The specialist in nutrition for patients with kidney failure, Marinela Tito Júnior, cited some fruits, vegetables, fish and meat as foods that patients with this disease should not consume.
Among the range of these food products, the nutritionist highlights bananas, passion fruit and avocado; almost all leafy foods, sardines, horse mackerel and cachucho, as well as the meat of domestic and wild animals, commonly known as game meat. Marinela Tito Júnior, who made a point of announcing the existence of two groups of patients with kidney failure, clarified that, despite chronic kidney disease patients still having half of their kidney functioning poorly, they are not free from diet limitations.
Those considered kidney patients with total failure, who depend on machines to help them reduce the level of intoxication in their blood, require greater care, O PAÍS learned from the interviewee, who referred to the consequent need for these patients to undergo dialysis during four hours a day and three times a week. Although she acknowledged that the work carried out by machines does not replace what the human body’s organs might perform, she assured that they minimized some risks that might further aggravate patients’ conditions.
Regarding the amounts of potassium and phosphorus in the diet that she mentioned, Marinela Tito Júnior spoke of some measures that can contribute to a significant reduction of these chemical substances. “There are techniques to reduce the amount of potassium and phosphorus in vegetables, fish and meat, which include soaking them in normal water, as well as boiling them.
The fruits can be cut into pieces and left in water or in the open air for some time, explained the specialist”, having, however, highlighted that, due to the reality of our country, it is a risk to recommend it to patients with kidney failure or family members to do this. Marinela Tito Júnior advises that for those with chronic kidney disease or those with total kidney failure, there should be an individualized food preparation program. “As the high potassium content in food increases the tendency for blood pressure to rise”, highlighted the health technician.
Alcohol consumption was another problem highlighted by the nutrition specialist for kidney patients, who classifies it as the most harmful among those involved. When asked what the patient can eat without any fear of worsening their condition, she spoke of foods rich in carbohydrates – apples, pears and pineapple”, explained Marinela Tito Júnior. “Still, we need to advise patients and their families to consume them in small quantities.”
Difficulties in eating food
One of the situations quickly admitted by the doctor is that kidney patients tend to have a low weight and, consequently, a considerable drop in their bodies, to the point of having a very emaciated figure. Because of this, the capabilities in functions considered to be fundamental needs of life also become weak, as happens with the process of swallowing food. “That is why it is recommended that these patients be given more liquid foods, such as soups, broths, teas and others that are made up of products with some adequate level.
