Renal Diet

The Renal Diet is a specialized, balanced nutrition strategy designed to help preserve kidney function and support overall health, particularly for individuals in pre-dialysis stages. By carefully managing the intake of specific nutrients—such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and protein—this plan aims to reduce the workload on your kidneys while maintaining nutritional adequacy. For those following a pescatarian lifestyle, this protocol is naturally aligned with high-quality, kidney-friendly protein sources like fish, along with plant-based options such as edamame and quinoa, while excluding red meats that can increase the renal burden. Your PlexusDx genetic report offers personalized insights that reinforce these dietary goals; for instance, variants in the CYP11B2 and SLC4A5 genes can influence your body’s sensitivity to sodium and regulation of blood pressure, highlighting the importance of strict salt management. Similarly, the CASR gene plays a critical role in how your body balances calcium and phosphorus—key minerals for bone health that often fluctuate with kidney issues—while genes like TRPM6 or SHROOM3 may affect how efficiently your kidneys retain magnesium, guiding the specific nutrient targets in your meal plan.

Scientific evidence suggests that appropriate dietary modifications can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease and mitigate complications related to fluid balance and bone density. The recommendations in this program are grounded in managing the delicate balance of electrolytes and minerals to prevent buildup in the blood, which can be harmful when kidney filtration is compromised. Specifically, limiting sodium aids in controlling blood pressure and fluid retention, while adjusting protein intake helps lower the accumulation of nitrogenous waste products.

Control Potassium Intake: Consume sufficient potassium from a variety of foods in the correct serving sizes to support heart and muscle function without overtaxing the kidneys, being mindful that many high-fiber foods are also potassium-rich.
Prioritize Bone Health: Manage phosphorus intake to prevent dangerous buildup in the blood while ensuring adequate calcium and magnesium to support bone maintenance and prevent damage.
Limit Sodium: Maintain a daily sodium intake of less than 2,000 milligrams to help regulate blood pressure and body water balance.
Moderate Protein Consumption: Focus on high-quality, kidney-friendly protein sources—such as fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins like beans and quinoa—to help slow the loss of kidney function.

To customize your weekly menu further, you can use the PlexusDx meal planning tool to instantly find delicious alternatives that fit your taste preferences and pescatarian needs. If you see a meal you’d like to change, follow these simple steps to swap it out:

Locate the meal you want to change on your planner.
Click the three dots associated with that meal.
Select “Swap recipe” from the menu options.
Choose “Swap” to change just that single meal, or “Swap all” to replace that recipe wherever it appears in your plan.
Keep clicking “Swap” to cycle through alternative options until you find one that matches your specific preferences and rules.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Always discuss genetic findings, test results, symptoms, and treatment decisions with your healthcare provider or an allergist to determine appropriate care for your situation.

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Diets & Meal Plans