Best Soups for Managing Edema in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Patients with chronic kidney failure should avoid beverages that promote fluid retention?

Hello, my mother is 76 years old and currently diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, type 2 diabetes, hyperkalemia, and essential hypertension.
We have prepared a fistula for dialysis since she is being cared for at home.
To alleviate edema, we have found several soup recipes for her.
The urine output over the past two days was 1950 cc and 1750 cc, respectively.
Yesterday, she did not drink anything and only produced 900 cc of urine.
Today, she is experiencing significant water retention.
The patient reports feeling comfortable after drinking this soup.
We have consulted multiple sources but have not received definitive answers, so I would like to ask Director Wu: 1) For the soup made with bamboo leaves and bottle gourd: one tael of bamboo leaves boiled with one bottle gourd in 3500 cc of water.
We have also found recipes for winter melon water or red bean water online or in books.
Are these types of soups suitable for my mother to consume? Thank you for your time.

Meili, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/05/21

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine

1.
There is currently no medical evidence supporting the use of bamboo leaves to make bottle gourd soup, or the use of winter melon or red beans for boiling water.

2.
Based on your description, your aunt is likely approaching the need for dialysis.
At this stage, controlling fluid and sodium intake is crucial, which means limiting both water and salt.

3.
To limit water intake, you should track the total urine output for the day and add 600 cc, which will be the total allowable fluid intake for that day.

4.
If edema recurs or worsens, and symptoms such as shortness of breath occur, dialysis treatment should be considered as it is the safest option.
Thank you for your inquiry; Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2011/05/21

More Info

Managing edema in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires careful dietary considerations, particularly when it comes to fluid intake and sodium levels. Given your mother's condition, which includes chronic kidney failure, type 2 diabetes, hyperkalemia, and essential hypertension, it is crucial to tailor her diet to support her kidney function while alleviating symptoms like edema.

Understanding Edema and CKD
Edema, or swelling due to fluid retention, is a common issue in CKD patients. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating fluid balance, and when they are not functioning properly, excess fluid can accumulate in the body. This can lead to discomfort and complications, making it essential to manage fluid intake and dietary choices effectively.

Dietary Recommendations
1. Fluid Restriction: Since your mother is experiencing edema, it may be necessary to limit her fluid intake. The specific amount should be determined by her healthcare provider, but generally, patients with CKD may need to restrict their fluid intake to prevent further swelling.

2. Low Sodium Diet: Sodium can exacerbate fluid retention, so a low-sodium diet is crucial. This means avoiding processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks. Instead, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in sodium. When cooking, consider using herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt.

3. Potassium Management: Given your mother's hyperkalemia, it is important to monitor her potassium intake. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes, should be limited. Always consult with a dietitian or healthcare provider for a personalized potassium restriction plan.

4. Protein Intake: In CKD, protein intake may need to be moderated to reduce the burden on the kidneys. However, if your mother is malnourished or has lost significant muscle mass, a careful balance must be struck. Consulting with a dietitian can help determine the right amount of protein for her needs.

Soup Recommendations
Regarding the soups you mentioned, here are some considerations:
1. 淡竹葉煮葫蘆瓜湯 (Bamboo Leaf and Gourd Soup): This soup can be beneficial as both bamboo leaves and gourd are generally low in sodium and potassium. However, ensure that no additional salt is added during preparation.

2. 冬瓜煮水 (Winter Melon Soup): Winter melon is low in calories and sodium, making it a good choice for CKD patients. It also has a high water content, which can help with hydration without adding excess sodium.

3. 紅豆煮水 (Red Bean Soup): Red beans are nutritious but can be high in potassium. If your mother has hyperkalemia, it may be best to limit this option or consult with a healthcare provider before including it in her diet.

Monitoring and Adjustments
It is essential to monitor your mother's response to these dietary changes closely. Keep track of her urine output, weight, and any signs of worsening edema. Regular follow-ups with her healthcare team will help ensure that her dietary plan remains effective and safe.

Conclusion
In summary, managing edema in CKD patients involves a careful balance of fluid and dietary restrictions. Low-sodium, potassium-controlled diets, along with monitoring fluid intake, are key strategies. The soups you are considering can be beneficial, but it’s important to ensure they align with her specific dietary needs. Always consult with her healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to her health status. This collaborative approach will help optimize her care and improve her quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Healthy Snack Ideas for Diabetics and Kidney Patients

Hello Doctor: My mother has diabetes and uremia (dialysis), and she also has high uric acid levels. To control her blood sugar, we are considering making snacks using ingredients like Job's tears, red beans, tremella, and chicken, but we are concerned about whether these foo...

Dr. Liu Qiaoyun reply Nutrition
Hello, your mother's condition is quite concerning. Job's tears and red beans are both starchy foods and should be exchanged for grains and root vegetables. Approximately 20 grams is equivalent to 1/4 bowl of rice. If you hope to use these foods to reduce edema, the eff...

Managing Water Intake for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has a history of mild stroke, along with mild diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, high uric acid, proteinuria, and hematuria. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is currently around 50 and is gradually declining. Aside from controlling her...

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Regarding your question, we will discuss it in two parts: (1) Based on the information you provided, your mother's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50 indicates that she is approximately in stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has a total of fi...

Managing Edema in Diabetic Patients: A Guide for Caregivers

Hello, doctor. My grandmother is a 60-year-old diabetic patient with a history of about 10 years. She has been taking medication to control her blood sugar, which is usually stable and does not exceed 180. However, for the past year, she has been experiencing pain in her lower ba...

Dr. Xie Yonghui reply Internal Medicine
According to your letter, your grandmother's lower back pain may be caused by urinary tract stones, but the most common reason for lower back pain in elderly individuals is degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. It is necessary to consult an orthopedic specialist for furt...

Essential Foods for Kidney Failure Patients: Beyond Low Sodium and Potassium

Patients with kidney failure can consume a variety of foods, aside from the restrictions on water, potassium, and sodium. They may include: 1. Low-Protein Foods: Such as egg whites, certain types of fish, and lean meats in moderation. 2. Fruits: Apples, berries, grapes, ...

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! In cases of renal failure where dialysis is not performed, dietary restrictions are significant due to the kidneys' inability to metabolize normally. The diet must limit water, potassium, sodium, and protein. Foods high in protein, such as meats, eggs, legumes, and so...