Proper Diet Principles for Nephrotic Syndrome

In clinic, nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, edema and high blood pressure. It is difficult to cure and the recurrent rate is high and each relapsing will cause the illness conditions become worse. Even some improper food can cause serious complications; therefore it is important to know the proper diet principles for them.

1. Fat. Nephritic syndrome patients often have hyperlipidemia. For those refractory cases such as membraneous nephropathy, long term hyperlipidemia can cause atherosclerosis, therefore fat meat and foods that are rich in animal fat should be limited.

2. Protein. Due to loss of large amount of protein in urine, the colloid osmotic pressure is lowered, so the edema is hard to relieve and the body’s resistance is reduced. Therefore in the early stage of nephrotic syndrome and in case of no renal failure, adult patients should maintain 0.7-1.0g/kg protein every day and this can help relieve hypoalbuminemia and its complications. High quality proteins such as lean meat, fish, egg white, milk are all good choices.

3. Vitamin, calcium and trace elements. The increased permeability of the glomerular basement membrane cause not only the loss of protein, but also certain elements and hormones that combine with the proteins and cause lack of calcium, magnesium, zinc, so patients should pay more attention to supply these nutrition and elements. While using adrenal glucocorticoids, patients’ appetite will increase and gain lots of weight due to over-eating. Obesity can sometimes cause hepatomegaly and fatty liver, therefore the intake of calories should be limited and at the same time adequate calcium and vitamin D should be supplied.

4. Salt. The intake of salt depends on the severity of edema. Severe edema should avoid salt and in case of relieved edema salt should be limited (about 3g/day).

5. Water. In case of severe edema, patient should have strict restriction on water intake. While in hot summers, patients can have moderate amount of water and salt to supply those that are lost while sweating. In case of diuresis, vomiting and diarrhea, patients should supply some water and salt.