Nutrition In Hydronephrosis

Hydronephrosis is a disease in which there is a significant enlargement of the renal pelvis due to disturbances in the excretion of urine, which increases the pressure in the ureter and kidney. Such increased hydrostatic pressure leads to constriction of blood vessels, disrupting the normal nutrition of the kidneys, causing tissue atrophy. As a result of all this, the work of the entire genitourinary system is disrupted.

In general, the disease affects one kidney.

Useful foods for hydronephrosis

Nutrition in the presence of this disease is special. The diet should be high in calories (the accepted daily amount of calories should be 3000), contain all the necessary amino acids and vitamins.

If the patient is prescribed diuretics, then his menu should include foods rich in potassium. These are: beans, lentils, peas, mustard, dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots), nuts (cashews, almonds, pine nuts, hazelnuts), cabbage juice, figs, sea cabbage, potatoes (preferably roasted), dairy products .
All of them will help reduce swelling.

The main meal should consist of fruits and vegetables. Eat at least 600 grams daily.

It is necessary to monitor the amount of urine excreted for 24 hours. Depending on this, the volume of fluids that should be taken is determined, including soups, compotes, water ...
The patient should not take more than 500 milliliters of fluid more than the urine excreted the day before. In other words, the amount of fluid per day is determined by the following formula: the amount of urine excreted yesterday + 0.5 liters.
It is good to drink compotes diluted with water.

In order to increase the volume of urine excreted, it is necessary to make unloading days. An unloading of carbohydrates is ordered. Such a diet makes it possible to lower blood pressure and remove the products of protein breakdown from the body.

Three options for unloading days

• With liquids

Fresh fruit compote should be drunk throughout the day. It can be sweetened with sugar. A liter of the drink is taken 5 times, with an interval between them of at least 3 hours.

• With fruit

Only fruits are eaten. Every 3 hours, 300 grams are consumed 5 times a day. Watermelon is a very suitable fruit for this purpose. Can also raspberries, blueberries (red, blue), grapes, oranges, cherries, apples.

• With vegetables

300 grams of fresh vegetable salad every 3 hours, not less than 5 such meals a day.

The issue of salt and protein intake is controversial. According to some nephrologists, protein foods should be excluded from the menu, protein hinders kidney function. But excluding it from food (especially in the elderly) could seriously harm the body. Without amino acids (which are contained in proteins), a normal process of repairing damaged kidney tissue cannot take place.
Therefore, most experts recommend reducing the amount of protein by 1 kilogram of body weight is about 0.5 grams of easily digestible protein (dairy products, lean meats and vegetable fats).

As for salt, its use was previously completely banned. At a later stage, the amount is limited to 2 grams per day. To flavor the food, instead of salting, you can use various herbs, spices, garlic, onions.

The menu is determined individually, taking into account the general health of the patient, comorbidities, the presence of chronic problems, the severity of edema, the results of urine tests.

In hydronephrosis, the consumption of the following foods and products is recommended:

• white and rye unleavened bread, rusks, biscuits;
• vegetable soups, porridges and cereals (especially buckwheat and rice);
• eggs (not more than 1 per day);
• jellies, sour;
• hard cheese, cottage cheese;
• green leafy plants: spinach, nettle, lettuce, dill, parsley;
• cauliflower;
• asparagus;
• pumpkin.

It is best to steam or boil all dishes, add oil only when cooking.

Adhering to the principles of nutrition in hydronephrosis will reduce the load on the kidneys, will normalize metabolic processes. This will allow the kidneys to focus on their recovery.

If there is concomitant kidney disease, the patient is recommended to adhere to a curative diet № 7.

Dangerous and harmful foods in hydronephrosis:

• spicy, fried, smoked, fatty and sour dishes;
• sauces, marinades, ketchup, mayonnaise, pickles;
• confectionery and creams (containing sugar and margarine);
• fatty meats and fish, also broths thereof;
• mushrooms;
• fast food, alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, coffee;
• semi-finished products, canned food, sausages, frankfurters;
• freshly made pastries and butter dough products.

In the presence of oscaluria, the consumption of sorrel, chocolate, milk, any legumes and products containing calcium salts, ascorbic and oxalic acids is prohibited.