Fluids:The amount of fluids allowed usually depends on the urinary output and the body's need. Fluid allowance is different for each individual and has to be decided by the physician depending on the patients condition. Fluid intake and urinary output should be carefully recorded. Fluids include water, milk, curds, tea, coffee, sambhar, rasam and any other liquid food consumed.

Other minerals and vitamins: If a patient has abnormal levels of phosphate and calcium, phosphate intake should be restricted to prevent or slow down the imbalance between calcium and phosphorus in the blood. Since most of the food contain phosphorus, a phosphate binder is used to prevent its absorption. B-complex vitamins are beneficial and are generally supplemented along with vitamin C and iron.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

1. Calorie intake should be adequate in order to prevent tissue loss and also for protein build up. About 40-50cal/kg per day are sufficient.
2. At least 50% of prescribed protein should be of high biological value and should be distributed in all the meals for better utilisation.
3. Vegetables and pulses should be taken after leaching potassium.
4. Low potassium fruits should be eaten once or twice a week.
5. Salt should be restricted in case of oedema.
6. Fluids should be restricted to the prescribed amounts.
7. Spices and condiments should be used in small quantities.
8. Foods high in sodium and potassium should be avoided.
9. Rice products are much better tolerated than wheat. Therefore give riceflakes, items prepared out of rice flour, rice porridge, sago porridge, sagovada, sago khichdi, maida, arrowroot, sugar, boiled sweets, unsalted butter, unsalted margarine could be used. These foods have a very low content of sodium, potassium and protein but provide energy.
10. Fruit juices, preservatives should be avoided.
11. Methods that should be adopted for cooking are steaming, roasting, pressure cooking, stir frying, microwaving.
12. Fruits recommended for patients are guava, apple, pineapple, pappaya, pear.

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Last updated on 26-03-2001