Nephrotic syndrome is not a specific kidney disease. It can occur in any kidney disease. Patients with nephrotic syndrome should follow a strict diet to prevent further kidney damage. Are high protein foods allowed with nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidaemia and edema. High level of proteinuria is the main symptom of nephrotic syndrome. This is because the glomerular basement membrane is damaged and its permeability is increased, so high level of protein is lost through urine. If the protein in urine is above 3.5g/d, then you are running a high risk of nephrotic syndrome.

So are high protein foods allowed with nephrotic syndrome? The answer is absolutely no! The followings are the reasons.

Kidney is responsible for discharging the waste products and toxins and extra water. At the same time, kidney is also take charge of keeping the protein in the blood vessels. Since the glomerular basement membrane is damaged and lots of protein is lost, if you take high protein foods, there will be more protein in urine, which will further damage the glomerulus.

In addition, protein will break down into waste products, especially the vegetable protein. The waste products should be filtered out by kidneys. if you take too much protein, more waste products will be produced, which will increase the burden of the kidneys.

In conclusion, high protein foods are not allowed with nephrotic syndrome. But inadequate protein will result in malnutrition. So you should take high-quality protein to keep normal nutrition. High quality protein foods include fish, egg white, dairy products. You can consult the online doctor for how much protein you should eat by telling him your illness condition.

However, you should add some protein properly if you are on dialysis, because dialysis will discharge some protein in your body.

Normally, high protein foods are not allowed with nephrotic syndrome. But you should have a good talk with your doctor and consult if you are suitable to eat low protein foods. Or you can send your medical report to renal-disease@hotmail.com, the kidney doctor will give you some suggestions in 24 hours!