Protein Intake In Kidney Disease

Rutuja Mahajan Dr Unnikrishnan AGand discuss the important role protein intake plays in the functioning of the kidneys

Building blocks of our body

We all need proteins in our daily diet. They help in muscle building, promotion of healing, repairing of tissues, and fighting infection. Proteins also play a major role in regulating various body functions like providing energy to the body in the event of insufficiency of carbohydrates and fats in the body. Proteins are vital for hormone and enzyme development which are essential for metabolism and digestion. They help the kidneys to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, thus preventing swelling in the body. Proteins are immune boosters - they are essential for the development of antibodies. Protein requirement varies based on age, sex, weight, medical diagnosis, and nutritional needs of a person.

Kidney health

Kidneys are a vital organ of the body that plays an important role in the elimination of nitrogenous waste from the body. Some of the important functions of the kidneys are:

• To filter the waste products from the blood and cleanse it

• To excrete waste from the body

• To maintain the composition and volume of the body fluid

• To stimulate secretion of hormones

Some of the factors that lead to kidney disorders are infection, degenerative changes, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels or trauma. When these conditions are severe, it may result in kidney failure. This can be categorized into two types - acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure (CKD).

How kidneys function