A special diet can help alleviate symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, caused by kidneys not filtering waste products properly. A low-sodium, low-fat, high-calcium, or low-protein diet can reduce kidney damage and control symptoms. Medication may also be needed.
People with nephrotic syndrome can help alleviate the symptoms of the disease by eating a special diet for nephrotic syndrome. The syndrome is caused by kidneys not filtering waste products properly, so adjusting your diet can help reduce kidney damage. A nephrotic syndrome diet can be low in sodium, low in fat, high in calcium, or low in protein. The diet will not cure the underlying disease, but it may control the symptoms of the syndrome.
Nephrotic syndrome is caused by a variety of diseases that affect the kidneys. These include membranous glomerulonephritis, minimal change disease, diabetes, infections, lupus, and cancer. The syndrome is characterized by high levels of protein in the urine; high cholesterol levels; low blood protein; high triglyceride levels; and swelling, especially of the feet, hands, and face. Both adults and children can be affected by nephrotic syndrome.
The inflammation associated with the syndrome comes from excess sodium in the body created by the kidneys’ inefficient removal of waste. This symptom of the disease can be controlled by eating a low-sodium diet or by adjusting fluid intake. Low-sodium foods include rice, fresh vegetables, fruits, fresh meats, and cereals, and high-sodium foods include processed meats, cheese, and canned foods. Patients may also be advised to take diuretics to reduce swelling.
A nephrotic syndrome diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol may be recommended to keep a patient’s blood cholesterol levels low. High-fat foods include butter, cheese, some meats, and fast food, and low-fat foods include fruits, vegetables, rice, and cereals. Instead of controlling blood cholesterol through diet, a doctor may recommend that the patient take cholesterol-lowering medication. Medication is also the best way to control blood pressure, which is important if a patient is trying to reduce or prevent kidney damage.
Many patients with nephrotic syndrome have low calcium levels, so a dietitian may recommend a high-calcium diet, including calcium-rich foods such as milk and yogurt. A patient who has had long-term nephrotic syndrome may also be advised to take vitamin D supplements. A nephrotic syndrome diet that is low in protein may also be recommended by a doctor for certain patients, but a low protein diet is not suitable for all people with the disease. A patient with nephrotic syndrome should seek advice on a specific diet from a doctor or dietician, because there are a variety of diets meant to suit a variety of cases.
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