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Patient Information

Patient Education

Diet plays an important role in the management of kidney disease. Each month our nurse will draw your blood.  Based upon your level, our renal dietician will recommend you follow a diet plan.

Protein is very important because your body uses it to build resistance to infections, maintain muscle and replace body tissue.  When your body breaks down proteins, a waste product called urea is formed.  If your kidney function is declined too much urea can build up in your blood stream and make you feel sick.

Phosphorus plays an important role in your diet because it’s used to maintain healthy teeth and bones. When your kidneys aren’t working properly, your body can’t keep the levels of phosphorus and calcium in balance.  Your phosphorus levels will increase and your body will not take in enough calcium. Your body will then take the calcium it needs from the bones which will make them brittle and weak.

Potassium is what helps your muscles and nerves work properly.  One of the functions of your kidneys is to maintain a proper balance of potassium.  If it gets too high it can make your heart beat irregularly.  It’s important for a patient with chronic kidney disease to consume the proper amount of potassium.

Sodium is used in the body to control blood pressure and balance fluids.  In healthy kidneys, excess sodium is excreted in urine.  With declining kidney function sodium builds up in your bloodstream and may cause you to retain water in your eyes, hands and/or ankles. 

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