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3 Things You Should Know About Renal Shakes

For most, consuming protein shakes can aid muscle growth, boost metabolism, preserve muscle mass and even help to lose weight. However, too much protein may be detrimental to one's kidney. According to a research study published in the 'Harvard Gazette' on the effects of high-protein diets on female renal function, women with healthy kidneys did not experience any negative effects from a high-protein diet, however, those who already had decreased renal function did. Though the study is based exclusively on women, men may also be affected by this.

Fortunately, for those with decreased renal or kidney conditions who still require protein supplements but are following a strict diet, there are many supplements available such as protein shakes for renal patients called renal shakes. Before consuming renal shakes, here are three things you need to know about them!

What are Renal Shakes

For those experiencing kidney disease, you may find it challenging to prepare your own meals following a special diet. Fortunately, it may help that you can make shakes that will provide you with the minerals you need as well as save time. These shakes are called renal shakes. They are blended shakes that are similar to protein shakes but follow a kidney-friendly diet. When selecting the ingredients for your premade renal shakes, consider ingredients that are low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus.

According to studies, it found that animal-based proteins like meat and eggs put the most stress on the kidneys. Dairy and plant proteins did not have as great of an impact on the kidneys. This suggests that choosing renal shakes made of whey, casein, or soy is a good idea to include in your protein supplements in your regular routine. Other examples of ingredients include apples, grapes, strawberries, cauliflower, cranberries, and pineapples!

Renal Shakes: The Importance of Kidney-Friendly Diets

To support healthy kidney function, a kidney-friendly diet restricts the quantity of specific fluid and minerals you ingest. Your kidneys are in charge of removing toxins from your blood and turning them into urine. Waste can accumulate in your body if your kidneys are not functioning properly, raising the risk of heart diseases and other more serious health issues.

Maintaining a healthy balance of minerals, electrolytes, and fluids in your body is crucial if you have renal disease. This not only reduces the danger of potentially fatal problems but also supports kidney health and decreases the development of renal failure. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause, you may need to avoid some minerals. This is why renal shakes are great as you can pick and choose the ingredients you want while knowing what nutrients you are consuming.

Renal Shakes: Minerals to Avoid in a Kidney-Friendly Diet

A kidney-friendly diet often restricts four particular components: Phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and fluids.

Most meals and beverages include sodium. It is crucial for a number of internal processes, such as controlling blood volume and pressure as well as regulating how much fluid the body retains and excretes. Excess salt in your blood cannot be removed if you have kidney disease. Shortness of breath, edema (limb swelling), and elevated blood pressure can arise from that. Limit the amount of salt you use in each meal to 400 mg, and prepare the majority of your meals at home.

A mineral called phosphorus supports the health of your bones. It can be found in many different foods, such as milk, cheese, nuts, and meat. The risk of a fracture rises if you have kidney illness and too much phosphorus builds up in your blood, which is a result of your bones being weak or brittle.

Potassium is a mineral that controls how your muscles and heart pulse. Additionally, it is crucial for preserving the electrolyte and fluid balance in your blood. Too much potassium might cause heart problems or severe muscular cramps if you have kidney illness.

It is crucial to stay hydrated, but renal illness makes it difficult for your body to flush out extra fluids. If you don't keep an eye on your intake, a fluid buildup could cause heart failure, trouble breathing, or high blood pressure. 

Types of Protein Supplements

Dialysis patients frequently encounter temporary or persistent appetite difficulties that interfere with their ability to eat, leaving them feeling lethargic and fatigued. When your protein intake is poor, your dietician may suggest an energy or protein supplement. Recommendations for supplements are made based on your dietary habits and needs as well as the product's nutrient profile. Samples from your dietitian may be available for you to taste, allowing you to decide which flavor or product you like.

There are many supplements available, whether you buy them from your local pharmacy or grocery store. Some supplements help to provide dialysis patients with energy while others provide protein.

Liquid Renal Supplements

Liquid supplements designed especially for dialysis patients are low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium but high in protein and calories. You can use an 8-ounce serving to enhance your meals or as a meal replacement. On days when you have dialysis or when you are too busy to prepare a meal, you can also utilize these supplements as a quick meal on the go.

Our Nepro with Carb Steady is a liquid supplement that was created with care to address the unique demands and changed the metabolism of dialysis patients. It is designed to help manage blood sugar response and has calories as well as a good balance of minerals and vitamins.

Renal shakes are also a great form of a liquid supplement as it is a blended beverage mixed with fruits that are rich in the nutrients and minerals you need. An example of renal protein shakes that may help are berry smoothies, apple-cranberry smoothies, or shakes that use non-dairy products.

Protein Supplements

There are various protein solutions available if you need more protein without consuming a lot of calories. Large amounts of protein are contained in single-ounce liquid protein products. Protein powders require moist food or drinks to be combined with them. Protein powders derived from egg whites or whey often include less potassium and phosphorus than those prepared from soy.

Our Pro-Stat Renal Care is a liquid protein with an enzyme-hydrolyzed concentrated complete protein with 15 grams of protein that helps to accelerate tissue healing, malnutrition, and low albumin levels.

Bar Supplements

These days, there are numerous options for energy and protein bars, and while many of them aren't manufactured expressly for the kidney diet, many of them have salt, potassium, and phosphorus levels that are low enough to be included. It is crucial to review the nutrition information on each bar because brands sell both healthy bars and ones that are bad for your kidneys.

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