Dietary requirements for those with kidney disease can be a challenge. Some people feel overwhelmed, and many are overly restrictive with their food intake. By working with a renal dietitian, dietary recommendations can be explained and personalized to include acceptable and enjoyable appropriate selections.
When kidney function is compromised, the kidneys do not filter or remove waste properly. Implementing a renal diet may help to promote kidney function and slow the progression to kidney failure. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) from a registered dietitian can delay the progression of chronic kidney (CKD), prevent or treat complications, and improve your quality of life. For those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or renal insufficiency, nutrition counseling needs to be a component of your treatment plan.
Nancy, a NYS certified nutritionist and registered dietitian, works closely with patients and their physicians to develop a healthy sustainable nutrition program. She provides online nutrition counseling to patients in Long Island and around New York State.
You should see a dietitian who specializes in kidney disease. Be aware that all dietitians are nutritionists, but nutritionist are not dietitians.
While the terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between them. Dietitians are strictly regulated and must undergo a rigorous process to become credentialed, whereas nutritionists don’t necessarily have to undergo any particular education or training. Only dietitians are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy for patients with kidney disease.
Dietitians who specialize in the nutritional needs of people with CKD are called renal dietitians. You can find a registered dietitian who specializes in kidney disease through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics online or through your health care professional.
Dietitians must have analytical abilities to collect, analyze, and interpret data from different sources, such as medical records, laboratory tests, dietary assessments, or research studies. Additionally, they need to be able to think critically and apply evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills to make informed decisions
The National Kidney Foundation recommends transitioning to the DASH or Mediterranean diet – a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts. It is low in salt and sodium, added sugars and sweets, fat and red meats. Be aware that a high protein diet, popular with weight loss fads, can be harmful to kidney health.
All recommendations are consistent with disease management and complication prevention, as well as health promotion across the lifespan.
Nancy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a NYS Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist in private practice in Long Island, Queens and Greater New York. She provides online medical nutrition therapy and specializes in managing renal disease. Nancy works closely with patients to develop a healthy sustainable nutrition program. Consultations include dietary evaluation, nutrition education, behavior modification and an individualized nutrition plan. Online nutrition consultations are available.
FROM NANCY’S BLOG
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Nancy Mazarin2019-12-02 16:47:492024-05-28 15:52:49High-Protein Diet Could Be Harmful, Even for Healthy Kidneys
