Salt and the Patient with CKD

For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), consuming salty foods and snacks can have several adverse effects:

Effects of High Salt Intake on CKD

1. Increased Blood Pressure: High salt intake can lead to fluid retention, causing blood pressure to rise. This is particularly problematic for CKD patients, as high blood pressure can further strain the kidneys and exacerbate kidney damage25.

2. Kidney Function Decline: Excessive sodium intake can impair kidney function by increasing the amount of protein in the urine, a marker of kidney damage. This can accelerate the progression of CKD24.

3. Fluid Overload: CKD patients often have difficulty removing excess sodium and fluid from their bodies. This can lead to fluid buildup, which may result in swelling and increased blood pressure6.

4. Risk of Kidney Stones: A high-salt diet can increase calcium excretion in urine, potentially leading to the formation of kidney stones, which can further complicate kidney health2.

5. Cardiovascular Risks: High salt intake is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, which is a major concern for CKD patients who are already at higher risk of cardiovascular disease35.

Recommendations for CKD Patients

• Sodium Intake Limitation: CKD patients are generally advised to limit their sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day to help manage blood pressure and slow the progression of kidney disease19.

• Dietary Changes: Reducing consumption of processed and salty foods, and checking food labels for sodium content, can help achieve this goal26.

Overall, while reducing salt intake can help manage blood pressure and proteinuria in CKD patients, the long-term effects on cardiovascular events and kidney disease progression remain uncertain and require further research13.

Citations:

1. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0401/p423.html
2. https://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/salthealth/salt-and-the-kidneys/
3. https://www.cochrane.org/CD010070/RENAL_altered-dietary-salt-intake-adults-chronic-kidney-disease
4. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/always-using-salt-at-mealtimes-may-increase-your-kidney-disease-risk-by-29
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7369961/
6. http://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/basics/high-sodium-foods-to-limit-when-you-have-kidney-disease
7. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/1/e050843
8. https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflets/nutrition-dietetics/pil-saltsd-02858-l/
9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sodium-and-chronic-kidney-disease

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