Nephrology, Internal Medicine and Kidney Diseases

Renal Nutrition & Diet

People with renal impairment are often advised to follow a renal diet low in sodium, phosphorus, and protein to slow down the amount of waste products in the blood. Renal nutrition and diet emphasizes maintaining a balance between food intake and normally restricted water intake. People with kidney disease monitor their sodium intake because the kidneys cannot remove excess sodium and water. Phosphorus intake should be monitored because high levels of phosphorus can pull calcium out of the bones and make them weak, so avoid the word "PHOS" on ingredient labels, eat smaller portions, and choose low-phosphorus foods.