Dr. Sunil Prakash, the best nephrologist in Delhi, India, emphasizes that diet plays a crucial role in managing kidney disease. A balanced diet is essential for maintaining health while avoiding excess protein load on your struggling kidneys.
- In the early (pre-dialysis) stage, the protein requirement is 0.6 gm/kg of body weight. For an average Indian weighing around 50 kg, this translates to 30-35 grams of high-quality dietary proteins per day.
- However, patients on dialysis require 1.2-1.3 gm/kg of body weight, focusing on high biological value proteins such as:
Potassium intake should be limited as it is present in high amounts in fruits, nuts, and green vegetables. Potassium can be reduced in vegetables by leeching them.
To decrease sodium content in the diet:
Avoid the following:
These foods are low in protein and potassium and high in calories:
As a CKD patient, your dietary recommendations will evolve over time, depending on your kidney function and the type of renal replacement therapy you are receiving. The hospital dietician will guide you on the necessary dietary changes and help you choose the right foods.
