It is essential that everyone have protein in their diets for a number of reasons, including: to promote muscle growth and recovery, tissue growth and recovery and overall good health, not to mention energy. But it is even more important that patients receiving renal care have the proper amount of protein in their diets, because different amounts are needed throughout the five different stages of renal disease. For example, those who are in stage one or two of their disease need less protein than the average person, while the patients who are in the end stage of renal failure, stage five, require more protein in their diets than the average person.
Dietary Sources of Protein
There are many delicious dietary sources of protein that can easily be incorporated into any diet. Of course, it is essential that any diet plan being followed by a renal care patient must be created by a physician or dietitian and monitored throughout the stages of renal failure. Many foods are very high in protein, such as beans, and as long as they are part of the diet, they are fine to eat.
– Poultry, lean red meat, and fish are more great sources of protein and are loaded with other essential vitamins and nutrients. A 100 gram serving of lean red meat contains more than 30 grams of protein, making it a terrific option for those on low-fat diets. Poultry is another great choice for a renal care diet, with a 100 gram serving of turkey providing more than 25 grams of protein. Fish is an excellent option, and a favorite stand-by, a can of tuna, has 26 grams of protein.
– Nuts, seeds and whole grains are excellent dietary sources of protein and is delicious too. This is a wonderful option for vegetarians, as well as those who are on low-fat, low-carb diets. Of course, those who are allergic to nuts should stick to seeds and grains. Not only can nuts and seeds make awesome snacks, they can also be incorporated into many great recipes. Don’t forget about hemp seeds, because not only are they packed with protein, they are also full of antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients. Grains can also be used in many recipes and are also excellent choices for breakfasts. Brown rice, which is also used frequently as a protein supplement, is ideal for vegetarians and is great to eat either alone or added to recipes such as chicken soup.
– Although fruits and vegetables don’t usually have a whole lot of protein, there are some that are ideal for high-protein diets. Soy beans are extremely high in protein, and they are great for vegetarians. Soy is also one of the sources used for protein supplements. Other tasty vegetables that should be included in a renal care diet include broccoli, carrots, beets, cucumber, mushrooms, lettuce, green peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, watercress and green peas. There are also some delicious fruits that have loads of protein, including apples, grapes, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, tangerines, watermelons and pineapples.
Protein Supplements as Part of Renal Care Diets
Many patients, especially in the final stages of renal failure, do not get enough protein in their diets. This often occurs because they have lost their taste for certain foods, particularly protein foods, either due to the flavor or texture. When this happens, it is often recommended that the patients use protein supplements to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need. Protein supplements are made from many different sources of protein, including whey, casein, rice and soy. There are many different types of supplements available, and which ones are used depends on the patient and their needs.
Whey – Whey is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all eight of the essential amino acids and all 14 of the non-essential acids. It is a byproduct of the cheese-making process, and not a good choice for those who are lactose intolerant or are allergic to milk and milk products.
Casein – Casein is another complete protein and another milk derivative. Although it does come from milk, many people who are lactose intolerant are able to easily digest casein, which is slower acting than whey (although its effects last longer).
Rice – Rice is an excellent choice for anyone who has allergies as well as vegetarians. Rice protein is gluten free, and it is a complete protein.
Soy – Soy is another complete protein and one that is excellent for vegetarians. Some patients have reported having digestive troubles when using soy, and when this happens, they find that they must switch to a different type of protein supplement.
Liquid Protein Supplements – Many people, especially those receiving medical treatment, enjoy the ready-made liquid protein supplements that are available (there are also liquid supplements that are made to be mixed into other drinks.) These are convenient and easy to drink. One of the more popular liquid protein supplements right now is a little shot called Profect, a supplement introduced by Protica. A single serving of Profect is 2.9 fluid ounces, and this single serving provides 25 grams of protein. It also provides 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and 10% of the daily recommended amount of five of the B complex vitamins. In addition, Profect is low in fat and carbohydrates and is only 100 calories. Profect comes in a variety of delicious flavors, including Blue Raspberry and Grapefruit-Mango.
Protein Powders – Powdered protein supplements are the most versatile forms of supplements. Not only can they be used to make some great-tasting shakes, smoothies and slushies that can be used as meal replacements, the unflavored powders can be added to just about any recipe. Many people use rice protein for cooking, as it has little to no flavor. The flavored powders are available in chocolate, vanilla, berry, fruit punch and more. For a quick and easy meal replacement smoothie, add a couple of scoops of fruit punch or berry protein powder with one cup of juice (any flavor), one cup of frozen berries, one banana, and one half cup of ice. Mix in a blender, and enjoy as a tasty, vitamin-rich, protein-packed breakfast.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein supplements for dialysis patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright