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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much water should I drink?

  1. Keep your kidneys healthy by being “water wise.” This means drinking the right amount of water for you. A common misconception is that everyone should drink eight glasses of water per day, but since everyone is different, daily water needs will vary by person. How much water you need is based on differences in age, climate, exercise intensity, as well as states of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and illness.About 60-70% of your body weight is made up of water, and every part of your body needs it to function properly. Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work. Mild dehydration can make you feel tired, and can impair normal bodily functions. Severe dehydration can lead to kidney damage, so it is important to drink enough when you work or exercise very hard, and especially in warm and humid weather.
  2. Here are 6 tips to make sure you’re drinking enough water and to keep your kidneys healthy:
    1. Eight is great, but not set in stone. There is no hard and fast rule that everyone needs 8 glasses of water a day. This is just a general recommendation based on the fact that we continually lose water from our bodies, and that we need adequate water intake to survive and optimal amounts to thrive. The Institute of Medicine has estimated that men need approximately 13 cups (3 liters) of fluid daily, and that women need approximately 9 cups (2.2 liters) of fluid daily.
    2. Less is more if you have kidney failure (a.k.a. end stage kidney disease). When the kidneys fail, people don’t excrete enough water, if any at all. For those who are receiving dialysis treatment, water must actually be greatly restricted.
    3. It’s possible to drink too much water. Though it is not very common for this to happen in the average person, endurance athletes like marathoners may drink large amounts of water and thereby dilute the sodium level in their blood, resulting in a dangerous condition called hyponatremia.
    4. Your urine can reveal a lot. For the average person, “water wise” means drinking enough water or other healthy fluids, such as unsweetened juice or low fat milk to quench thirst and to keep your urine light yellow or colorless. When your urine is dark yellow, this indicates that you are dehydrated. You should be making about 1.5 liters of urine daily (about 6 cups).
    5. H2O helps prevent kidney stones and UTIs. Kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are two common medical conditions that can hurt the kidneys, and for which good hydration is essential. Kidney stones form less easily when there is sufficient water available to prevent stone-forming crystals from sticking together. Water helps dissolve the antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, making them more effective. Drinking enough water also helps produce more urine, which helps to flush out infection-causing bacteria.
    6. Beware of pills and procedures. Drinking extra water with certain medications or before and after procedures with contrast dye may help prevent kidney damage. Read medication labels and ask questions before undergoing medical procedures involving contrast dyes. Always consult with your healthcare provider first though, especially if you are on a fluid restriction.

Are Cranberries Healthy For My Kidneys?

  1. You may know cranberries as a tasty and tart small red fruit with a history of consumption dating back to Native Americans and the earliest European settlers, but did you know that they are also good for your urinary tract and your kidneys? If you aren’t already eating cranberries, consider adding them to your grocery list. A fall favorite, cranberries have long been a holiday staple but as a result of their versatility they can be consumed dried, fresh, cooked and even as juice – it’s easy to find a “reason for every season” to incorporate cranberries into your diet throughout the year.Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are responsible for nearly 10 million doctor visits each year. A urinary tract infection is what happens when bacteria (germs) get into the urinary tract (including the bladder) and multiply. The result is redness, swelling and pain in the urinary tract. Most UTIs stay in the bladder, but if not treated quickly they can travel up the ureter and into the kidneys, causing a more serious and painful kidney infection called pyelonephritis.About 80 to 90 percent of UTIs are caused by a single type of bacteria, E. coli. These bacteria normally live in your intestines, but sometimes they get into the urinary tract and the kidneys. This is where incorporating cranberries into your diet becomes important. Cranberries contain compounds that can stop the bacteria from “sticking” to the urinary tract wall and studies in young women with frequent UTIs show that drinking a glass of cranberry juice each day may help reduce recurrent or repeat UTIs. Research also suggests a similar effect from the consumption of other cranberry products, including dried cranberries and dietary supplements. For those with diabetes or at-risk for diabetes, low-sugar cranberry products are available. Ask your treating clinician if increasing cranberry consumption in your diet is right for you.A serving of fresh cranberries is a good source of vitamin C and fiber, provides antioxidant polyphenols, and contains only 1 mg of sodium. Here are 6 tips from the National Kidney Foundation for incorporating cranberries into your diet.
    1. Add some crunch. Dried cranberries are a great snack choice (just watch out for added sugar). Enjoy them plain or consider adding them to homemade trail mix.
    2. Spruce up your salad. Fresh and dried cranberries can be easily tossed into salads for colorful and tasty burst of flavor.
    3. Keep it classic. Cranberry juice is a classic beverage and is an easy way to get your fill of cranberries. Just grab a glass!
    4. Some like it hot. Cranberry tea is a delicious way to drink cranberries during the cooler months.
    5. Bake a brunch spread. Fresh and dried cranberries make a great addition to oatmeal, muffins and other baked goods, adding texture and nutrients.
    6. Color your couscous. Add a pop of color, flavor and sweetness to your favorite couscous or pasta salad recipe. This makes for an easy and delicious dish to take to a pot-luck party!

    For more information about UTIs, please visit the A-Z Guide and for some kidney-friendly cranberry recipes, visit the Kidney Kitchen.

7 Golden Rules of Kidney Disease Prevention

Many of us don’t give much thought to our hardworking kidneys. The truth is 33% of adults in the United States are at risk for developing kidney disease.

The main risk factors of kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a family history of kidney disease, and obesity.

Here are 7 Golden Rules of Prevention to lower your chances of getting kidney disease.

1. Get regular check-ups

2. Control Blood Pressure

3. Manage Blood Sugar

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

5. Exercise

6. Quit Smoking

7. Do not overuse pain medicines

Read Complete Article At: https://www.kidney.org/prevention/7-golden-rules-of-prevention

Kidney Diet Local Pdf : Click to download

How can I learn about kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal disease or CKD, is a condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time.

Kidney disease facts:

  • 37 million American adults have CKD, and millions of others are at increased risk
  • Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure
  • Heart disease is the primary cause of death for all people with CKD

To read more facts about Chronic Kidney Disease Visit: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease

Or see the table of contents below

Table of Contents

Information about Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment that does some of the things done by healthy kidneys. It is needed when your own kidneys can no longer take care of your body’s needs.

When is dialysis needed?

You need dialysis when you develop end stage kidney failure –usually by the time you lose about 85 to 90 percent of your kidney function and have a GFR of <15.

What does dialysis do?

When your kidneys fail, dialysis keeps your body in balance by:

  • removing waste, salt and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body
  • keeping a safe level of certain chemicals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium and bicarbonate
  • helping to control blood pressure

To know more about What is dialysis visit: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dialysisinfo

Or see the table of contents below:

Table of Contents

Video

Medications That Can Cause Nephrotoxicity (Kidney Damage)

Medications That Can Cause Nephrotoxicity (Kidney Damage)

The kidney is a vital organ that performs several essential functions in the body, including detoxification (removing toxins from the blood) and maintaining homeostasis ( the body’s ability to maintain a stable, constant environment internally). Nephrotoxicity is a term used to describe a rapid deterioration in kidney function due to the toxic effects of chemicals or drugs (approximately 20% of nephrotoxicity is caused by drugs).

Please continue reading to learn more about nephrotoxicity and some medication classes that can cause kidney damage.

WHAT ARE ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY (ACUTE RENAL FAILURE) AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?

Before we look at some of the medications that can cause kidney damage, let’s understand the different types of kidney dysfunction. Drug-induced nephrotoxicity can contribute to two types of kidney disease – acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Acute Renal Failure

Acute kidney injury (also referred to as acute renal failure) develops rapidly. It can range from minor to severe renal dysfunction requiring renal replacement therapy (dialysis). Doctors manage acute kidney injury by identifying and treating the underlying cause  while minimizing associated complications. Acute kidney injury is usually reversible.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops gradually for months or even years. It is usually the result of a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Most patients with CKD don’t have any symptoms in the early stages, and the condition is typically discovered incidentally on routine testing for unrelated problems. Medical treatment can slow the progress of renal dysfunction. However, keep in mind that CKD is irreversible and eventually leads to end-stage renal disease with the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Types of Kidney Damage

Doctors also use specific terms to describe where the damage has occurred in the kidney. For example, acute tubular necrosis refers to damage to the renal tubular cells; tubules are tiny ducts responsible for the reabsorption of water and other nutrients back to the blood. Glomerulonephritis refers to an inflammation of the kidneys’ glomeruli – the cluster of nerve endings or small blood vessels filtering the blood. Interstitial nephritis refers to an inflammation of the spaces between the tubules – it can be short-term (acute interstitial nephritis) or long-term (chronic interstitial nephritis).

Rhabdomyolysis

A potentially life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis warrants mention here. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition caused by muscle injury or muscle death. . As the muscle cells are broken down, a substance called myoglobin is released into the blood. Large quantities of myoglobin can damage the kidneys; this can lead to acute renal failure because the kidneys are unable to remove the waste material from the blood efficiently. Therefore, drugs that can cause rhabdomyolysis can indirectly lead to acute renal failure.

WHO IS AT RISK OF DRUG-INDUCED RENAL FAILURE?

Some people are at higher risk of drug-induced nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) than others. Patient-related risk factors include:

  • Older age (over 60 years)
  • Underlying renal insufficiency – reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and/or elevated serum creatinine (SCr) and/or blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
  • Medical conditions such as intravascular volume depletion (seen in vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding), diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, liver dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, and sepsis.

Drug-induced nephropathy (kidney dysfunction) also depends on drug-related risk factors. For example, some types of drug-induced kidney damage are dose-dependent. These predictable effects occur when a medication is given at high doses or for a longer duration. For instance, aminoglycoside antibiotics are known to cause nephrotoxicity at high doses. The other type of drug-associated renal dysfunction is unpredictable and unrelated to dose. For instance, proton pump inhibitors can cause interstitial nephritis, and there is no way to predict or prevent the damage.

In hospitalized patients, drug-induced kidney damage occurs due to concurrent use of more than one medication that can cause nephrotoxic acute renal failure and possible chronic renal failure without prompt discontinuation of the offending drugs. For example, patients treated with pain relievers (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications [NSAIDs]) and certain antibiotics are at considerably higher risk of drug-induced acute kidney injury. Both of these drugs can cause kidney damage, thus, decreasing kidney function over time. The risk of renal toxicity and hospital-acquired renal insufficiency can be lowered by minimizing exposure to multiple nephrotoxic drugs, in addition to assessing other risk factors such as age and other medical conditions.

WHICH MEDICATION IS MOST LIKELY TO CAUSE NEPHROTOXICITY?

Multiple medication classes can cause drug-induced kidney disease. Some of them are described below. This article aims to familiarize you with different nephrotoxic drug classes. Though different drug classes can cause specific types of kidney injury, do not get overwhelmed with the medical terminology. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about the different types of kidney injury.

Pain Relievers

Pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin can cause chronic interstitial nephritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are some of the most common culprits in causing drug-induced nephrotoxicity. NSAIDs can lead to acute interstitial nephritis, chronic interstitial nephritis, and glomerulonephritis. Long-term use of these medications can lead to chronic kidney disease.

Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers

Certain antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac), amitriptyline (Elavil), and doxepin (Zonalon) can cause rhabdomyolysis, leading to acute kidney injury. The mood stabilizer lithium used to treat bipolar disorder can also cause rhabdomyolysis, then kidney injury–specifically chronic interstitial nephritis and glomerulonephritis.

Antihistamines

Medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom) can contribute to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury.

Antimicrobials

Antimicrobials such as aminoglycosides, antifungals (amphotericin B), beta-lactams (cephalosporins, penicillins), quinolones (ciprofloxacin), rifampin (Rifadin), and vancomycin (Vancocin) can lead to drug-induced acute renal failure.

Antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), Foscarnet (Foscavir), and ganciclovir (Cytovene) are also known to cause drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

Pentamidine (Pentam), a broad-spectrum antimicrobial used to treat parasitic infections, may cause acute tubular injury.

Statins

Rarely, cholesterol-lowering medications called statins (simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause rhabdomyolysis, resulting in acute renal failure.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (drugs that reduce stomach acid production), such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and omeprazole (Prilosec), can cause acute interstitial nephritis.

Cardiovascular Medications

Medications used to treat cardiovascular diseases, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics (water pills) such as triamterene (Dyrenium), can cause drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Platelet inhibitors, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) and ticlopidine (Ticlid), have been shown to rarely cause drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy (small clots that lead to red blood cell damage).

Antiretrovirals

Antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infection can cause tubular cell toxicity and acute interstitial nephritis. Examples include adefovir (Hepsera), tenofovir (Viread), cidofovir (Vistide), and indinavir (Crixivan).

Immunosuppressants 

Calcineurin inhibitors that prevent organ rejection after transplant can cause drug-induced nephropathy. Examples include tacrolimus (Prograf) and cyclosporine (Neoral).

Chemotherapy Medications

Chemotherapeutic agents such as carmustine (Gliadel), cisplatin (Platinol), interferon-alfa (Intron A), methotrexate, and mitomycin-C (Mutamycin) can cause drug-induced kidney disease.

Contrast-Induced Nephropathy

Exposure to intravenous contrast agents (dyes) used during medical imaging such as CT, MRI, and X-ray can lead to tubular cell toxicity and acute tubular necrosis. This type of renal injury is called contrast-induced nephropathy.

Drugs of Abuse

Heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and ketamine (Ketalar) can cause drug-induced rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.

Herbal Products

Certain Chinese herbs such as aristolochic acid have been linked to drug-induced nephrotoxicity, specifically chronic interstitial nephritis.

The above list is by no means a comprehensive list of medications that can cause drug-induced nephrotoxicity. If you are at high risk of drug-induced nephrotoxicity due to age, underlying renal dysfunction, or comorbidities such as diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about assessing your baseline renal function before starting any new medication that can potentially cause kidney damage. Also, ask questions about nephrotoxic drug combinations (taking more than one medication that can cause renal injury) to find out if your current medications put you at higher risk for kidney injury.

Keep all your doctor and blood test appointments. Your doctor will want to monitor renal function while taking drugs associated with nephrotoxicity.

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is usually reversible with early detection. Doctors can treat drug-induced nephrotoxicity by discontinuing the culprit medication, replacing fluids, and treating kidney inflammation.

References:

  1. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0915/p743.html
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3794522/
  3. https://bmcnephrol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12882-017-0536-3

Potassium and your CKD Diet

What is potassium and why is it important to you?

  • Potassium is a mineral found in many of the foods you eat. It plays a role in keeping your heartbeat regular and your muscles working right. It is the job of healthy kidneys to keep the right amount of potassium in your body. However, when your kidneys are not healthy, you often need to limit certain foods that can increase the potassium in your blood to a dangerous level. You may feel some weakness, numbness and tingling if your potassium is at a high level. If your potassium becomes too high, it can cause an irregular heartbeat or a heart attack.       

What is a safe level of potassium in my blood?

Ask your doctor or dietitian about your monthly blood potassium level and enter it here:

If it is 3.5-5.0………………………You are in the SAFE zone
If it is 5.1-6.0………………………You are in the CAUTION zone
If it is higher than 6.0……………..You are in the DANGER zone

How can I keep my potassium level from getting too high?

  • You should limit foods that are high in potassium. Your renal dietitian will help you plan your diet so you are getting the right amount of potassium.
  • Eat a variety of foods but in moderation.
  • If you want to include some high potassium vegetable in your diet, leach them before using. Leaching is a process by which some potassium can be pulled out of the vegetable. Instructions for leaching selected high potassium vegetables can be found at the end of this fact sheet. Check with your dietitian on the amount of leached high potassium vegetables that can be safely included in your diet.
  • Do not drink or use the liquid from canned fruits and vegetables, or the juices from cooked meat.
  • Remember that almost all foods have some potassium. The size of the serving is very important. A large amount of a low potassium food can turn into a high- potassium food.
  • If you are on dialysis, be sure to get all the treatment or exchanges prescribed to you.

What is a normal amount of potassium intake per day for the average healthy individual?

  • A normal amount of potassium in a typical diet of a healthy American is about 3500 to 4500 milligrams per day. A potassium restricted diet is typically about 2000 milligrams per day. Your physician or dietitian will advise you as to the specific level of restriction you need based on your individual health. A kidney dietitian is trained to help you make modifications to you diet in order to prevent complications for kidney disease.

What foods are high in potassium (greater than 200 milligrams per portion)?

The following table lists foods that are high in potassium. The portion size is ½ cup unless otherwise stated. Please be sure to check portion sizes. While all the foods on this list are high in potassium, some are higher than others.

High-Potassium Foods
Fruits Vegetables Other Foods
Apricot, raw (2 medium)
dried (5 halves)		 Acorn Squash Bran/Bran products
Avocado (¼ whole) Artichoke Chocolate (1.5-2 ounces)
Banana (½ whole) Bamboo Shoots Granola
Cantaloupe Baked Beans Milk, all types (1 cup)
Dates (5 whole) Butternut Squash Molasses (1 Tablespoon)
Dried fruits Refried Beans Nutritional Supplements:
Use only under the
direction of your doctor
or dietitian.
Figs, dried Beets, fresh then boiled
Grapefruit Juice Black Beans
Honeydew Broccoli, cooked Nuts and Seeds (1 ounce)
Kiwi (1 medium) Brussels Sprouts Peanut Butter (2 tbs.)
Mango(1 medium) Chinese Cabbage Salt Substitutes/Lite Salt
Nectarine(1 medium) Carrots, raw Salt Free Broth
Orange(1 medium) Dried Beans and Peas Yogurt
Orange Juice Greens, except Kale Snuff/Chewing Tobacco
Papaya (½ whole) Hubbard Squash
Pomegranate (1 whole) Kohlrabi
Pomegranate Juice Lentils
Prunes Legumes
Prune Juice White Mushrooms, cooked (½ cup)
Raisins Okra
Parsnips
Potatoes, white and sweet
Pumpkin
Rutabagas
Spinach, cooked
Tomatoes/Tomato products
Vegetable Juices

What foods are low in potassium?

The following table list foods which are low in potassium. A portion is ½ cup unless otherwise noted. Eating more than 1 portion can make a lower potassium food into a higher potassium food.

Low-Potassium Foods
Fruits Vegetables Other Foods
Apple (1 medium) Alfalfa sprouts Rice
Apple Juice Asparagus (6 spears raw) Noodles
Applesauce Beans, green or wax
Broccoli (raw or cooked from frozen)		 Pasta
Apricots, canned in juice Cabbage, green and red
Carrots, cooked		 Bread and bread products (Not Whole Grains)
Blackberries Cauliflower Cake: angel, yellow
Blueberries Celery (1 stalk) Coffee: limit to 8 ounces
Cherries Corn, fresh (½ ear) frozen (½ cup) Pies without chocolate or high potassium fruit
Cranberries Cucumber Cookies without nuts or chocolate
Fruit Cocktail Eggplant Tea: limit to 16 ounces
Grapes Kale
Grape Juice Lettuce
Grapefruit (½ whole) Mixed Vegetables
Mandarin Oranges White Mushrooms, raw (½ cup)
Peaches, fresh (1 small)
canned (½ cup)		 Onions
Pears, fresh (1 small)
canned (½ cup)		 Parsley
Pineapple Peas, green
Pineapple Juice Peppers
Plums (1 whole) Radish
Raspberries Rhubarb
Strawberries Water Chestnuts, canned
Tangerine (1 whole) Watercress
Watermelon (limit to 1 cup) Yellow Squash
Zucchini Squash

How do I get some of the potassium out of my favorite high-potassium vegetables?

The process of leaching will help pull potassium out of some high-potassium vegetables. It is important to remember that leaching will not pull all of the potassium out of the vegetable. You must still limit the amount of leached high-potassium vegetables you eat. Ask your dietitian about the amount of leached vegetables that you can safely have in your diet.

How to leach vegetables.

For Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Beets, Winter Squash, and Rutabagas:

  1. Peel and place the vegetable in cold water so they won’t darken.
  2. Slice vegetable 1/8 inch thick.
  3. Rinse in warm water for a few seconds.
  4. Soak for a minimum of two hours in warm water. Use ten times the amount of water to the amount of vegetables. If soaking longer, change the water every four hours.
  5. Rinse under warm water again for a few seconds.
  6. Cook vegetable with five times the amount of water to the amount of vegetable.

Read more about Potassium and Your CKD Diet.

References:
Bowes & Church Food Values of Portions Commonly Used, 17th Ed., Pennington, JA, Lippincott, 1998.
Diet Guide for Patients with Kidney Disease, Renal Interest Group-Kansas City Dietetic Association, 1990.

Kidney Transplants

What is a kidney transplant?

When you get a kidney transplant, a healthy kidney is placed inside your body to do the work your own kidneys can no longer do.
On the plus side, there are fewer limits on what you can eat and drink, but you should follow a heart-healthy diet. Your health and energy should improve. In fact, a successful kidney transplant may allow you to live the kind of life you were living before you got kidney disease. Studies show that people with kidney transplants live longer than those who remain on dialysis.
On the minus side, there are the risks of surgery. You will also need to take anti-rejection medicines for as long as your new kidney is working, which can have side effects. You will have a higher risk for infections and certain types of cancer.
Although most transplants are successful and last for many years, how long they last can vary from one person to the next. Many people will need more than one kidney transplant during a lifetime.

What is a “preemptive” or “early” transplant?

Getting a transplant before you need to start dialysis is called a preemptive transplant. It allows you to avoid dialysis altogether. Getting a transplant not long after kidneys fail (but with some time on dialysis) is referred to as an early transplant. Both have benefits. Some research shows that a pre-emptive or early transplant, with little or no time spent on dialysis, can lead to better long-term health. It may also allow you to keep working, save time and money, and have a better quality of life.

What if I’m older or have other health problems?

  • In many cases, people who are older or have other health conditions like diabetes can still have successful kidney transplants. Careful evaluation is needed to understand and deal with any special risks. You may be asked to do some things that can lessen certain risks and improve the chances of a successful transplant. For example, you may be asked to lose weight or quit smoking.
    If you have diabetes, you may also be able to have a pancreas transplant. Ask your healthcare professional about getting a pancreas transplant along with a kidney transplant.

How will I pay for a transplant?

Medicare covers about 80% of the costs associated with an evaluation, transplant operation, follow-up care, and anti-rejection medicines. Private insurers and state programs may cover some costs as well. However, your post-transplant expenses may only be covered for a limited number of years. It’s important to discuss coverage with your social worker, who can answer your questions or direct you to others who can help. Click here to learn more about insurance and transplant.

Getting a Transplant

How do I start the process of getting a kidney transplant?

Ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a transplant center for an evaluation, or contact a transplant center in your area. Any kidney patient can ask for an evaluation.

How does the evaluation process work?

Medical professionals will give you a complete physical exam, review your health records, and order a series of tests and X-rays to learn about your overall health. Everything that can affect how well you can handle treatment will be checked. The evaluation process for a transplant is very thorough. Your healthcare team will need to know a lot about you to help them—and you—decide if a transplant is right for you. One thing you can do to speed the process is to get all the testing done as quickly as possible and stay in close contact with the transplant team. If you’re told you might not be right for a transplant, don’t be afraid to ask why—or if you might be eligible at some future time or at another center. Remember, being active in your own care is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
If someone you know would like to donate a kidney to you, that person will also need to go through a screening to find out if he or she is a match and healthy enough to donate.
If it’s your child who has kidney disease, you’ll want to give serious thought to getting a transplant evaluation for him or her. Because transplantation allows children and young adults to develop in as normal a way as possible in their formative years, it can be the best treatment for them.
If the evaluation process shows that a transplant is right for you or your child, the next step is getting a suitable kidney. (See “Finding a Kidney” below.)

What does the operation involve?

You may be surprised to learn that your own kidneys generally aren’t taken out when you get a transplant. The surgeon leaves them where they are unless there is a medical reason to remove them. The donated kidney is placed into your lower abdomen (belly), where it’s easiest to connect it to your important blood vessels and bladder. Putting the new kidney in your abdomen also makes it easier to take care of any problems that might come up.
The operation takes about four hours. You’ll be sore at first, but you should be out of bed in a day or so, and home within a week. If the kidney came from a living donor, it should start to work very quickly. A kidney from a deceased donor can take longer to start working—two to four weeks or more. If that happens, you may need dialysis until the kidney begins to work.
After surgery, you’ll be taught about the medicines you’ll have to take and their side effects. You’ll also learn about diet. If you’ve been on dialysis, you’ll find that there are fewer restrictions on what you can eat and drink, which is one of the benefits of a transplant.

What are anti-rejection medicines?

Normally, your body fights off anything that isn’t part of itself, like germs and viruses. That system of protection is called your immune system. To stop your body from attacking or rejecting the donated kidney, you will have to take medicines to keep your immune system less active (called anti-rejection medicines or immunosuppressant medicines). You’ll need to take them as long as your new kidney is working. Without them, your immune system would see the donated kidney as “foreign,” and would attack and destroy it.
Anti-rejection medicines can have some side effects. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about them, so that you know what to expect. Fortunately, for most people, side effects are usually manageable. Changing the dose or type of medicine can often ease some of the side effects.
Besides the immunosuppressive medicines, you will take other medicines as well. You will take medicines to protect you from infection, too. Most people find taking medicines a small trade for the freedom and quality of life that a successful transplant can provide.

After Your Transplant

What happens after I go home?

Once you are home from the hospital, the most important work begins—the follow-up. For your transplant to be successful, you will have regular checkups, especially during the first year. At first, you may need blood tests several times a week. After that, you’ll need fewer checkups, but enough to make sure that your kidney is working well and that you have the right amount of anti-rejection medication in your body.

What if my body tries to reject the new kidney?

One thing that you and your healthcare team will watch for is acute rejection, which means that your body is suddenly trying to reject the transplanted kidney. A rejection episode may not have any clear signs or symptoms. That is why it is so important to have regular blood tests to check how well your kidney is working. Things you might notice that can let you know you are having rejection are fevers, decreased urine output, swelling, weight gain, and pain over your kidney.
The chances of having a rejection episode are highest right after your surgery. The longer you have the kidney, the lower the chance that this will happen. Unfortunately, sometimes a rejection episode happens even if you’re doing everything you’re supposed to do. Sometimes the body just doesn’t accept the transplanted kidney. But even if a rejection episode happens, there are many ways to treat it so you do not lose your transplant. Letting your transplant team know right away that you think you have symptoms of rejection is very important.

How often do rejection episodes happen?

Rejections happen much less often nowadays. That’s because there have been many improvements in immunosuppressive medicines. However, the risk of rejection is different for every person. For most people, rejection can be stopped with special anti-rejection medicines. It’s very important to have regular checkups to see how well your kidney is working, and make sure you are not having rejection.

Finding a Kidney

Where do donated kidneys come from?

A donated kidney may come from someone who died and donated a healthy kidney. A person who has died and donated a kidney is called a deceased donor.
Donated kidneys also can come from a living donor. This person may be a blood relative (like a brother or sister) or non-blood relative (like a husband or wife). They can also come from a friend or even a stranger. You may not need to have the same blood type as your donor to get a kidney if you are in a paired exchange program. Visit the Programs for Donor/Recipient Pairs with Incompatible Blood Types page to learn more about paired exchange programs.
When a kidney is donated by a living person, the operations are done on the same day and can be scheduled at a convenient time for both the patient and the donor. A healthy person who donates a kidney can live a normal life with the one kidney that is left. But the operation is major surgery for the donor, as well as the recipient. As in any operation, there are some risks that you will need to consider, including surgery risks and long-term risks.

Is it better to get a kidney from a living donor?

Kidneys from living or deceased donors both work well, but getting a kidney from a living donor can work faster and be better. A kidney from a living donor may last longer than one from a deceased donor.
To get a deceased donor kidney, you will be placed on a waiting list once you have been cleared for a transplant. It can take many years for a good donor kidney to be offered to you. From the time you go on the list until a kidney is found, you may have to be on some form of dialysis. While you’re waiting, you’ll need regular blood tests to make sure you are ready when a kidney is found. If you’re on dialysis, your center will make the arrangements for these tests. Your transplant center should know how to reach you at all times. Once a kidney become available, the surgery must be done as soon as possible.

Are there disadvantages to living donation?

A disadvantage of living donation is that a healthy person must undergo surgery to remove a healthy kidney. The donor will need some recovery time before returning to work and other activities. However, recent advances in surgery (often called minimally invasive or laparoroscopic surgery) allow for very small incisions. This means shorter hospital stays and recovery time, less pain, and a quicker return to usual activities. Living donors often experience positive feelings about their courageous gift.

Transplant Basics

Considering and Preparing for a Kidney Transplant

 

 

Table of Contents

When your kidneys fail, treatment is needed to replace the work your own kidneys can no longer do. There are two types of treatment for kidney failure: dialysis or transplant. Many people feel that a kidney transplant offers more freedom and a better quality of life than dialysis. In making a decision about whether this is the best treatment for you, you may find it helpful to talk to people who already have a kidney transplant. You also need to speak to your doctor, nurse and family members

Kidney Stones

How common are kidney stones?

Table of Contents

Each year, more than half a million people go to emergency rooms for kidney stone problems. It is estimated that one in ten people will have a kidney stone at some time in their lives.

The prevalence of kidney stones in the United States increased from 3.8% in the late 1970s to 8.8% in the late 2000s. The prevalence of kidney stones was 10% during 2013–2014. The risk of kidney stones is about 11% in men and 9% in women. Other diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity may increase the risk for kidney stones.

What is a kidney stone?

A kidney stone is a hard object that is made from chemicals in the urine. There are four types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine. A kidney stone may be treated with shockwave lithotripsy, uteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy. Common symptoms include severe pain in lower back, blood in your urine, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, or urine that smells bad or looks cloudy.

Urine has various wastes dissolved in it. When there is too much waste in too little liquid, crystals begin to form. The crystals attract other elements and join together to form a solid that will get larger unless it is passed out of the body with the urine. Usually, these chemicals are eliminated in the urine by the body’s master chemist: the kidney. In most people, having enough liquid washes them out or other chemicals in urine stop a stone from forming. The stone-forming chemicals are calcium, oxalate, urate, cystine, xanthine, and phosphate.

After it is formed, the stone may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract into the ureter. Sometimes, tiny stones move out of the body in the urine without causing too much pain. But stones that don’t move may cause a back-up of urine in the kidney, ureter, the bladder, or the urethra. This is what causes the pain.

Causes of kidney stones

Possible causes include drinking too little water, exercise (too much or too little), obesity, weight loss surgery, or eating food with too much salt or sugar. Infections and family history might be important in some people. Eating too much fructose correlates with increasing risk of developing a kidney stone. Fructose can be found in table sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

Types of kidney stones

  • There are four main types of stones:

    1. Calcium oxalate: The most common type of kidney stone which is created when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine. Inadequate calcium and fluid intake, as well other conditions, may contribute to their formation.
    2. Uric acid: This is another common type of kidney stone. Foods such as organ meats and shellfish have high concentrations of a natural chemical compound known as purines. High purine intake leads to a higher production of monosodium urate, which, under the right conditions, may form stones in the kidneys. The formation of these types of stones tends to run in families.
    3. Struvite: These stones are less common and are caused by infections in the upper urinary tract.
    4. Cystine: These stones are rare and tend to run in families. What are Cystine Stones?

Kidney stone symptoms

Some kidney stones are as small as a grain of sand. Others are as large as a pebble. A few are as large as a golf ball! As a general rule, the larger the stone, the more noticeable are the symptoms.

The symptoms could be one or more of the following:

  • severe pain on either side of your lower back
  • more vague pain or stomach ache that doesn’t go away
  • blood in the urine
  • nausea or vomiting
  • fever and chills
  • urine that smells bad or looks cloudy

The kidney stone starts to hurt when it causes irritation or blockage. This builds rapidly to extreme pain. In most cases, kidney stones pass without causing damage-but usually not without causing a lot of pain. Pain relievers may be the only treatment needed for small stones. Other treatment may be needed, especially for those stones that cause lasting symptoms or other complications. In severe cases, however, surgery may be required.

Kidney stone treatment

The treatment for kidney stones is similar in children and adults. You may be asked to drink a lot of water. Doctors try to let the stone pass without surgery. You may also get medication to help make your urine less acid. But if it is too large, or if it blocks the flow of urine, or if there is a sign of infection, it is removed with surgery.

Shock-wave lithotripsy is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to blast the stones into fragments that are then more easily passed out in the urine. In ureteroscopy, an endoscope is inserted through the ureter to retrieve or obliterate the stone. Rarely, for very large or complicated stones, doctors will use percutaneous nephrolithotomy/nephrolithotripsy.

I think I have a stone. What do I do?

See a doctor as soon as possible. You may be asked to drink extra fluid in an attempt to flush out the stone out in the urine. If you strain your urine and can save a piece of the stone that has passed, bring it to your doctor. Or, the stone may need to be removed with surgery.

Kidney stone diagnosis

Diagnosis of a kidney stone starts with a medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Your doctors will want to know the exact size and shape of the kidney stones. This can be done with a high resolution CT scan from the kidneys down to the bladder or an x-ray called a “KUB x-ray” (kidney-ureter-bladder x-ray) which will show the size of the stone and its position. The KUB x-ray is often obtained by the surgeons to determine if the stone is suitable for shock wave treatment. The KUB test may be used to monitor your stone before and after treatment, but the CT scan is usually preferred for diagnosis. In some people, doctors will also order an intravenous pyelogram or lVP, a special type of X- ray of the urinary system that is taken after injecting a dye.

Second, your doctors will decide how to treat your stone. The health of your kidneys will be evaluated by blood tests and urine tests. Your overall health, and the size and location of your stone will be considered.

Later, your doctor will want to find the cause of the stone. The stone will be analyzed after it comes out of your body, and your doctor will test your blood for calcium, phosphorus and uric acid. The doctor may also ask that you collect your urine for 24 hours to test for calcium and uric acid.

Why do doctors examine the contents of the stone?

  1. There are four types of stones. Studying the stone can help understand why you have it and how to reduce the risk of further stones. The most common type of stone contains calcium. Calcium is a normal part of a healthy diet. The kidney usually removes extra calcium that the body doesn’t need. Often people with stones keep too much calcium. This calcium combines with waste products like oxalate to form a stone. The most common combination is called calcium oxalate.Less common types of stones are: Infection-related stones, containing magnesium and ammonia called struvite stones and stones formed from monosodium urate crystals, called uric acid stones, which might be related to obesity and dietary factors. The rarest type of stone is a cvstine stone that tends to run in families.

Long term consequences of kidney stones

  1. Kidney stones increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. lf you have had one stone, you are at increased risk of having another stone. Those who have developed one stone are at approximately 50% risk for developing another within 5 to 7 years.

Reducing kidney stone risk

  • Drinking enough fluid will help keep your urine less concentrated with waste products. Darker urine is more concentrated, so your urine should appear very light yellow to clear if you are well hydrated. Most of the fluid you drink should be water. Most people should drink more than 12 glasses of water a day. Speak with a healthcare professional about the right amount of water that’s best for you. Water is better than soda, sports drinks or coffee/tea. lf you exercise or if it is hot outside, you should drink more. Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup should be limited to small quantities.Eat more fruits and vegetables, which make the urine less acid. When the urine is less acid, then stones may be less able to form. Animal protein produces urine that has more acid, which can then increase your risk for kidney stones.You can reduce excess salt in your diet. What foods are high in salt? Everyone thinks of salty potato chips and French fries. Those should be rarely eaten. There are other products that are salty: sandwich meats, canned soups, packaged meals, and even sports drinks.You want to try to get to a normal weight if you are overweight. But, high-protein weight loss diets that include high amounts of animal-based protein, as well as crash diets can add to the risk of stone formation. You need adequate protein, but it needs to be part of a balanced diet. Seek guidance from a registered dietitian when embarking on a weight loss diet or any dietary interventions to reduce the risk of kidney stones.Don’t be confused about having a “calcium” stone. Dairy products have calcium, but they actually help prevent stones, because calcium binds with oxalate before it gets into the kidneys. People with the lowest dietary calcium intake have an increased risk of kidney stones. A stone can form from salt, the waste products of protein, and potassium. The most common type of kidney stone is a calcium oxalate stone. Most kidney stones are formed when oxalate, a by product of certain foods, binds to calcium as urine is being made by the kidneys. Both oxalate and calcium are increased when the body doesn’t have enough fluids and also has too much salt. Based on blood and urine tests, your doctor will determine which types of dietary changes are needed in your particular case.Some herbal substances are promoted as helping prevent stones. You should know that there is insufficient published medical evidence to support the use of any herb or supplement in preventing stones.See your doctor and/or a registered dietitian about making diet changes if you have had a stone or think you could be at increased risk for getting a kidney stone. To guide you, they need to know your medical history and the food you eat. Here are some questions you might ask:
    • What food may cause a kidney stone?
    • Should l take vitamin and mineral supplements?
    • What beverages are good choices for me?

Can children get kidney stones?

  • Kidney stones are found in children as young as 5 years. In fact, this problem is so common in children that some hospitals conduct ‘stone’ clinics for pediatric patients. The increase in the United States has been attributed to several factors, mostly related to food choices. The two most important reasons are not drinking enough fluids and eating foods that are high in salt. Kids should eat less salty potato chips and French fries. There are other salty foods: sandwich meats, canned soups, packaged meals, and even some sports drinks. Sodas and other sweetened beverages can also increase the risk of stones if they contain high fructose corn syrup.

Nutrition and Kidney Disease, Stages 1-4

Learn the basics!

"Causes of Frequent Urination"

Causes of Frequent Urination

Frequent urination can be a symptom of many different problems from kidney disease to simply drinking too much fluid. When frequent urination is accompanied by fever, an urgent need to urinate, and pain or discomfort in the abdomen, you may have a urinary tract infection. Other possible causes of frequent urination include:

Diabetes. Frequent urination with an abnormally large amount of urine is often an early symptom of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes as the body tries to rid itself of unused glucose through the urine.

Pregnancy. From the early weeks of pregnancy the growing uterus places pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination.Prostate problems. An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra (the tube that carries urine out the body) and block the flow of urine. This causes the bladder wall to become irritable. The bladder begins to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination.Interstitial cystitis. This condition of unknown cause is characterized by pain in the bladder and pelvic region. Often, symptoms include an urgent and/or frequent need to urinate.Diuretic use. These medications that are used to treat high blood pressure or fluid buildup work in the kidney and flush excess fluid from the body, causing frequent urination.Stroke or other neurological diseases. Damage to nerves that supply the bladder can lead to problems with bladder function, including frequent and sudden urges to urinate.Hypercalcemia.It means the calcium levels in your blood are above normal. Causes include overactive parathyroid glands (hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism), other illness (tuberculosis, sarcoidosis), inactivity, and even cancer (lung, breast, kidney, multiple myeloma). Besides frequent urination, symptoms of hypercalcemia may include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Stomach upset
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Bone and muscle pain and weakness
  • Brain issues: Confusion, fatigue, and depression
  • Heart issues (rare): Racing or skipping pulse (arrhythmia) and other heart problems
Diabetes insipidus. This is a rare condition that causes your body to make a lot of urine that is “insipid,” or colorless and odorless. Most people pee out 1 to 2 quarts a day.Other causes.Less common causes include pelvic organ prolapse (in females), bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder dysfunction, and radiation therapy.Often, frequent urination is not a symptom of a problem, but is the problem. In people with overactive bladder syndrome, involuntary bladder contractions lead to frequent and often urgent urination, meaning you have to get to a bathroom right now — even if your bladder is not full. It may also lead you to wake up once or more during the night to use the bathroom.

Diagnosing the Cause of Frequent Urination

If urinary frequency interferes with your lifestyle or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, back or side pain, vomiting, chills, increased appetite or thirst, fatigue, bloody or cloudy urine, or a discharge from the penis or vagina, it’s important to see your doctor.

To diagnose the cause of frequent urination, your doctor will perform a physical exam and take a medical history, asking questions such as the following:

  • Are you taking any medications?
  • Are you experiencing other symptoms?
  • Do you have the problem only during the day or also at night?
  • Are you drinking more than usual?
  • Is your urine darker or lighter than usual?
  • Do you drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages?

Depending on the findings of the physical exam and medical history, your doctor may order tests, including:

Blood Tests. Routine blood test can check for kidney function, electrolytes, and blood sugars

Urinalysis. The microscopic examination of urine that also involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine.

Cystometry. A test that measures the pressure inside of the bladder to see how well the bladder is working; cystometry is done to determine if a muscle or nerve problem may be causing problems with how well the bladder holds or releases urine. There’s a broader term called urodynamics that includes tests such as cystometry, uroflowmetry, urethral pressure and others.

Cystoscopy. A test that allows your doctor to look at the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope. There’s a broader term called urodynamics that includes tests such as cystometry, uroflowmetry, urethral pressure and others.Neurological Tests. Diagnostic tests and procedures that help the doctor confirm or rule out the presence of a nerve disorder.Ultrasonography. A diagnostic imaging test using sound waves to visualize an internal body structure.

Treatment for Frequent Urination

Treatment for frequent urination will address the underlying problem that is causing it. For example, if diabetes is the cause, treatment will involve keeping blood sugar levels under control.

The treatment for overactive bladder should begin with behavioral therapies, such as:

  • Bladder retraining. This involves increasing the intervals between using the bathroom over the course of about 12 weeks. This helps retrain your bladder to hold urine longer and to urinate less frequently.
  • Diet modification. You should avoid any food that appears to irritate your bladder or acts as a diuretic. These may include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, tomato-based products, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods. It’s also important to eat high-fiber foods, because constipation may worsen the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome.
  • Monitoring fluid food intake. You should drink enough to prevent constipation and over-concentration of urine. Avoid drinking just before bedtime, which can lead to nighttime urination.
  • Kegel exercises. These exercises help strengthen the muscles around the bladder and urethra to improve bladder control and reduce urinary urgency and frequency. Exercising pelvic muscles for five minutes three times a day can make a difference in bladder control.
  • Biofeedback. This technique can help you learn how your pelvic muscles work to help you better control them.

Treatment may also include drugs such as darifenacin (Enablex), desmopressin acetate (Noctiva), imipramine (Tofranil), mirabegron (Myrbetriq), oxybutynin (Ditropan), oxybutynin skin patch (Oxytrol), solifenacin (Vesicare), tolterodine extended-release (Detrol LA), and trospium extended-release (Sanctura XR). Oxytrol for women is the only drug available over the counter. Darifenacin is specifically for people who wake up more than twice a night to urinate.

There are other options for those who do not respond to lifestyle changes and medication. The drug Botox can be injected into the bladder muscle causing the bladder to relax, increasing its storage capacity, and reducing episodes of leakage.Several types of surgery are also available. The least invasive involve implanting small nerve stimulators just beneath the skin. The nerves they stimulate control the pelvic floor and the devices can manipulate contractions in the organs and muscles within the pelvic floor.

Reduce Sodium

How can I reduce sodium in my diet?

Sodium-Controlled Diet

Sodium is a mineral that is important for maintaining normal fluid balance in the body. It is found naturally in foods and is also added to certain foods. The daily recommendation of sodium is 2,300 mg per day. However, some patients may be advised to eat lower amounts.

Sodium Guidelines

Sodium is a mineral found naturally in foods and also added to foods. Sodium plays an important role in maintaining normal fluid balance in the body. A low-sodium diet is important to follow in order to control your heart failure symptoms and prevent future heart problems.

  • Limiting your sodium and fluid intake will help prevent and control the amount of fluid around your heart, lungs, or in your legs.
  • When you carry extra fluid, it makes your heart work harder and may increase your blood pressure.

A low-sodium diet means more than eliminating the salt shaker from the table!

  • One teaspoon of table salt = 2,300 mg of sodium

General Guidelines

  • Eliminate the salt shaker.
  • Avoid using garlic salt, onion salt, MSG, meat tenderizers, broth mixes, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, barbeque sauce, sauerkraut, olives, pickles, pickle relish, bacon bits, and croutons.
  • Avoid most “fast foods” and processed foods. Check the company’s website for the nutritional information or read the package label for the sodium content.
  • Use fresh ingredients and/or foods with no added salt.
  • For favorite recipes, you may need to use other ingredients and delete the salt added. Salt can be removed from any recipe except for those containing yeast.
  • Try orange, lemon, lime, pineapple juice, or vinegar as a base for meat marinades or to add tart flavor.
  • Avoid convenience foods such as canned soups, entrees, vegetables, pasta and rice mixes, frozen dinners, instant cereal and puddings, and gravy sauce mixes.
  • Select frozen meals that contain around 600 mg sodium or less.
  • Use fresh, frozen, no-added-salt canned vegetables, low-sodium soups, and low-sodium lunchmeats.
  • Look for seasoning or spice blends with no salt, or try fresh herbs, onions, or garlic.
  • Do not use a salt substitute unless you check with your doctor or dietitian first, due to potential drug or nutrient interactions.
  • Be aware of and try to limit the “Salty Six” (American Heart Association), which include:
    • Breads, rolls, bagels, flour tortillas, and wraps.
    • Cold cuts and cured meats.
    • Pizza.
    • Poultry (much poultry and other meats are injected with sodium. Check the Nutrition Facts for sodium content or read the package for a description of a solution, for example, “Fresh chicken in a 15% solution.”)
    • Soup.
    • Sandwiches.

Learn to read food labels. Use the label information on food packages to help you make the best low-sodium selections. Food labels are standardized by the U.S. government’s National Labeling and Education Act (NLEA). Nutrition labels and an ingredient list are required on most foods, so you can make the best selection for a healthy lifestyle.

Review the food label below. Determine the total amount of sodium in this product, or ask your dietitian or healthcare provider to show you how to read food labels and apply the information to your personal needs.

Maintain a healthy body weight. This includes losing weight if you are overweight. Limit your total daily calories, follow a low-fat diet, and include physical activity on most, if not all days in order to maintain a healthy weight. Eating a healthy diet to either maintain or lose weight often means making changes to your current eating habits.

In order to make sure you are meeting your specific calorie needs, as well as vitamin and mineral needs, a registered dietitian can help. A registered dietitian can provide personalized nutrition education, tailor these general guidelines to meet your needs, and help you implement a personal action plan.

Restaurant Dining Tips

  • Choose a restaurant that will prepare items to your request and substitute items.
  • Plan ahead by reducing your serving sizes of foods high in sodium.
  • Order food a la carte or individually to get only the foods you want.

Appetizers

  • Avoid soups and broths.
  • Request fresh bread and rolls without salty, buttery crusts.
  • Avoid breaded items.

Salads/vegetables

  • Avoid pickles, canned or marinated vegetables, olives, cured meats, bacon and bacon bits, seasoned croutons, cheeses, salted seeds, and nuts.
  • Order salad dressings on the side and dip your fork in them before taking a bite of the food item.
  • Request steamed vegetables.

Main courses

  • Select meat, poultry, fish, or shellfish choices that include the words broiled, baked, grilled, roasted, and without breading.
  • Request plain noodles or vegetable dishes.
  • Ask the server about the low-sodium menu choices, and ask how the food is prepared.
  • Request food to be cooked without salt or monosodium glutamate (MSG).
  • Avoid restaurants that do not allow for special food preparation, such as buffet-style restaurants, diners, or fast food chains.
  • Avoid casseroles and mixed dishes. Ask for gravies and sauces on the side or omit them all together.
  • At fast food restaurants, choose the salad entrees or non-fried and non-breaded entrees, and skip the special sauces, condiments, and cheese.*
  • Avoid breaded items.

*Avoid salted condiments and garnishes such as olives, pickles, and relish.

Desserts

  • Select fruit, sherbet, gelatin, and plain cakes.

Meat, Fish, Eggs, Poultry, Bean

  • Choose – 2-3 Servings Per Day
    • Fresh or frozen meat (beef, veal, lamb, pork), poultry, fish or shellfish.
    • Low-sodium canned meat or fish.
    • Eggs.
    • Dried or frozen beans and peas.
  • Go Easy
    • Low-sodium processed meats like ham, corned beef, bacon, sausage, luncheon meats, hot dogs.
    • Low-sodium frozen dinners (less than 600 mg sodium per meal).
  • Avoid
    • Frozen, salted meat or fish.
    • Processed meats like ham, corned beef, bacon, sausage, luncheon meats, hot dogs, spare ribs, salt pork, ham hocks, meat spreads.
    • Canned meat or fish.
    • Breaded meats.
    • Canned beans like kidney, pinto, black-eyed peas, lentils.
    • Frozen dinners or side dishes with salt.

Dairy

  • Choose
    • Naturally low-sodium cheese (swiss, goat, brick, ricotta, fresh mozzarella).
    • Cream cheese (light and skim).
  • Go Easy
    • Milk (1% or skim).
    • Ice cream and frozen yogurt (light and skim).
    • Yogurt (light and skim).
    • Pudding, custard (light and skim).
    • Sour cream (light and skim).
  • Avoid
    • Processed and hard cheeses (American, cheddar, muenster) and cheese spreads.
    • Cottage cheese.
    • Buttermilk.

Fruits & Vegetables

  • Choose – 5 or More Servings Per Day
    • Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits.
    • Fresh or frozen vegetables without added sauces.
    • Low-sodium tomato juice or V-8 juice.
    • Low-sodium tomato sauce.
  • Go Easy
    • Regular tomato sauce.
  • Avoid
    • Canned vegetables.
    • Canned beans.
    • Marinated vegetables such as sauerkraut, pickles, olives.
    • Regular tomato juice or V-8 juice.

Breads & Grains

  • Choose – 6 or More Servings Per Day
    • Low-sodium breads.
    • Low-sodium cereals (old-fashioned oats, quick cook oatmeal, grits, Cream of Wheat or Rice, shredded wheat).
    • Pasta (noodles, spaghetti, macaroni).
    • Rice.
    • Low-sodium crackers.
    • Low-sodium bread crumbs.
    • Granola/li.
    • Corn tortillas.
    • Plain taco shells.
  • Go Easy
    • Regular bread.
    • Bagels.
    • English muffins.
    • Rolls.
    • Cold cereals.
    • Pancakes, waffles.
  • Avoid
    • Croissants, sweet rolls, Danish, doughnuts.
    • Regular crackers.
    • Pasta and rice prepared with cream, butter, or cheese sauces.
    • Scalloped potatoes.
    • Instant cooked cereal packs.
    • Bread, baking and stuffing mixes.
    • Frozen or boxed mixes for rice, pasta and potatoes.
    • Regular bread crumbs.
    • Muffins, biscuits, cornbread.
    • Flour tortilla.

Sweets & Snacks

  • Choose – In Moderation
    • Unsalted nuts.
    • Low-sodium potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, and other snacks.
    • Sherbet, sorbet, Italian ice, popsicles.
    • Fig bars, gingersnaps.
    • Jelly beans and hard candy.
  • Go Easy
    • Angel food cake.
    • Home cakes, cookies, and pies.
    • Brownies.
  • Avoid
    • Regular potato chips, pretzels, popcorn and other salted snacks.
    • Salted nuts and seeds.
    • Pork rinds.
    • Breaded meats.

Fats, Oils, & Condiments

  • Choose
    • Low-sodium butter and margarine.
    • Vegetable oils.
    • Low-sodium salad dressing.
    • Homemade gravy without salt.
    • Low-sodium soups.
    • Low-sodium broth or bouillon.
    • Lemon juice.
    • Vinegar.
    • Herbs and spices without salt.
    • Low-sodium mustard.
    • Low-sodium catsup.
    • Low-sodium sauce mixes.
  • Go Easy
    • Regular butter or margarine.
    • Regular salad dressing.
    • Regular mustard, catsup.
  • Avoid
    • Bacon fat, salt pork.
    • Pickles, olives.
    • Canned or instant gravy mixes.
    • Regular canned soups and broths.
    • Regular bouillon.
    • Soup mixes, seasoned salts.
    • Meat tenderizers and marinades.
    • Sodium preservatives or flavorings such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).
    • Lemon pepper.
    • Soy and teriyaki sauces.
    • Worcestershire sauce.
    • Steak sauce.
    • Barbeque sauce.
    • Shortening, lard.
    • Trans fats.

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