Proper Diets To Treat IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is caused by the deposition of immune globulins in glomerular mesangial area. Patients are ofter bothered by repeated gross hematuria or microscopic hematuria, proteinuria, high blood pressure.

Proper diets play important supplementary role in treating IgA nephropathy which can help alleviate blood in urine, protein in urine, high blood pressure and swelling.

Low-protein diet

Many IgA patients and their families think that they should have more protein intake since they have lost a lot of proteins in urine. However the reality is that high-protein diets can increase albumin synthesis in the liver, but at the same time there will be more proteins being leaked in urine. High-protein diets can not rectify hypoalbuminemia, on the contrary, it will worsen high perfusion, high filtration and high pressure states in the kidneys and speed up glomerular hardening and loss of kidney functions.

Low-protein diets can slow down the illness progression of IgA nephropathy. Since the amount of protein has been limited, the quality of protein should be high. High-quality protein means that the proteins have high utilization and at the same time produce less nitrogen-containing metabolic wastes and toxins.

Usually daily protein intake should be limited within 0.7-1.0g/kg and high-quality proteins like fresh water fish, lean meat, milk and egg white are all good choices for IgA patients.

Besides, water and salt should be limited if patients have severe edema and high blood pressure. Low-salt diet is good for controlling high blood pressure and slowing down decline rate of kidney functions.

IgA patients should have more fresh vegetables and fruits like apple, pear, watermelon, lotus root especially in case of blood found in urine and avoid pickles, tobacco, alcohol, spicy and stimulating foods such as garlic, onion, hot pepper, etc.

Besides proper diets, IgA patients should have good rest and avoid over-tiredness and strenuous activities. During remission period, patients can have some mild exercises such as walking, tai chi to help strengthen their physical fitness and improve immunity and disease-resistance ability.