Diet plays an essential role in treating Diabetic Nephropathy. A proper diet
can help patients maintain good nutritional status as well as slow the
progression of kidney disease. Then how to arrange the diet of Diabetic
Nephropathy? The following are some useful advice for you.
Firstly, Diabetic Nephropathy patients need to pay attention to the
carbohydrate supply. Carbohydrate is not only the main energy source, but also
has great influence on the blood sugar levels. Patients may spread carbohydrate
intake into smaller meals and snacks. Breads and grains, fruit, milk, starchy
vegetables and so on are major sources of carbohydrate.
Secondly, Diabetic Nephropathy patients should limit the intake of sodium.
The recommended daily sodium intake is less than 1,500mg/day. Patients can
choose foods including fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables and meats. Limit or
avoid processed, canned foods. In general, low-sodium foods refers to those have
less than 5% the daily value for sodium.
Thirdly, Diabetic Nephropathy patients had better modulate protein intake. In
the early stage of kidney disease, you should limit the intake of protein.
However, if the blood sugar can not controlled well, the protein turnover gets
accelerated, so you need to increase the protein intake.
Fourthly, Diabetic Nephropathy patients must restrict the intake of
potassium. Since the renal function is damaged, potassium will build up in the
blood. High potassium can influence heart rhythm. Therefore, you must limit or
avoid eating high-potassium foods such as bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges,
avocado, cooked broccoli, potatoes, spinach, vegetable juice and tomato
products, etc.
Finally, Diabetic Nephropathy patients have to limit phosphorus. Due to
declined renal function, phosphorus may build up in the blood, making bones more
brittle and leading to itchy skin and bone and joint pain. you can reduce the
intake of foods with added phosphorus. Other high-phosphorus foods include bran,
oatmeal and colas.