Content
The treatment of acute renal failure can be done with adequate food, medications and in the most severe cases when the kidney is very compromised, hemodialysis may be necessary to filter the blood or even have a kidney transplant.
In kidney failure, the kidneys are no longer able to filter the blood, causing an accumulation of toxic substances in the body. In acute renal failure there is a decrease in kidney capacity while in chronic renal failure the loss of this kidney function occurs progressively.
Thus, treatment must be indicated by the doctor, because it depends on the evolution of the disease, age and the individual's health status.
How to treat acute kidney failure
Generally, treatment of acute renal failure can be done with:
- Diuretic and antihypertensive drugs prescribed by the nephrologist;
- Special diet indicated by the nutritionist with reduced consumption of foods with salt, proteins, potassium, calcium and phosphorus and increased water intake.
It is important to do the treatment correctly because acute kidney failure is reversible, but when it doesn't, it can progress to chronic kidney failure.
How to treat chronic kidney failure
For the treatment of chronic renal failure, the nephrologist may indicate, in addition to medication and food, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis sessions, which are two techniques that filter the blood. Kidney transplantation, in these cases, is a solution, but it is only used as a last resort. See: Kidney transplantation.
Food for kidney failure
The kidney failure diet aims to decrease the consumption of foods rich in salt, potassium, protein, calcium and phosphorus in the patient's diet and increase water intake. The patient must:
- Avoid foods rich in salt, such as: sausage, ham and sausages;
- Replace salt with lemon, vinegar or aromatic herbs;
- Avoid consumption of soft drinks;
- Moderate or avoid consumption of protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish and meat;
- Avoid potassium-rich foods such as bananas, tomatoes, squash, meat, potatoes and beans;
- Avoid foods rich in calcium and phosphorus such as those derived from milk, eggs, vegetables and cereals.
The nutritional treatment of renal failure should be indicated by a nutritionist. Watch our nutritionist's video to find out what you can eat and some tips for cooking food:
Understand the differences between these diseases:
- Acute renal failure
- Chronic kidney failure
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team