Renal Failure - Nutrition & Metabolism

Renal failure refers to sudden kidney failure to excrete waste, concentrate urine and to conserve electrolytes, the minerals in the blood that maintain the amount of water in the body. Water metabolism is an important function of kidney and if it is affected it can lead to serious problem.

Renal refers to kidney, thus the term renal failure refers to failure of kidney to perform its duty of controlling the conservation and discharge of body waste. It also regulates the calcium electrolyte concentration and monitors the bone marrow activity.

Factors that Lead to Renal Failure

• Toxic substance present in bloodstream that goes to kidneys
• Lack of oxygen and nutrients in kidney due to drugs or diseases.
• Infection or inflammation in kidney leading to swelling due to blockage of urine or any trauma.
• Prolonged stimulation of immune system due to antibiotics or any other cause which passes through blood and deposit themselves in kidneys and harm them.
• Skin infection
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as gastroenteritis or pancreatitis

Nutrition Plan for Renal Failure

The nutrition plan for patients suffering from renal failure must be carefully constructed as it not only affects the water and electrolytes, but also the carbohydrate and protein utilization of kidneys. The nutrition provided during renal failure is given keeping in mind.

• Preservation of body mass
• Stimulation of healing wound and respiratory functions
• Acceleration in recovery
• An optimal amount of nutrition should be provided for the correction and prevention of deficiencies.

Metabolism

Due to renal failure, there occurs a change not only in water and electrolytes but also it includes a change in metabolic environment with alterations in protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Thus diet that helps in over coming the disease and easy to digest is good for metabolism during renal failure.

Nutrition and Metabolism In Renal Failure

During renal failure, special care should be taken and diet that provides the right kind of energy to help in recovery and proper metabolism.

Protein

Excess of protein is not recommended as it may slow down the renal failure. It reduces the phosphorus content and helps to prevent bones and other problems. In advanced renal failure stage it can relieve symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Sodium

It is common salt. A diet comprising of normal salt is recommended as it helps in managing high blood pressure and existence of excess fluid in the body. It should be used in proper proportion.

Potassium

Sometimes potassium has to be restricted for patients having diabetes and blood pressure. For other normal cases, potassium is not controlled.

Fluid Intake

Until the kidneys fail completely, 2 liters of water on daily basis is recommended. All other liquids can be taken to avoid dehydration.

Energy

It has necessary for patients to take energy along with protein. A high calorie diet full of energy is necessary such as sugar and marmalade.

Fiber

Fiber intake is encouraged to avoid constipation. Lack of fiber can lead to problems with the catheter position and poor drainage of dialysis.

Even in sickness, high energy food is recommended as food can provide you with all the nutrients that you need to fight with your illness. However, the intake of the food should be carefully monitored.