Renal failure: foods to limit and foods to prefer

Kidney failure is the condition whereby the kidneys can no longer perform their function properly, i.e. that of regulating water and salt balance, eliminating acids and waste from the body and producing hormones. As with any other aspect of health, it is also important for the kidneys to follow a correct diet. Indeed, for those suffering from kidney failure, it is even more important. This is why it is important to know which foods to limit and which to favour.

When suffering from kidney failure, it is advisable to limit intake of sodium, protein, potassium and phosphorous. Excessive intake of these nutrients may in fact overwork the kidneys, as they function in a limited way due to the insufficiency.

The best way to obtain correct information on the diet to follow in the case of kidney failure is to consult a doctor. In general, it is believed that protein-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products), potassium-rich foods (bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, etc.) and phosphorus-rich foods (fish, canned foods, etc.) should be restricted.

In theory, it would be advisable to eliminate foods that are too high in sodium. These include snacks, pre-cooked foods, sausages and canned foods.

In general, however, it is recommended to consume foods such as whole grains (spelt, barley), vegetables (beets, cabbage), fruit (oranges) and olive oil.