Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after kidney transplantation: Diet and nutrition

While kidney transplantation is one of the surgeries with the highest success rate, we cannot deny the prominent roles of diet and nutrition in enhancing the numbers. These factors decide if the receiver’s body can accommodate with the new organ or there will be rejection. So, if you have received a kidney transplantation or scheduled to undergo the surgery, knowing about the appropriate diet and nutrition plan is crucial.

Monitoring fluid intake

After kidney transplantation, patients need to carefully monitor the daily fluid intake so that the new organ is not over-exhausted. Usually, when you take too much of fluid, the transplanted kidney won’t be able to keep up with the pace and filter the fluid, thereby leading to swelling and higher blood pressure.

Regulating sodium intake

One of the major challenges most patients face after a kidney transplantation is the high chances of fluid retention in the body and subsequent increase of the blood pressure. Therefore, limiting the daily sodium intake is essential since it will reduce the fluid retention rate and control the blood pressure also.

Limiting phosphorus and potassium levels

Another area where you need to focus on after the kidney transplantation for the organ’s optimal functioning is the intake of phosphorus and potassium. Both these minerals when consumed in excess will put excessive stress on the organ, thereby reducing its filtration rate and performance. So, try to avoid eating foods with high concentrations of these minerals.

Consuming protein moderately

Also, you need to carefully regulate your protein intake. While this macronutrient is essential for healing of the tissues and growth of new tissues around the surgical areas, you cannot eat more than the recommended amount. Otherwise, it might lead to decreased performance of the transplanted kidney. 

Eating healthy fats

Your kidney specialist at kidneytotalcare.com will further illustrate on the consumption of the fats, like omega fatty acids as these not only speed up the healing response of the body but also reduce oxidation rate and keep the heart’s health at optimal levels.

Conclusion

Although these are a few tips to enhance your diet plan after kidney transplantation, you must discuss all the aspects with your kidney specialist and the dietician. They will advise you on the nutrients you must consume for a faster recovery along with the food items to avoid strictly.