Question
What are the dietary concerns for nephrotic syndrome?
Answer
Patients with nephrotic syndrome need to be very careful with their diet, opting for a low-sodium, low-fat, high-quality protein diet. First and foremost, they should limit their salt intake to 1 to 3 grams per day, with a protein intake of 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day, based on high-quality proteins such as fish and lean meat. If they have nitrogenous blood disease, they should increase their protein intake. They can consume ample amounts of vegetables and fruits, but should avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as extremely cold drinks. It’s also important to keep warm and avoid catching a cold to alleviate the condition and undergo regular check-ups. For patients with edema, it’s not advisable to drink too much water each day to prevent worsening the condition.