The Need For Protein During Late Or End Stage Renal Failure
There are five stages of kidney disease, and the dietary needs of Alpha Armor Review patients vary from stage to stage. For example, during the earlier stages, patients actually need less protein than the average person. But, in the end stage of renal failure, it is important that patients receive quite a bit more protein. It is essential that patients in renal failure heed the dietary advice of their physicians, dietitians and nutritionists in order to maintain a healthy diet that caters to their nutritional needs. No two patients are the same, so it only stands to reason that no two diet plans for patients are the same either.
One of the reasons why protein is so necessary during the end stage of renal failure is because dialysis actually depletes the body of protein. Therefore, it is important that patients receive more protein than is necessary for the average person. Not having enough protein can cause patients to notice such conditions as increased infections, swelling in the feet and ankles, and injuries taking longer to heal.
In order for a physician and dietitian to know how much protein a patient needs, blood work needs to be done. The protein that the blood is tested for is albumin, and a lack of this protein can be linked to prolonged hospital stays and, in some cases, early death.
What Is Protein?
Protein is one of three macronutrients that are necessary for survival, the other two being fats and carbohydrates. Protein affects every cell and function in our bodies, and it helps to build, maintain and repair muscles and other tissues. Our hair and fingernails are even made from protein. Our bodies use protein to heal wounds as well as fight infections, and it is often recommended in large doses in the final stages of renal failure.
