What diet changes are needed for someone who will lose a kidney?
My father was diagnosed with kidney cancer and needs to have one removed. (The other one is not cancerous.) While I told him that he should have his doctor recommend a dietitian, I need to know what changes he will need to make in his diet. Also, he is not a drinker any any sense, but he likes an occasional beer now and then. What precautions should he take?
His remaining kidney will work just fine with no changes to diet. Many people live with one kidney – and have no problems. Your father can eat whatever he likes, and an occasional beer will make no difference. He’ll be fine.
His remaining kidney will work just fine with no changes to diet. Many people live with one kidney – and have no problems. Your father can eat whatever he likes, and an occasional beer will make no difference. He’ll be fine.
References :
The primary things to be concerned with as far as kidney health are
1. Blood pressure (Should be as low as possible) so reduce sodium (2-3G/day max)
2. Protein 1G/KG/day OR 1G/2.2lbs/day
So, if you are 165lbs, you can have a max of 75 grams of protein FROM ALL SOURCES
3. AVOID NSAI’s (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Alieve)
Those were the big three from the Nephrologist.
The Nutritionist had the following advice:
In addition to lowering sodium and protein, you have to add high calorie foods to retain your weight. These include fats/oils, fruit juices and dried fruits. These will help replace the intake of calories from the elimination of protein and meats.
Foods to choose from the guide:
Milk: Fresh Whole or lowfat, 1/2 cup has 4 grams of protein
Meat: All types, Lean 7 grams of protein per ounce
Eggs: 1 egg equivalent to 1 ounce of lean meat 7 grams protein
Cheese: Same as meats, 1 ounce cheese has 7 grams protein
Beans: 1/2 Cup
Nuts: 1/4 Cup
other foods to eat…
Fruits (from 0 to 5 grams per 1/2 cup serving depening on fruit)
Other sources of protein are in breads as follows:
the following are worth 2 grams of protein each:
1 slice of bread
1/2 bagel
1/2 hamburger bun
1/2 english muffin
4 medium bread sticks
5 low sodium crackers
and the list goes on. This can be found online…
Vegtables contain some protein but they are generally low in protein which is a great reason to start eating more of them as they have lots of benefit, health wise, and you can eat more without going over the protein limit. Same with fruit.
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