DIETARY MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that may occur due to several reasons including diabetes. Once diagnosed with this condition, it is important to manage your diet in order to slow the progression of CKD towards kidney failure.

Some important strategies to slow the progression of CKD include control of:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Blood glucose

Diet can play an important role in managing the above conditions. Dietary management of CKD involves:

• Salt restriction – this is done partly to control blood pressure.
• Reduction in protein intake particularly from animal sources. Ideally most protein intake should come from plant-based protein.
• Avoiding free sugars
• Avoiding foods high in potassium such as wholegrain cereals and bananas
• Reduction in foods high in phosphate including dairy products
• Consuming vitamin D supplements

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Overall, a balanced diet is crucial for regulating and maintaining your blood glucose and cholesterol levels at a healthy range, thus eliminating your kidney disease symptoms.

More specifically, a balanced diet should contain:

• Aim for at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetable on a daily basis. Try and make your plate look colourful to ensure you’re consuming enough minerals and vitamins.
• Consume complex carbohydrates that are high in fibre such as whole meal pasta and bread, and rice.
• Consume legumes, beans, egg and fish in order to ensure you’re getting enough protein in your diet.
• Eliminate foods that are high in saturated fats, salt and refined sugars.
• Reduce your consumption of alcohol as it can cause your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to increase to unhealthy levels.

How can our services help you?

It is important that individuals who suffer from this condition make informed dietary changes under the supervision of a dietitian and nutritionist. Our nutrition team will give you a dietary plan that excludes foods which may worsen your condition. She will also give you useful tips with regards to how to go about making such changes, while still enjoying foods you like.