Diet Recommendations for Stage 4 Kidney Failure

Patients at stage 4 kidney failure lie in a very dangerous situation, and they must get effective treatment to prevent developing into end stage kidney failure. However, they should not only focus on treatment, but also pay attention to diet in daily life. Here we will introduce diet for stage 4 kidney failure.

1. Low in protein.

Protein in the urine is a very common symptom of stage 4 kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure should have a lower protein diet. Because much intake of protein can aggravate proteinuria. Besides, protein will be decomposed into urea nitrogen which is a kind of wastes. Thus, if patients with kidney failure have much protein, many wastes will build up in body and more burdens are carried by kidney, which affects kidney function very much. However, as high quality protein can produce very less wastes and provide essential amino acid, patients with kidney failure can eat more high quality protein.

2. A low phosphorus diet.

Due to decline of kidney function, patients with kidney failure have much deposition of phosphorus in body. If they still have much intake of phosphorus, kidney will be under greater pressure. In addition, to keep calcium and phosphorus balanced, body can absorb calcium from bones, leading to early bone disease. Thus, patients with kidney failure should have a low phosphorus diet.

3. Limit intake of sodium.

High blood pressure is a mostly common complication of stage 4 kidney failure. Food rich in much sodium or salt can aggravate high blood pressure. Consequently, patients with kidney failure should have a low sodium diet.

4. Pay attention to potassium.

Patients with stage 4 kidney failure should do tests to confirm that if potassium level is high. If it is high, patients with kidney failure should have a low potassium diet. Otherwise, they don’t have to limit potassium.

5. Control intake of water.

Patients with stage 4 of kidney failure should limit intake of water. Because at this stage patients have fluid retention, drinking more water can put much pressure on kidney. Besides, if patients with kidney failure have swelling in feet, hands and face with a sudden weight gain, they may have the symptom of declined urine.

6. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Patients with kidney failure should eat more fruits and vegetables. These food can provide rich nutrients for them, such as vitamin C, E.

The above suggestions are scientifically suitable for most patients at stage 4 kidney failure. However, what diet patients at stage 4 kidney failure should have depends on their specific conditions. Thus, if you have any question, please leave us a message and we will make a detailed plan about diet for you.