Chronic kidney disease: nutrition basics.
NUTRITION PLANNING AND education in the early phases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be crucial in helping to alleviate abnormal laboratory values and delay the progression of renal failure. Because of the complexity of the disease, physician referrals for nutrition education are needed for the patient to fully understand renal nutrition plan limitations and the effect these dietary changes can have on a patient’s medical prognosis. A 2008 study surveyed renal patients with varying degrees of kidney failure to determine their exposure to nutrition education. Many of them had introductory diet and nutrition education, but only from a physician. A large percentage of those surveyed would have favored a medical nutrition therapy consultation with a registered dietitian within the early phases of the CKD diagnosis to allow them to better understand renal nutrition diet guidelines. An additional conclusion from this study was that many patients preferred printed nutrition handouts as a reference to serve as a quick reminder of their nutrition and dietary recommendations.