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Nutrition

Nephrotic Syndrome

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is not a specific
□ Protein
kidney disease; instead, it is a general A diet that is moderate in protein can help
term for a condition where too much to reduce the amount of protein lost in the
protein is lost in the urine. It can occur in urine and preserve your kidney function.
any kidney disease where damage to the High protein diets do not increase the
filtering units causes protein to leak into levels of protein in your blood and
your urine. This can cause the protein therefore should be avoided. This
levels in your blood to drop too low, includes avoiding high protein drinks,
leaving you at a greater risk of developing powders and supplements unless your
infections, illnesses and fluid retention. Dietitian advises you that they are safe to
include.
Some of the diseases that cause My
nephrotic syndrome affect only the
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Nutrition important that you do not avoid
Nutrition
kidneys, for example, nephritis. Other protein, as muscle wasting and
diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome malnutrition may occur.
affect other parts of the body as well, for
Good food sources of protein include:
example, diabetes and lupus.
• Meat

Nephrotic syndrome and your diet • Poultry

There are several dietary changes you • Seafood

may need to make to manage your • Dairy products

disease. These are outlined below. Your • Nuts

Dietitian will advise you which of these • Eggs
apply to you (by placing a tick in the box • Legumes
 next to each section).
Your Dietitian will advise you on the
correct amount of protein to eat. As a
general rule, avoid large serves of these
foods.
This is a consensus document from Dietitian/ Nutritionists from the Nutrition Education Materials Online, "NEMO", team.
Disclaimer: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/masters/copyright.asp Revised: July 2017
Due for review: July 2019
□ Fat □ Fluid
It is common for people who have There will be times when your Renal
nephrotic syndrome to have high levels of Doctor may advise limiting your fluid
cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats). intake to help manage your nephrotic
High levels of these blood fats may syndrome. Please ask your Dietitian if
increase the risk of heart disease. you need to do this and they will be able
to give you more specific advice on how
It is advisable to follow a diet low in fat, to manage this.
particularly saturated (animal) fat.
Sources of saturated fat include: If you need to follow a fluid restriction,
• Butter the following tips will help you:
• Lard • Measure the size of the cups you
• Full fat dairy normally drink from
• Sour cream • Use a diary to record your fluid intake
• Pastry and biscuits • Remember to count the fluid you drink
• Coconut milk when you take tablets. Try apple
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Chicken skin and visible fat on meatNutrition
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• Drink half cups of tea and other drinks
• If you use ice to quench thirst – this
□ Salt also counts in a fluid restriction
A low salt diet is recommended in • Keep you mouth and teeth clean – this
nephrotic syndrome to help reduce fluid helps alleviate feelings of thirst
retention. Avoid using salt in cooking and • If you have diabetes – keep blood
do not add it to food at the table. Choose sugars well controlled – if they are too
foods that are low in salt. Your Dietitian high, this can also make you feel
will be able to give you more specific thirsty
advice on foods to avoid. Avoid using salt • Chewing sugar free gum can help
substitutes such as ‘Lite Salt’. Remember keep your mouth moist
that vegie salt, herbal salt, sea salt and
salt flakes are all high in salt.

This is a consensus document from Dietitian/ Nutritionists from the Nutrition Education Materials Online, "NEMO", team.
Disclaimer: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/masters/copyright.asp Revised: July 2017
Due for review: July 2019
□ Weight gain Medications
The main goal in treating nephrotic
Weight gain (fluid) can occur in people syndrome is to reduce or eliminate
who develop swelling, which is mainly the proteinuria (protein in urine).
result of fluid retention. • Almost all patients are given an
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)
Weight gain (body fat) can also occur as inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor
a result of steroid therapy due to blocker (ARB), which lowers blood
increased appetite. Please consult your pressure, prevents worsening of
Dietitian for advice. kidney disease and reduces the
amount of protein lost in the urine.
• Water pills or diuretics help to reduce
swelling in the lower legs (oedema)
and collection of fluid in the abdomen
(ascites), both of which can occur in
people with nephrotic syndrome
• Steroids and other medications that
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• Cholesterol lowering medication (also
called statins) to treat high blood
cholesterol
• Antibiotics for infections
• Blood thinner medications, such as
warfarin, to prevent blood clots

Things I can do to improve my food and drink choices:

1.

2.

3.

For further information contact your Dietitian or Nutritionist:____________________

This is a consensus document from Dietitian/ Nutritionists from the Nutrition Education Materials Online, "NEMO", team.
Disclaimer: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/masters/copyright.asp Revised: July 2017
Due for review: July 2019