A nutritious diet is vital for maintaining and promoting good health.. Even in the presence of conditions like chronic renal disease, a nutritious diet is necessary to sustain and retain health.

The two leading causes of CKD,  Hypertension and diabetes, can also be managed by a healthy nutrition plan.

Moreover, Chronic kidney disease is a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular death. Hence managing it with the right diet becomes crucial.

Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis may be disrupted in persons with CKD. As a result, even regular intake of water, common salt, or potassium can produce significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

Patients with chronic renal illness should change their diet as directed by their nutritionist to alleviate the pressure on the kidney with functional impairment and to prevent disruptions in the balance of the electrolyte and fluid. For CKD patients, there is no standard diet. According to their clinical status, extent of kidney issues, and other medical conditions, each patient is given different dietary guidance. Dietary counselling for the same patient must be changed at different periods.

Dietary changes in people with CKD

The change in diet requires constant supervision and guidance. Every diet plan at QUA Nutrition is supervised by an expert nutritionist and is customized keeping in mind:

Phosphorus Intake

Phosphorus is a mineral that is necessary for strong and healthy bones. Urine excretion removes excess phosphorus from the body. Patients with CKD are unable to remove the additional phosphorus in their diet, resulting in an increase in blood phosphorus levels. Increased phosphorus causes calcium to be drained from the bones, leaving them weak.
An increase in phosphorus levels can cause itching, muscle and bone weakening, bone aches, bone stiffness, and joint discomfort. Increased fracture susceptibility is caused by bone stiffness.

Potassium Intake

Potassium is an essential element for the efficient nerves and muscles functioning, as well as maintaining a regular heartbeat. In a patient with CKD, the removal of extra potassium in the urine may be insufficient, leading to an increase of potassium in the blood. High potassium levels might result in significant muscular weakness or a dangerously abnormal heart rhythm. When potassium levels are extremely high, the heart might suddenly cease beating, resulting in death. Potassium levels that are too high might be fatal without any obvious signs or symptoms. CKD patients are recommended to limit potassium in their diet to avoid harmful repercussions of excessive potassium levels.

Sodium Intake

The body needs sodium in the diet to regulate volume of blood and manage blood pressure. Our kidneys perform a critical function in salt management. Because the kidneys are unable to eliminate extra sodium and fluid from the body in people with CKD, water and sodium accumulate in the body. Increased salt levels in the body cause increased edoema, rise in blood pressure and shortness of breath. Patients with CKD must limit their salt consumption in their diet to avoid or lessen these complications.

Calorie Needs

Calories are required by the body for daily activity, as well as to maintain temperature, development, and a healthy weight. Fats and Carbs are the primary sources of calories. When calorie intake is insufficient, the body turns to protein for energy.

This breakdown of protein might have negative consequences such as malnutrition and increased waste generation. It is therefore critical to offer enough calorie intake to Patients with chronic kidney disease.

Carbs

Carbohydrates are the body’s principal source of energy. Carbs consumption should be restricted in diabetics and obese patients. Complex carbs, such as whole wheat, are ideal, as they include fibre as well. These should account for the majority of the carbs in your diet.

Protein Intake

Protein is required for bodily tissue repair and maintenance. It also aids in the treatment of wounds and the prevention of infection. Protein restriction is advised for CKD patients who are not on dialysis to slow the progression of kidney disease and avoid the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation. Severe protein restriction, on the other hand, should be avoided due to the danger of malnutrition and should only be followed under the supervision of a nutritionist.

Fats

Fats are a significant calorie source for the body, providing two times as many calories as carbs or proteins. Saturated fats and cholesterol, which can cause heart disease, should be avoided by patients with CKD.

Fluid Intake

By eliminating excess fluid as urine, the kidneys serve an important function in maintaining the right quantity of water in the body. The amount of urine in people with CKD normally declines as their kidney function deteriorates. Reduced urine production causes fluid accumulation in the body, resulting in elevated blood pressure and swelling. Shortness of breath and trouble breathing are caused by the retention of fluid in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary congestion or edoema. It can be life-threatening if this isn’t addressed.

Supplements

Certain supplementation of vitamins and minerals may be beneficial. To choose a product that is right for you, ask your dietitian. Please do not self prescribe supplements as some over-the-counter medications may be dangerous to those who have CKD.

Diet chart for CKD patients

The nutritionist plans and customize daily food and water consumption for CKD patients in compliance with the Doctor’s recommendations.

Why Choose a Nutritionist

Sharing nutritional information alone is insufficient to modify a patient’s behaviour and improve adherence, especially over time. To maintain changes, patients require continual assistance, an awareness of their health requirements, and regular feedback. QUA Nutritionists exude calm, are upbeat, include patients’ relatives and carers in the process, and concentrate on what is achievable in their diet rather than enforcing limits.