How to Follow a Kidney-Healthy Diet (for Seniors)

Many seniors experience kidney trouble at one time or another. In such instances, it is important to adjust seniors’ diets to protect kidney health.

Over time, the kidneys tend to perform less effectively. As a result, seniors are at greater risk of kidney problems and kidney failure. A kidney-healthy diet can help.

The kidneys are organs that filter the blood. They filter wastes and extra fluid to form urine. Other functions include hormone production and body fluid regulation. Since kidneys serve as filters, what seniors eat affects their function. A kidney-healthy diet can reduce strain on the kidney and improve health.

Types of Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease
Kidney Cancer
Acute Kidney Failure
Nephronia/Nephropathy
Secondary caused by diabetes, lupus, etc.

Signs of Kidney Problems

Watch for these signs of renal issues:

Blood in the urine
Weak or reduced urine output
Pain near the kidneys
Loss of appetite
Puffiness in the legs or ankles
High blood pressure

Dietary Tips for Kidney Health

Generally, protecting the kidneys or reducing strain on them involves limiting the intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Limiting these nutrients is commonly referred to as “the renal diet.”

These tips can help seniors follow the renal diet:

Reducing Sodium

Never add salt to food
Only consume reduced-sodium soups or broths
Avoid frozen meals
Don’t eat foods with 300mg or more sodium per serving
Check labels to be sure no salt is added
Do not buy foods preserved in a “solution”

Reducing Potassium

Avoid melons and bananas
Do not drink orange, prune, or grapefruit juice
Limit tomato-based foods like pasta sauce
Never eat dried beans
Don’t eat cooked greens, spinach, collards, or swiss chard
Always wash and peel potatoes

Reducing Phosphorus

Reduce dairy intake to 1 cup per day
Limit broccoli, mushrooms, and brussel sprouts to 1 cup per week
Cereals like bran or oatmeal should be eaten no more than once a week
Do not drink soft drinks or beer
Choose white bread over whole grains

Since protein should also be limited if the kidneys are having trouble with filtration, the consumption of foods like meat and nuts should be reduced too.

Kidney-Friendly Foods

Given the many limitations a renal diet requires, many seniors are at a loss about what they can eat. These foods are generally safe for seniors with kidney problems to consume:

Veggies like bell peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, radishes, and turnips
Seafood rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
Low-potassium fruits like blueberries, red grapes, cranberries, and pineapples
Easier-to-digest proteins like egg whites or skinless chicken
Unsalted seasonings like garlic and onion
Light grains like bulgur and buckwheat

Many seniors grow discouraged by restrictive diets like the renal diet. One way to encourage them is to make their favorite meals or treats using kidney-friendly alternative ingredients.

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.

Sources:

https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1708580/Marketing%20Monthlies/PDFs%20from%20Windfarm%20Marketing/0418-KidneyDiet-GenericRGB.pdf
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15641-renal-diet-basics
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/kidneys-age-related-problems
http://www.medbroadcast.com/channel/kidney-health/understanding-kidney-disease/kidney-disease-types-causes-and-risk-factors
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-foods-for-kidneys#section22

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.