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Our kidneys help us to maintain a balance of the good things our body requires by filtering out the things we do not need. If our kidneys are not working properly then we need to watch what we eat so they do not have to work as hard. A renal diabetes diet menu limits the intake of potassium, protein, fluid, salt (sodium), and phosphorus. Also, carbohydrate intake is monitored because of diabetes and an increase of foods that contain fiber.
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Potassium helps the nerves and muscles to work properly. Your kidneys help regulate the amount of potassium in your body. Increased levels of potassium in the body can be dangerous. So once kidney failure exists, a person must be aware of foods that contain increased levels of potassium.
Foods that contain high levels of potassium: chocolate, coffee, bananas, oranges, potatoes, cantaloupe, tomatoes, prunes, mushrooms, raisins, greens, Swiss chard, dried fruit and nuts, apricots, bran, and salt substitutes. Foods low in potassium: apples, beans, rice, grapes, cucumbers, pear, onions, watermelon, lettuce, cranberries, carrots, cherries, cereals, noodles, and bread products.
All listed foods contain potassium so it is important to monitor portion size.
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Protein is important to the body because it maintains muscles, repairs and replaces body tissue, and aids in resistance to infections. As the body breaks down protein, a waste called urea is formed. Urea is usually filtered by the kidneys, but as kidney function declines, urea can build up in the bloodstream. The buildup of urea in the bloodstream can cause you to feel sick. Monitoring the amount of protein you eat will help decrease the levels of urea in the bloodstream. Meat, poultry, milk products, and eggs are foods that are high in protein. Foods that have low levels of protein include fresh beans, grains, and vegetables.
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Fluid and Fluid Intake
The amount of fluid that is taken in is important because the kidneys help control the amount of fluid that leaves your body. Any liquid or food that can melt into a liquid is fluid that needs to be monitored. When using the renal diabetic diet menu, it is important to use these fluid monitoring tips:
- Drink only when thirsty.
- Reduce your salt intake so you will not be as thirsty.
- Brushing your teeth 3 or 4 times a day to prevent your mouth from drying out.
- Eat ice chips, but be sure to monitor that amount you take in.
- Diabetics, control your blood sugar.
- Take your medications with small sips of liquid.
- Chew sugarless gum or eat hard candy to help with mouth dryness.
- Measure that amount of fluid your favorite cup holds to help you keep up with your daily fluid intake.
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Muscle contractions, balancing fluids, and blood pressure are all controlled by your body's need for sodium. The kidneys help rid the body of excess of sodium and fluid can accumulate in your body when the kidneys fail to work properly. This fluid retention causes swelling in the eyes, hands and ankles. By limiting the amount of sodium in your diet, you can help prevent these problems.
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Phosphorus is a mineral that works with calcium to help build and maintain healthy bones. Phosphorus also helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function. Keeping phosphorus and calcium in balance becomes difficult if kidney function starts to decline. The body cannot get rid of the excess phosphorus causing phosphorus levels to increase and calcium levels to decrease. To correct the problem, your body will take the calcium from your bones and cause them to become weak. Monitoring the types of food you eat is important, and foods that are high in phosphorus need to be avoided.
Foods to avoid: cheese, cola drinks, sardines, peanut butter, nuts, ice cream, beer, caramels, and chicken/beef liver. Foods you can use as substitutes: non- dairy creamers, broccoli, non-cola drinks, sherbet, zucchini squash, and hard candy.
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Glucose is released into the urine when there are elevated levels of glucose in the blood. If your kidneys can not detect this, glucose can be abnormally excreted into the urine. Foods that are high in glucose should be avoided. These foods include: ice cream, cakes, honey, pasta, and potatoes. Fruits are high in glucose but are important to include in your diet. When eating fruit make sure you monitor your servings.