post-nephrectomy nutrition?

[GingerSue]

in my searching, I have found one site in which the doctor says that the patient can return to a normal diet, but limit foods that tend to irritate the urinary tract such as fruit juices, spicy foods, and very acidic foods, and that since the patient now has only one kidney then the person should not take in too much salt or protein because these are hard on the one remaining kidney.

Substitutes are listed such as fruit juices such as pear nectar, and carob instead of chocolate in a recipe.

Another site says that it is okay to eat or drink whatever you want post nephrectomy.

Is there a special diet for post nephrectomy people?

I am thinking that it depends on the reason for the nephrectomy, for eg if it is acute renal failure with azotemia, or if it is a donor of a kidney for a transplant whose kidneys have been healthy.

And it depends on the condition of the remaining kidney.

But in order to protect that one remaining kidney, is there a recommended diet post nephrectomy?

thanks

[debthern]

our post transplants go from clears to a regular diet..

[TazziRN, RN]

Regular diet. I was told to be careful of nephrotoxic drugs, but otherwise no intake restrictions.

[GingerSue]

should there be any reduction in protein?

(probably have to check sodium balance, potassium levels,

calcium and phosphate, and accumulation of waste products, with the

hope that the one remaining kidney will hypertrophy and compensate)

[TazziRN, RN]

No. The remaining kidney will compensate. As long as it's healthy, there is no reason to change diet. I need a renal panel and UA with my annual physical now, that's it.

[GingerSue]

what about special diet to prevent calculi,

or is that only for people who already have

difficulties with calculi?

[TazziRN, RN]

Only with a history of calculi, and only with repeat episodes of it.