According to the pathological changes of the kidneys, IgA Nephropathy
(Berger's disease) can be divided into 5 stages, and the dietary arrangement
also varies with different symptoms of patients.
The first stage: minimal change
Patients have no obvious symptoms in this stage, and they may present lower
back pain, mild swelling, and simple hematuria accompany with or without mild
protein in urine. Patients need to supplement Iron, Zinc, Cuprum and Manganese.
Milk and carrots can be taken to accelerate metabolism and improve overall
immunity. In addition, fresh vegetables and fruits, such as tomato, watermelon,
cucumber, etc, are proper choice. Much intake of water and a low-salt diet is
also recommended.
The second stage: mild change
In this stage, patients may present microscopic hematuria with mild
proteinuria. Patients can eat some apples, black sesame, etc.
The third stage: Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis (FSGS)
High blood pressure can be commonly seen in this stage, so patients can eat
foods like green vegetables, oatmeal and kelp to decrease blood pressure.
Besides, it is possible to drink some yogurt and green tea. Animal fat intake
should be limited.
The fourth stage: diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerular nephritis
Some patients may have massive protein in urine, low protein levels in blood,
and microscopic hematuria. It is necessary to supply low-quantity high-quality
protein by eating foods including eggs, milk, lean meat, etc. For those with
normal kidney function, the protein intake is about 1~1.5g/Kg/day. If the renal
function is damaged, the amount can be limited to 0.6~0.8g/Kg/day.
The fifth stage: diffuse sclerosing glomerular nephritis
Patients have entered into Renal Failure, or even Uremia. To reduce the
burden of kidneys, patients are required to limit protein intake. For those who
have large amount of urine output, you can eat some foods contained potassium
like peanuts and mung beans. If patients have no Diabetes, they can supplement
certain amount of fat and sugar.
Diet plays a complementary role in IgA Nephropathy (Berger's disease)
treatment. Certainly, effective treatment in the early stage is the most
important point.