected.
Since, potassium is mainly found in plant-based foods, a nutritionist should help establish a dietary plan which should not exceed the recommended dietary allowance of 2 grams on a daily.
Phosphorus
The blood phosphorus level will definitely increase immediately the kidneys lose their ability to carry out their functions properly. As it is, metabolic acidiosis and the loss of calcium (bone decalcification) results.
All animal products, nuts and grains make available the highest levels of phosphorus. Therefore, it is recommended that a specialist prescribe a dietary plan that will not go above 800 mg which is the recommended dietary allowance.
Vitamins and Supplements
The levels of vitamins and supplements will increase in the blood even to toxic levels since the kidneys are unable to eliminate excess supplements and vitamins due to the cases of kidney failure.
Among the foods to avoid with Kidney here is food that’s high in vitamin A or simply put, vitamin A supplements. Therefore, the intake of vitamin A supplements should be avoided because it may present high risk of toxicity.
It is noteworthy that the risk seems not to exist with provitamin A, beta-carotene which comes from vegetable sources.
Other foods to avoid
Avocados
It has enormous nutritious qualities including fiber and antioxidants but individuals with kidney disease may consider eliminating avocados from their diet. This is because avocados are highly rich in potassium.
Therefore, it recommended to decrease the intake of avocados because in cases of kidney failure it is be seen as one of the foods to avoid.
Canned foods
According to Healthline, canned foods like beans, soups and vegetables are usually high in sodium because salt is added so as to preserve them. It is recommended to choose those foods that are lower in sodium or the ones labeled “no salt”.
Brown Rice
One of the foods to avoid with kidney failure is brown rice. It has higher content of phosphorus and potassium than the regular white rice. It should be portion-controlled or the intake should be decreased.
Banana
Banana is among the foods to avoid with kidney failure since it is known for potassium content. If banana has been a food that seems difficult to neglect, you may try pineapple since it contains less potassium than other fruits.
Others foods to avoid with kidney failure remain:
- Orange and the juice
- Processed meats such as bacon, pepperoni, hot dogs, sausage and jerky
- Olives, relish and pickles
- Apricot
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A graduate of Computer Science and Information Management Technology. Diploma – Caregiving, Certificates – Dementia and Diabetes Awareness and Management. A researcher, blogger, songwriter, singer and acoustic guitarist. Born in an environment where natural talents such as healing are imparted at our natural birth. This natural talents of healing is the result of our genetic inheritance and the training from family environment.