Nephrology and Kidney Diseases

Renal Nutrition and Dietary Management

Nutritional therapy is a cornerstone in managing patients with kidney disease. Proper dietary intervention helps slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Protein intake must be carefully adjusted based on the stage of kidney disease—restricted in non-dialysis patients to minimize uremic toxins, and increased during dialysis to compensate for protein losses. Sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake require regulation to avoid complications such as hypertension, hyperkalemia, and mineral bone disorders. Nutritional education and individualized plans from renal dietitians help ensure patient adherence and prevent malnutrition. Specialized supplements and enteral nutrition may be necessary in advanced cases.

Topics covered:

• Protein and electrolyte balance in CKD

• Nutritional strategies for dialysis patients

• Preventing malnutrition in renal disease