Diet For Nephrotic Syndrome - Which Foods Do You Include And Which Do You Exclude?

Nephrotic (nephrotic) syndrome is a kidney disease in which the body excretes too much protein (blood protein) in the urine. This reduces the amount of protein in the blood and leads to water and salt retention in the body.

Eating does not cause the nephrotic syndrome, but what the patient consumes can worsen the symptoms and cause other complications , such as high blood pressure, kidney failure and elevated levels of fats (lipids) in the blood.

How does diet affect nephrotic syndrome?

Changing your diet is crucial to avoid kidney damage. A diet high in protein is not recommended for nephrotic syndrome. Low to moderate protein intake is recommended, depending on the condition of the kidneys.
Too much protein in the diet is dangerous because it can damage the nephrons (the basic structural and functional units of the kidneys) and cause kidney failure.

The recommended protein intake for nephrotic syndrome is 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day, but this amount may vary depending on the current state of the kidneys. It is important to consult a specialist to determine the specific diet of each patient.

A diet low in sodium (salt) is also recommended for nephrotic syndrome. Eating too much sodium in the diet can lead to further fluid and salt retention, leading to the subsequent development of edema and hypertension.

Because nephrotic syndrome can also cause high blood lipid levels , reducing fat intake can prevent cardiovascular disease. To manage this condition, it is important to understand which foods should and should not be consumed.

Which foods are included in the diet for nephrotic syndrome?

• Poultry, fish, mussels;
• Ripe beans;
• Peanut butter;
• Soybeans;
• Fruits (apples, watermelons, pears, oranges, bananas);
• Vegetables (green beans, lettuce, tomatoes);
• Low salt canned vegetables;
• Potatoes;
• Rice;
• Whole grain foods;
• Nuts (not salted);
• Cottage cheese;
• Tofu;
• Milk;
• Butter or margarine

Which foods should be limited and which should be avoided in a diet with nephrotic syndrome?

• Processed cheeses;
• Meat high in sodium (ham, bacon, sausage, hot dog);
• Canned meats;
• Pickled vegetables;
• Salted potato chips, popcorn and nuts;
• Salty pasta

It should be borne in mind that some spices also have a high sodium content. Possibilities for seasoning low-salt dishes include - ketchup, vinegar, lemon juice, herbs and spices, flavorings without or low in sodium.

Should be avoided - Worcestershire sauce, bouillon cubes, olives, pickles and soy sauce.

What are the complications of nephrotic syndrome?

Complications can occur if some dietary recommendations are not followed. If left untreated, complications of the nephrotic syndrome may include:

• Blood clot formation (thrombus);
• High blood cholesterol;
• High levels of triglycerides in the blood;
• Malnutrition;
• Weight loss;
• Deficiency of vitamin D and calcium;
• High blood pressure;
• Kidney failure;
• Chronic kidney disease;
• Infections

Nephrotic syndrome cannot be prevented, but treating the underlying kidney disease and making dietary changes can prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Possibilities for treatment may include - medicines for hypertension, diuretics , drugs for blood thinners, medicine for lowering the level of cholesterol or steroid if renal disease causes inflammation.