| During the early stages of most kidney diseases, | | | | by estimating actual weight minus the fluid |
| the patient will be advised to limit protein intake to | | | | retained. The amount of recommended protein is |
| some degree. Because protein is so vital to the | | | | based on this number. |
| entire body, this limitation should only be made | | | | Average Need vs. End Stage Needs |
| under doctor's orders and with the guidance of a | | | | The average person's protein intake is decided by |
| dietitian or nutritionist. The protein that is left in | | | | gender, health and activity levels. For a very |
| the diet at this point will be high-quality with | | | | sedentary person, that need may be as low as |
| certain additional restrictions as well. However, | | | | around.4 grams per kilogram of body weight. For |
| once the patient reaches end stage kidney | | | | a very active person, that need can increase to.8 |
| disease, the restriction on protein will not only end | | | | to 1 gram of protein. Even a bodybuilder will not |
| but the patient will also need to increase intake. | | | | need an extreme amount of protein and may |
| The level that is suggested at this stage is double | | | | only need around 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein. The |
| that of the average diet and may be hard to | | | | American Heart Association recommends that the |
| achieve with a normal diet for a number of | | | | diet not be over 35% protein, however, that |
| reasons. Protein supplements will be beneficial | | | | need might change with end stage renal failure. |
| because they are high in protein and can be high | | | | The average protein needs throughout life are as |
| in calories, helping to reach the right amount as | | | | follows: |
| suggested by the doctor, and they may be easier | | | | Age Grams of protein per kg of body weight |
| to tolerate than trying to eat large meals. | | | | - Newborn to six months: 2.2 kg |
| In Stage I through IV, the protein level is | | | | - Six to twelve months: 2.0 kg |
| restricted, with the strictest restriction at Stage | | | | - One to three years: 1.8 kg |
| IV, the final stage before dialysis becomes | | | | - Four to six years: 1.5 kg |
| necessary. In this stage, dietary protein may be | | | | - Seven to ten years: 1.2 kg |
| as low as 10%, but again, only with a doctor's | | | | - Eleven to fourteen years: 1.0 kg |
| guidance. Excess protein at this point will lead to | | | | - Fifteen to eighteen years:.9 kg |
| nausea and vomiting, a loss of appetite, weakness | | | | -Nineteen years and beyond:.8 kg |
| and itching that is sometimes intense. To put this | | | | For those who are in Stage V renal failure, there |
| into perspective: the average diet is 14-18% | | | | will be a minimum protein requirement of 1.5 to 2 |
| protein and the average vegan diet is 10-12% | | | | grams per kilogram of weight(dry), with the |
| protein. | | | | additional suggestion of getting about 25% of their |
| Not only is the amount of protein limited, but the | | | | protein at every meal and to include supplements |
| type of protein may be limited as well. Vegetarian | | | | and snacks to get to the right level of protein. |
| protein sources might be suggested in Stage IV | | | | The patient will be told to get their protein from |
| so that protein can still be included in the diet but | | | | meats, frequent egg dishes since egg is the |
| will also slow the progression of chronic kidney | | | | perfect protein and high protein supplements. |
| disease. A vegetarian diet gets protein from plant | | | | Supplement Options |
| sources, which can be digested with less protein | | | | Because end stage renal failure can cause nausea |
| waste buildup. It also works to maintain the levels | | | | and vomiting as well as decreased appetite, it is |
| of sodium, potassium and phosphorous. | | | | important to get high quality protein as well as |
| Limiting the amount of phosphorous in the diet is | | | | high calorie counts in the easiest way possible. |
| important because it can deplete calcium in the | | | | Supplements can be beneficial because they are |
| body and may cause or worsen osteoporosis. | | | | easier to consume, they are high in soluble and |
| Protein itself can cause this problem by causing | | | | digestible protein and they can be more appetizing |
| too much calcium to be eliminated from the body | | | | than trying to eat foods. It is easier to pop open |
| through urination, even when the kidneys are | | | | a supplement and drink it down than it would be |
| healthy and functioning properly. In kidney disease, | | | | to sit and try to make it through a whole meal. |
| however, electrolyte imbalances can be common | | | | Because kidney disease may also cause taste |
| and certain minerals will compete with one | | | | changes, foods that were once favorites may not |
| another. These foods that need to be limited | | | | be as appealing any longer. |
| include bran cereals, dried beans, brown rice, | | | | Supplements can be either powder, already mixed |
| lentils, salmon, organ meats, sardines, chocolate | | | | shakes, supplement shots and protein bars. |
| and cola. Dairy foods are also included on this list | | | | Protein Powders - There are four protein powder |
| of limitations, especially skim milk. | | | | sources: rice, whey, soy and egg. The powders |
| Once the end stage of chronic kidney disease has | | | | can be either from a single protein source or a |
| been reached, food needs will change dramatically, | | | | combination of two or more. Anyone with known |
| including a huge increase in both protein and | | | | or suspected food allergies should stick with single |
| calories to keep the weight steady despite a | | | | ingredient protein supplements for safety. Vegans |
| greatly decreased appetite. The calories have to | | | | can use both rice and soy protein powder |
| be high enough to prevent muscle wasting and will | | | | supplements. |
| be based on "dry" weight. Dry weight is calculated | | | | |