How should you eat with nephrotic syndrome?

Written by Zhang Hui
Nephrology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by urine protein greater than 3.5 grams, serum albumin less than 30, the presence of edema, and hyperlipidemia. Patients matching these criteria can be diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. From its diagnosis, we can see that such patients have a high amount of urine protein and relatively low blood protein. For these patients, it is necessary to control their protein intake, generally suitable at 0.6-0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Due to hypoalbuminemia, as the liver synthesizes protein, it also leads to an increase in blood lipids. Therefore, patients with nephrotic syndrome need to follow a low-fat diet to avoid further elevation of blood lipids. Additionally, as patients with nephrotic syndrome generally have edema, it is necessary to restrict sodium intake to prevent sodium and water retention, further aggravating the edema.

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Written by Niu Yan Lin
Nephrology
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Does nephrotic syndrome require a puncture?

Nephrotic syndrome is a complex of clinical symptoms with various causes, which differ by age group. In children or adolescents, if it presents solely as significant proteinuria without elevated creatinine or hematuria, it is generally caused by minimal change disease. Since this type of kidney disease is sensitive to hormone treatment, it is usually possible to forego renal biopsy and start with corticosteroid therapy. For other nephrotic syndrome patients, it is advisable to first perform a renal biopsy to identify the pathological cause before considering appropriate treatment with hormones, immunosuppressants, and other medications.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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How to treat anemia in nephrotic syndrome?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome often do not suffer from anemia. However, if a patient has severe chronic renal failure, renal anemia may occur. Generally, renal anemia occurs when the patient's blood creatinine level exceeds 256 micromoles/liter. Treatment mainly involves the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron supplements. If the patient does not have obvious renal failure but exhibits anemia, it is important to investigate the cause. This could include gastrointestinal bleeding, the presence of systemic diseases, or even hematological disorders. For example, lupus nephritis can cause both nephrotic syndrome and anemia. In such cases, high-dose steroids and immunosuppressants may be required as a treatment to fundamentally address the issue.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is nephrotic syndrome nauseating?

Nephrotic syndrome generally does not cause symptoms of nausea. Nephrotic syndrome refers to the damage to the glomerular capillaries of the patient, with the patient's 24-hour urinary protein quantification exceeding 3.5 grams, which indicates a substantial presence of urinary protein. This disease can cause edema in various parts of the body, such as the lower limbs, eyelids, and facial area. However, it generally does not cause digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If a patient exhibits such symptoms, it is necessary to be cautious as it may indicate the onset of acute renal failure due to nephrotic syndrome, or the presence of acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with nephrotic syndrome generally may experience edema in the gastrointestinal tract, which could cause nausea, and it is important to be cautious of the possibility of other underlying causes.

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Written by Wu Ji
Nephrology
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What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a common manifestation of glomerular disease, caused by a variety of etiologies, with large differences in treatment response and prognosis. The pathological causes of nephrotic syndrome are diverse, with the most common types being minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, mesangial proliferative nephritis, membranous nephropathy, and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Nephrotic syndrome can be classified into primary and secondary types based on its cause. The diagnosis of primary nephrotic syndrome mainly depends on the exclusion of secondary nephrotic syndrome. Common causes of secondary nephrotic syndrome include diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis, renal amyloidosis, drug-induced nephropathy, and renal tumors.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What is good for children with nephrotic syndrome to eat?

Nephrotic syndrome is mainly due to increased permeability of the glomerular basement membrane, leading to a syndrome characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and severe edema. The dietary requirements for this disease include low salt, low fat, and high-quality protein diet. Therefore, it is best to use less salt in dishes, and also, one should not drink too much water, as excessive water intake can easily cause sodium and water retention. Additionally, too much sodium can also lead to sodium and water retention and the development of hypertension. Foods rich in fats, fatty meats, and seafood should be avoided, while high-quality proteins generally include lean meats, beef, milk, eggs, etc. Consumption of such high-quality proteins and soy products should be limited.