Kidney-friendly foods

Also called: renal-friendly foods

A kidney-friendly diet is one in which protein, phosphorus, and sodium levels are controlled. While the body needs protein for muscle growth and tissue repair, people with kidney disease cannot rid their bodies of the waste created when the body uses protein. Therefore, in order to limit waste build up, a kidney diet may control the amount of protein consumed.  In addition, phosphorus may need to be controlled to avoid losing calcium and weakening the bones, and sodium may need to be controlled to avoid high blood pressure. A kidney diet may also be higher in fats and carbohydrates than a normal diet.

A kidney diet may also be higher in fats and carbohydrates than a normal diet to make up for not getting as many calories from protein. Kidney-friendly, high calorie foods include unsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, sugar and sweets such as candy and jelly, and canned fruit in heavy syrup.

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