- renal failure - adamci
Cooking a meal for someone with renal failure can be challenging but possible with the right information. When planning a menu for someone who has renal failure it is important to understand which foods should be limited in the diet and which foods are not.
How to plan a renal menu
When the kidneys are not functioning correctly they are unable to filter excess minerals or waste from the blood stream. For example sodium, potassium, and phosphorus are not filtered out of the blood stream and at high level can become toxic. It is important that foods high in these three minerals should be limited in the diet.
Foods to limit in the diet
These foods should be limited in the diet because they are high in potassium, phosphorus or sodium
- Buttermilk, chocolate milk,
- Bacon, sausage, hotdogs, luncheon means, organ meats, canned fish such as tuna, and sardines
- Dried Beans such as black, pinto, kidney, navy, lima beans
- Nuts, peanut butter
- Dark breads and grains such as pumpernickel, rye, whole wheat, oatmeal, whole grain cereal, grape-nuts, granola, whole grain pastas, whole grain crackers
- Artichokes, beets, Brussels sprouts, chili pepper, mushrooms, okra, parsnips, potato, sweet potato, winter squash pumpkin, spinach, tomato, avocado,
- Apricots, banana, cantaloupe, dates, figs, kiwi, nectarine, oranges, peaches, honeydew, prunes
- BBQ sauce, bouillon, catsup, chili sauce, dill pickles, horse radish, MSG, Mustard, relish, salt, steak sauce, taco sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce
- Coffee, tea, cola-type soda, sports drinks, hot chocolate
Hints to help fluid intake
A person with kidney failure may also need to limit the intake of fluid. Fluids are anything that is liquid at room temperature. This includes: water, milk, juices, coffee, tea, soda, alcoholic beverages, soup, gelatin, ice cream and sherbet. The following tips can help control thirst.
- Only drink when thirsty, avoid carrying around drinks with you
- Drink lemon water or lemonade instead to plain water
- Brush your teeth more often and use mouthwash
- Suck on ice cubes instead of drinking water
- Suck sugar free candy or lemon slices
Increased protein needs
People who are on dialysis have an increased protein needs. It is important to eat adequate amounts of protein because it is used to build muscle, bone, skin, fights infection and regulates body functions. A high quality protein should be eat with each meal. These foods include poultry, red meats, pork, lamb, eggs and fish.
Sample Menu
Breakfast
- Vegetable Omelet
- 2 slices of white toast with butter
- ½ cup grapes
- ½ cup apple juice
Lunch
- Grilled chicken sandwich on a white bun and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, lettuce, and onion
- ½ cup Low sodium vegetable soup
- ½ cup cottage cheese with pineapple
- Vanilla pudding cup
- Lemon water
Dinner
- 3 oz Bake salmon with lemon
- ½ cup White rice
- ½ cup Grilled zucchini
- 1 white dinner roll
- 1/8 in slice Angel food cake with strawberries
- ½ cup lemonade
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Melissa Black - As a registered dietitian, I have devoted my time and energy in becoming a food and nutrition expert by completing my Bachelor's degree ...
