Many in the society we currently live in battle day to day with the issues of Kidney disease. It is
estimated that at least 14% of our population today is suffering from the effects of kidney
disease. In America alone, it is estimated that “More than 661,000 Americans have kidney failure. Of
these, 468,000 individuals are on dialysis, and roughly 193,000 live with a functioning kidney
transplant.” Yet even in the face of this disease there still lies hope for those diagnosed with
Kidney disease, these individuals are given the opportunity to undergo care at Hemodialysis
centers. Where staff members are trained in aiding individuals in a path where they can live
close to a normal life will certain changes in their diet. One-way individuals diagnosed with
Kidney disease when sent to Hemodialysis centers begin to alter their lifestyles is primarily
through the change in their diet.
The diet that individuals with Kidney Disease are put on is called a Renal Diet. Kidney
Disease affects the Kidney’s ability to filter blood causing the build of waste in the body. With
the addition of a Renal Diet an individual will be able cut down on waste build up and increase
the kidney’s function, ultimately leading to a decrease chance of kidney failure. A Renal Diet
consists of an individual eating low amounts of some of the many crucial elements that consist
in everyday foods. The elements that must be limited or taken in low amounts are sodium,
phosphorus, protein, calcium and potassium. Each of these integral parts of a person’s diet
have to be monitored for they all play crucial roles in the overall experience of Hemodialysis and
the overall health of the individual.
Sodium, often thought normally as salt, is one of the most abundant elements not only
on earth but also in food today. Sodium is also one of the body’s major electrolytes, which aids
in the regulation of the body’s blood pressure and movement of blood through the cells in the
body. With Kidney disease, having salt in one’s diet is destructive because the Kidneys can no
longer regulate the amount of sodium in the body. Which means the kidneys cannot remove
unwanted sodium and fluid from the cells, and bloodstream leading to an overall increase of a
person’s blood pressure. With the increase in blood pressure individuals may experience
swelling, heart failure and shortness of breath. Yet a way to combat this is by limiting the
amount of processed, frozen and canned foods, also instead of using flavored foods and spices,
individuals should attempt using fresh herbs. Also, individuals should read food labels to view
the amount of sodium in a certain food.
Phosphorus, is said to be found in about 85% in human bones, is the second most
abundant mineral in the human body. Phosphorus is such an integral part of the human body
that it aids in the formation of bones and teeth, maintains the body pH, produce hormones and
aid in the development of tissues and organs. With the decrease in the Kidneys ability to
remove excess phosphorus, a mineral that is a constant issue for many humans in America due
to the fact that a lot of food products and drinks have high concentrations of phosphorus,
unhealthy kidneys lead to high levels of phosphorus leading to other health issues such as bone
and heart problems, low calcium in the blood, hardening of certain tissues and different stages
of kidney disease.
Protein is another important part of the human body, proteins for example help the body
fight infections and heal from injuries. When protein enters the human body, the waste that is
produced is usually filtered with the aid of nephrons and exits the body through urine. Yet
kidneys that are no longer functioning no longer have the ability to remove the waste and waste
starts to build up in the blood. Foods such as meat, milk and eggs are high in protein, and they
should be avoided but could be supplemented with fish, soy products low in fat and certain parts
of a chicken.
Potassium, is a mineral that helps in the function of nerve and muscle control, it is also
what helps the heart keep its normal rhythm as well. When the kidneys are functioning
potassium levels are kept at normal levels, yet when levels are not kept normal due to the lack
of control of the normal processes of the kidneys to remove the excess potassium in the body
there are issues that arise. Issues such as muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness and overall
weakness. With Kidney disease the ways to prevent potassium levels from affecting an
individual's health is by limiting foods that are high in potassium such as milk and milk products,
remove the liquids from canned fruits and maintaining the appropriate serving size on many
foods.
Calcium is said to be the most abundant mineral found in the human body. Nearly most
of the calcium in the human body is found in teeth and bones, and the rest is found in tissues
and blood. Calcium is integral in forming strong bones and teeth, the contracting and relaxing of
muscles, the normal clotting of blood. On a cellular level calcium aids in the process of cell
division and cell multiplication as well as aids in enzyme reactions. With Kidney disease there is
an imbalance in the body more specifically the bones metabolism leading to an increase chance
of bone disease. Even with the possibility of gaining other illnesses, individuals with Kidney
disease under a renal diet are advised to eat foods that are low in phosphorus to aid in the
keeping the blood level within a proper range, avoiding foods with labels such as “calcium
enriched,” “excellent source of calcium,” and “good source of calcium.”
The Renal Diet is not a diet that many can view as a temporary alteration of eating
habits to effect a specific change, but a diet that requires time, effort and commitment in the
hopes of changing their overall health and the ability to extend their lives and happiness. The
diagnoses of Kidney Disease is not one that is light but with the aid of trained Hemodialysis
centers and their staff, patients are able to obtain a plan and gain patient options that can
improve their ability to live with different stages of the disease. Though the Renal Diet requires
the limitations of many of the common dietary minerals and elements in the human diet, it is
possible for someone to live a long time with Kidney Disease if controlled correctly.