Patients with glomerulonephritis usually have edema, proteinuria, high blood pressure and other symptoms. Diet therapy, or food therapy, can help slow down the progress of glomerulonephritis and manage its symptoms. Today, kidney dietitians in Kidney Service China guide these patients to develop a healthy diet plan.
1. Restrict protein intake
When kidney filters, glomeruli, are unable to filter blood normally, extra protein will increase the burden on kidneys. However, glomerulonephritis patients usually have obvious proteinuria, so patients should take in high-quality protein, also called complete protein. This is because complete protein can provide more essential amino acids for the body and reduce the burden on kidneys.
2. Develop a low-sodium diet
For glomerulonephritis patients, excessive amount of sodium will worsen patients’ fluid retention and hypertension, so these patients are required to follow a low-sodium diet. Therefore, processed foods, canned foods, salted snacks, bacon, fried potatoes, and other salty foods should be avoided.
3. Follow a low-phosphorus diet
Phosphorus is one essential mineral for our body, but extra phosphorus in the body may easily induce skin itching, muscle cramps, bone disease and other problems. From this perspective, glomerulonephritis patients, especially when their illness condition develops into end stage, should control their phosphorus intake strictly.
4. Control potassium intake
Potassium is another essential mineral. When kidneys are unable to filter blood normally, extra potassium will build up in the body and cause some problems. Therefore, it is necessary for glomerulonephritis to follow a low-potassium diet.
5. Correct fluid intake
Extra fluid intake will aggravate patients’ swelling and hypertension, so glomerulonephritis patients should determine how much fluid they should drink every day. The correct amount of fluid can not only control blood pressure and fluid balance but also reduce the burden on kidneys.
These are some basic requirements of diet therapy for glomerulonephritis patients. If you still have anything unclear, you can leave your question in the form below or consult the doctor online directly.