William Brown

The Ultimate RENAL DIET and LOW-SODIUM SLOW COOKER William Brown

Why should kidney patients monitor sodium intake?

Too much sodium can be harmful for people with kidney disease because their kidneys cannot adequately eliminate excess sodium and fluid from the body. As sodium and fluid build up in the tissues and bloodstream, they may cause:

Increased thirstEdema: swelling in the legs, hands, and faceHigh blood pressureHeart failure: excess fluid in the bloodstream can overwork your heart, making it enlarged and weakShortness of breath: fluid can build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breatheHow can patients monitor their sodium intake?Always read food labels. Sodium content is always listed. Pay close attention to serving sizes. Use fresh, rather than packaged meats. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables or no-salt-added canned and frozen produce. Avoid processed foods. Compare brands and use items that are lowest in sodium. Use spices that do not list "salt" in their title (choose garlic powder instead of garlic salt.) Cook at home and do NOT add salt. Limit total sodium content to 400 mg per meal and 150 mg per snack.