Trace Elements and Chronic Kidney Disease

In biochemistry, trace elements are the dietary minerals which are essential for our body to function properly. Common trace elements include calcium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus and so on. For people with Chronic Kidney Disease, the content of trace elements may change because of impaired kidney function, which can thus bring them much more problems.

1. High sodium level in blood

Sodium is one of the common trace elements of our body. It is needed by our muscles and nerves to work properly and also can help to control blood pressure and blood volume. For one with Chronic Kidney Disease, he is very likely to suffer from high sodium level which not only increases patient’s blood pressure, but also can cause fluid retention in the body. Salt is high in sodium, so Chronic Kidney Disease patients are always suggested to limit salt intake.

2. Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia will appear when damaged kidneys fail to discharge excess potassium in blood. It is a mineral that helps nerves and muscles communication. Also, it helps to move nutrients into cells and wase products out of cells. High potassium level in blood will cause many heart problems, digestive problems and nerve problems and so on. Therefore, it is necessary for Chronic Kidney Disease patients with hyperkalemia to avoid foods high in potassium like banana, chard, rimini mushrooms and spinach and so on.

3. High phosphorus level in blood

Next to calcium, phosphorus is the most abundant trace element in the body. It makes up 1% of a person’s total body weight and present in every cell of the body. Phosphorus plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. Also, it is needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. Similar with potassium, phosphorus level in blood is also kept in a stable range and when we ingest too much phosphorus one time, our kidneys will help to discharge excess phosphorus. High level of phosphorus will affect calcium level in the blood, so it is necessary for Chronic Kidney Disease patients who have high level of phosphorus to avoid high phosphorus foods like all-bran cereal, almonds, beef, brazil nuts, cashew nuts, cheese and dried fruit and so on.

4. Low calcium level in blood

Calcium is one of the most important trace elements. High phosphorus level in blood will restrain our body from absorbing enough calcium and thus cause low calcium level in blood. Therefore, for Chronic Kidney Disease patients suffering from low calcium level, they run a high risk for bone problems like bone pain and bone fracture.

Trace element is necessary for us to keep being healthy, so it is of great importance for Chronic Kidney Disease patients to adjust their diet according to the level of trace elements in their body.