Can diet changes be helpful with nephrotic syndrome? The answer is yes. While diet changes may not help prevent or cause this condition, they help manage your symptoms and keep your kidneys healthy. Some foods help you manage your symptoms while others can make your symptoms worse and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Learn how diet affects nephrotic syndrome and what food to eat or avoid with nephrotic syndrome in this article. If you want to know more about urological health, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best nephrologists and urologists in East New York.

The link between diet and nephrotic syndrome

Diet may not cause or prevent nephrotic syndrome, but it can help you manage the symptoms and keep your kidneys healthy. Nephrotic syndrome occurs when kidneys get damaged and release too much protein in the urine. This causes a loss of protein, which is required for many body functions. People with this disorder are recommended to eat a protein-rich diet, but not too much protein, because consuming a lot of protein can damage nephrons (the working units of kidneys) and cause renal insufficiency.

Low to moderate protein intake is recommended, depending on the severity of the condition. Additionally, A low-sodium diet is also recommended for nephrotic syndrome patients, because too much sodium in the diet can further lead to fluid and salt retention which results in uncomfortable swelling and hypertension. Nephrotic syndrome also causes high levels of fat in the bloodstream and not reducing your fat intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Finally, you also need to limit your fluid intake to manage swelling.

This shows how diet and nutrition are connected with nephrotic syndrome. To manage the condition, you need to work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best food sources for you. This will ensure that the food helps manage this condition’s symptoms and keep your kidneys healthy.

Diet tips

Monitoring your diet can be challenging, however, it is essential to do it because this improves your health and alleviates your symptoms. Here are some tips that help you with dietary changes, including:

1. Be mindful about your protein intake. The recommended protein intake for nephrotic syndrome is 1 gram per kilogram of your body weight per day, which equals 0.45 g pound per day. However, this amount may vary based on your current kidney health.
2. According to standards, you should limit sodium intake to 400 milligrams per meal (150 mg per snack). So, read labels or check sodium content before purchasing processed food items. Often cook food at home to control sodium intake.
3. To limit the salt intake, you can use herbs and spices. However, avoid seasonings that contain salt because they have a higher salt content than the actual herbs and spices. So, if a recipe recommends using garlic salt, use fresh garlic or garlic powder instead.
4. Generally, you should cook your meals at home. In case you are going to have a meal outside the home, then do some research to look for a restaurant that offers a nutritional menu beforehand and can cook meals with under 400 mg of sodium for you or prepare a meal without salt.
5. Cook your food with healthy oils like olive and coconut oil.
6. You should remove salt from the dining table, just to avoid the urge to make food tasty.
7. Always choose fresh vegetables or canned vegetables without sodium or low sodium to lower your sodium intake. Rinse them well before cooking.

Food to intake

Here are certain foods that can be beneficial for a person with nephrotic syndrome:

For fiber

• Whole grains
• Fresh fruits and vegetables

For protein

• Lean meats
• Poultry without the skin
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Beans
• Nuts
• Up to 2 eggs per week

Foods low in fat and cholesterol

• Low-fat dairy products
• Egg whites or egg substitutes
• Healthy oils such as sunflower oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and olive oil.

To avoid sauces and seasonings that are high in sodium, use these alternative seasonings, including:

• Basil
• Chives
• Cinnamon
• Vinegar
• Fresh garlic or garlic powder
• Ginger
• Lemon juice
• Dry mustard
• Paprika
• Pepper
• Fresh onion or onion powder

Your doctor may refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist so that they work with you and create the best diet plan for you. This ensures you get all the essential nutrients while consuming foods that’ll help you manage nephrotic syndrome symptoms.

Foods to avoid

Your doctor will recommend you follow a diet that is low in sodium or salt to manage blood pressure and fluid retention. So, you should avoid foods that are high in sodium. Here are the common examples:

• Processed foods
• Cheese
• Most canned foods
• Salted snacks like chips, nuts, pretzels, popcorn, French fries, etc.
• Some dips and sauces
• Canned meats
• High-sodium meats like sausage, hot dogs, ham, bacon, bologna, etc.
• Pickled vegetables
• Frozen meals and entrees

While this condition makes you lose too much protein, you should avoid a diet high in protein because it can worsen symptoms. Consume the recommended protein intake by your doctor or nutritionist.

You should avoid seasonings that contain high sodium content, which include:

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Barbecue sauce
• Hot sauce
• Steak sauce
• Soy sauce
• Low-calorie salad dressing
• Cocktail sauce

Diet can play a major role in nephrotic syndrome patients in managing their symptoms and keeping the kidneys healthy. Along with treatment, your doctor may recommend you make certain changes in your diet like switching to a low-sodium diet, avoiding fats or high-cholesterol foods, and limiting your fluid intake to manage your symptoms. Or refer to a dietitian or nutritionist who can work with you to get a suitable diet plan that ensures you get all essential nutritionists while managing your nephrotic syndrome symptoms.

Need help with nephrotic syndrome or kidney problems, visit our urology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call at -__________________to book your appointment now!!!

At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologists will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. We also offer services, such as renal and bladder ultrasound. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.