Advice from a Mom’s Meals Dietician to Help Those on a Renal-Specific Diet

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For those on a renal diet, choosing the right foods is essential, whether preparing them yourself or having them delivered to your door.

Reducing the amount of sodium in the diet will minimize blood pressure levels. Eating a high-sodium diet can increase thirst, which can negatively impact kidney disease. Eat foods labeled low-sodium, sodium-free, unsalted, or no salt added.

Des Moines, IA (PRWEB) March 13, 2013

As we age, kidney function can decrease, affecting not only our overall health, but also the foods and drinks we can or should consume. For caregivers with a loved one on a renal-specific diet, Elizabeth Elliott, Registered Dietitian, for Mom’s Meals explains how to help:

1. Figure out fluids.
The more advanced the kidney disease, the less fluid the kidneys will be able to filter. And it’s not just what a person drinks, but the fluids in soups, fruits and vegetables have to be taken into account. Kidneys help control the amount of fluid that leaves the body. Too much fluid may cause swelling, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure. In order to control fluid intake, consider the following:

•     Eat less salt. And this means reading labels for those hidden milligrams!
•     Chew or suck on ice chips to help keep the mouth from feeling dry while regulating the liquid amount.
•     Take medications with only sips of fluid.
•     Drink only when thirsty.
•     Brush your teeth more often. (It really helps!)
•     Chew sugarless gum.
•     Use smaller glasses, and if dining out, consider asking for a child-sized glass.
•     Measure out the amount of fluid recommended by your doctor, and drink only from the measured out container.

2. Watch those carbs!
Carbohydrates are a big part of a renal diet, but they can affect blood sugar levels and increase thirst, so it is important to choose the carbohydrates carefully. Whole grains are a great option, but certain carbs ought to be avoided including honey, candy, and chocolates.

3. Choose proteins with care:
Kidney disease may make it difficult to break down proteins, even though we know how important protein is to our diet. Recommended protein sources include fish, poultry, pork, eggs or protein powder shakes. Avoid calcium sources of protein, because these contain phosphorus, which is hard for kidneys to process.

4. Reduce sodium!
Reducing the amount of sodium in the diet will minimize blood pressure levels. Eating a high-sodium diet can increase thirst, which can negatively impact kidney disease. Eat foods labeled low-sodium, sodium-free, unsalted, or no salt added.

5. Prohibit potassium:
Potassium is a common electrolyte the kidneys filter. Give kidneys a break by reducing potassium consumption, and limit the fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of potassium.

Mom’s Meals is dedicated to providing fresh-made, nutritious, home meal delivery to customers nationwide, specializing in senior and patient care for over a dozen years. The company prepares, packages, and ships ready-to-heat and eat meals directly to a customer’s door, delivered anywhere in the United States, including meals for those with heart-healthy, gluten-free,veggie, low carb, Renal, and Diabetic diets.

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