The Need For Protein Supplements in End Stage Kidney Disease

By Jim Duffy

During the early stages of most kidney diseases, the patient will be advised to limit protein intake to some degree. Because protein is so vital to the entire body, this limitation should only be made under doctor's orders and with the guidance of a dietitian or nutritionist. The protein that is left in the diet at this point will be high-quality with certain additional restrictions as well. However, once the patient reaches end stage kidney disease, the restriction on protein will not only end but the patient will also need to increase intake.

The level that is suggested at this stage is double that of the average diet and may be hard to achieve with a normal diet for a number of reasons. Protein supplements will be beneficial because they are high in protein and can be high in calories, helping to reach the right amount as suggested by the doctor, and they may be easier to tolerate than trying to eat large meals.

In Stage I through IV, the protein level is restricted, with the strictest restriction at Stage IV, the final stage before dialysis becomes necessary. In this stage, dietary protein may be as low as 10%, but again, only with a doctor's guidance. Excess protein at this point will lead to nausea and vomiting, a loss of appetite, weakness and itching that is sometimes intense. To put this into perspective: the average diet is 14-18% protein and the average vegan diet is 10-12% protein.

Not only is the amount of protein limited, but the type of protein may be limited as well. Vegetarian protein sources might be suggested in Stage IV so that protein can still be included in the diet but will also slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. A vegetarian diet gets protein from plant sources, which can be digested with less protein waste buildup. It also works to maintain the levels of sodium, potassium and phosphorous.

Limiting the amount of phosphorous in the diet is important because it can deplete calcium in the body and may cause or worsen osteoporosis. Protein itself can cause this problem by causing too much calcium to be eliminated from the body through urination, even when the kidneys are healthy and functioning properly. In kidney disease, however, electrolyte imbalances can be common and certain minerals will compete with one another. These foods that need to be limited include bran cereals, dried beans, brown rice, lentils, salmon, organ meats, sardines, chocolate and cola. Dairy foods are also included on this list of limitations, especially skim milk.

Once the end stage of chronic kidney disease has been reached, food needs will change dramatically, including a huge increase in both protein and calories to keep the weight steady despite a greatly decreased appetite. The calories have to be high enough to prevent muscle wasting and will be based on "dry" weight. Dry weight is calculated by estimating actual weight minus the fluid retained. The amount of recommended protein is based on this number.

Average Need vs. End Stage Needs

The average person's protein intake is decided by gender, health and activity levels. For a very sedentary person, that need may be as low as around.4 grams per kilogram of body weight. For a very active person, that need can increase to.8 to 1 gram of protein. Even a bodybuilder will not need an extreme amount of protein and may only need around 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein. The American Heart Association recommends that the diet not be over 35% protein, however, that need might change with end stage renal failure.

The average protein needs throughout life are as follows:

Age Grams of protein per kg of body weight

- Newborn to six months: 2.2 kg

- Six to twelve months: 2.0 kg

- One to three years: 1.8 kg

- Four to six years: 1.5 kg

- Seven to ten years: 1.2 kg

- Eleven to fourteen years: 1.0 kg

- Fifteen to eighteen years:.9 kg

-Nineteen years and beyond:.8 kg

For those who are in Stage V renal failure, there will be a minimum protein requirement of 1.5 to 2 grams per kilogram of weight(dry), with the additional suggestion of getting about 25% of their protein at every meal and to include supplements and snacks to get to the right level of protein. The patient will be told to get their protein from meats, frequent egg dishes since egg is the perfect protein and high protein supplements.

Supplement Options

Because end stage renal failure can cause nausea and vomiting as well as decreased appetite, it is important to get high quality protein as well as high calorie counts in the easiest way possible. Supplements can be beneficial because they are easier to consume, they are high in soluble and digestible protein and they can be more appetizing than trying to eat foods. It is easier to pop open a supplement and drink it down than it would be to sit and try to make it through a whole meal. Because kidney disease may also cause taste changes, foods that were once favorites may not be as appealing any longer.

Supplements can be either powder, already mixed shakes, supplement shots and protein bars.

Protein Powders - There are four protein powder sources: rice, whey, soy and egg. The powders can be either from a single protein source or a combination of two or more. Anyone with known or suspected food allergies should stick with single ingredient protein supplements for safety. Vegans can use both rice and soy protein powder supplements.

Protein Shakes - Shakes that are already mixed and ready to go are fairly common and can save time and be more convenient to use. They should have enough calories in each serving as well as be a high quality protein. Diabetics should stick to the protein shakes that are recommended to them by the doctor; there are several brands that are created specifically for them.

Protein Supplement Shots - An even easier way to get the right amount of protein is with the liquid protein supplement shot.

Protein Bars - The protein bars typically have a number of different dessert-like flavors that might be appealing, however, make sure that they do not have a lot of additional sugars in them which can be hard on the immune system. They should still have plenty of protein in them. One popular brand has 180 calories, 12 grams of protein and limited sugar, making it a good snack choice.

About Protica Research

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm specializing in the development of protein-rich, capsulized foods (dense nutrition in compact liquid and food forms). Protica manufactures Profect protein beverage, IsoMetric, Fruitasia and more than 100 other brands in its GMP-certified, 250,000 square foot facility.

You can learn more about Protica at http://www.protica.com

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Common Health Consequences Associated With End Stage Renal Disease

By Steve A Davis

The kidney is an important anatomical structure that performs many tasks that help to sustain life. This fist-sized organ is located in the lower abdominal cavity just in front of the bottom set of ribs and is well-known for its role in filtering water and waste from the bloodstream. The critical nature of filtration is demonstrated by the fact that most people have two kidneys that are capable of enlarging to compensate for a decrease in functionality of either kidney. What many people fail to realize is that the kidneys also perform many other important tasks including blood pressure regulation and hormone secretion.

The signs and symptoms associated with the diverse responsibilities of the kidneys have become more concerning in recent years because of the spike in new end stage renal disease cases secondary to diabetes and high blood pressure. As demand for renal care continues, it is very important for medical personnel to educate the public on the health consequences of renal disease and the steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of damaging the kidneys. An understanding of what the kidneys do along with the steps that can be taken to reverse the prevalence of renal failure is the first step in reversing the trend towards widespread chronic kidney disease.

Filtration of the bloodstream is easily the most important job that the kidneys perform. They accomplish this monumental task using a series of blood vessels, collecting tubes, and membranes that are permeable to small particles such as water and waste. As blood travels through the kidneys it passes by membranes that allow water and waste to pass through and accumulate it the collecting tubes while preventing important particles such as blood and proteins from leaving the blood vessels. The filtrate that is collected is then transported along a series of concentration gradients and transport channels that give the body the opportunity to absorb any elements that it can still use. The remaining filtrate is sent to the bladder where it is stored as urine until it can be excreted.

When the kidneys become damaged, they often lose the ability to remove potentially harmful particles from the body. This allows water and waste to accumulate in the body and causes uncomfortable symptoms that often require dialysis treatment. An abnormally high level of water and waste in the body is referred to as uremia and is often associated with swelling of the face, hands, and feet; dry and itchy skin; unusual changes in urine production; an ammonia smell to the breath; a persistent metallic taste in the mouth; muscle cramps; fatigue; diarrhea; constipation; and many other problems. Those who are at risk of developing renal failure are encouraged to seek professional medical advice if they begin to experience any of these symptoms.

The secretion of erythropoietin (EPO) is another important role that the kidney has. EPO is a hormone that functions to communicate the need for additional red blood cells to the marrow found at the center of the bones. The kidneys usually know when to secrete erythropoietin based on the level of oxygen in the blood. If the kidneys have been damaged, they may not be capable of determining the appropriate level of EPO secretion and often fail to inform the bone marrow about the need for more red blood cells. This results in a deficiency in oxygen carrying capacity and blood volume that is commonly referred to as anemia. In many cases, the left ventricle of the heart will enlarge in an attempt to compensate for oxygen deprivation in cells throughout the body. This condition is known as left ventricular hypertrophy and it causes heart failure in many renal failure patients.

Another important hormone secreted by the kidneys is called calcitriol. This hormone helps facilitate the absorption of calcium from digested food as it travels along the gastrointestinal tract. Another name for this hormone is active Vitamin D. A deficiency in calcitriol causes the parathyroid glands to secrete abnormal levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) that functions to pull calcium from the bones and place it in the blood. Although this process restores proper levels of calcium in the bloodstream it also weakens the bones and causes many problems including calcium deposition in the blood vessels and heart. This can cause signs and symptoms such as muscle cramps, a predisposition to bone fractures, visual changes, and mental changes.

The diverse array of responsibilities that the kidneys have demonstrates the need for a lifestyle that supports renal health. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases in the United States demands that more effective public awareness campaigns be implemented. Those who work in the industry as technicians and nurses are often able to have the greatest influence on people because they spend the most time with patients and are acutely aware of the damage that is caused by kidney disease. The basic concepts outlined above are important for the provision of high quality care and the delivery of effective public awareness campaigns.

Those who are interested in learning more about the importance of the kidneys and the dialysis treatment process are encouraged to check out http://www.dialysistechniciansalary.org/ where they will find information on many industry relevant topics such as dialysis side effects, types of dialysis, kidney function, technician training, and much more. The first step to reducing the prevalence of renal failure in the United States is improving public awareness. Careful review of these topics allows individuals to provide better care to patients and improve the overall health of their community.

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What Is End Stage Kidney Failure?

End arrange kidney infection alludes to the condition that exists when the kidneys are not ready to work at an adequate level to keep up the body. It is generally regular in cases of incessant kidney illness and frequently happens around or underneath the 10% working level by and large. In The United States the most well-known reasons for ceaseless kidney ailment are diabetes and hypertension. Normally people that arrive at this point will require dialysis or kidney transplant to expand their lives.

The indications that exist in the beginning times of different types of kidney malady may persevere into end-organize kidney disappointment. Much of the time these indications may keep on compounding all through the movement of the infection. Here are some particular manifestations that might be taken note:

- Skin that has gotten lighter or darker.

- sometimes bone agony may happen.

- There might be mental and apprehensive abnormalities brought about by ESRD (end arrange renal ailment).

- Resultant iron deficiency may cause visit or repeating wounding and/or dying.

There are various indicative systems that can be utilized to distinguish ESRD. What's more the individual experiencing ESRD may find that they pee less every now and again and produce less pee when they do.

On the off chance that dialysis is the picked treatment there will be various different tests required. These incorporate checking the degrees of a large number of the minerals and different substances that kidneys control. A few models incorporate Potassium, Albumin, Cholesterol, and others. In anticipation of dialysis changes in diet and instruction are some of the time required and regularly supportive. Sometimes the patient may get a kidney transplant. Organ transplant is a long lasting procedure that regularly requires support from medicinal staff, loved ones.

Converse with your primary care physician on the off chance that you are in danger of enduring ESRD, or stressed. Now and then it very well may be avoided. In cases here it can't, early groundwork for treatment of ESRD can improve viability.