Proper Diets for IgA Nephropathy with High Blood Pressure

Question:My son has been diagnosed with IgA nephropathy recently. I surfed the Internet and found there are many conflicting information which says low-potassium diets with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, but many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. How should I choose proper and healthy foods for him. Besides is there any other restrictions on his diets. He has experienced blood in urine, high blood pressure and back pain and he is now taking steroid. Please give me some advice on proper daily diets for IgA nephropathy.

Answer: There is no wrong with the recommendation of fresh vegetables and fruits, but the main aim is to supply enough vitamins to the patients. IgA nephropathy can cause anemia and the supply of vitamins especially vitamin C can promote the absorption of iron and alleviate anemia. At the same time, foods that are high in vitamin B and folic acid can also help.

It is also true that many fruits and vegetables contain a lot of potassium which should be limited by IgA nephropathy. They include banana, spinach, potato, seaweed, kelp, etc. But there are still many other choices. Many fruits and vegetables are low in potassium and at the same time can provide enough vitamins and fibers to the patients such as onion, pumpkin, wax gourd, eggplant, apple, pear, watermelon, etc. And for some high-potassium foods, the potassium content can be lowered after some processing.

Besides, IgA nephropathy should limit the intake of protein and sodium. Proper protein intake should depend on the severity of renal damages, but daily protein intake should be less than 1g/kg and high-quality protein like egg white, milk, lean meat and fresh water fish are preferred than plant proteins in bean products.

Since you son has already had high blood pressure, low-salt diet is necessary. At the same time, other highly salty foods and spicy foods should be limited or avoided.