The Importance of Sodium Restrictions in Chronic Kidney Disease

Dietary sodium restrictions for chronic kidney disease (CKD) have become common practice, but the importance of the limitation can often times be overlooked. In CKD, the kidneys inability to excrete sodium is a major cause of hypertension (HTN) and can lead to progression of the disease.1 Diuretic therapy has become the main treatment for HTN, but research has demonstrated that sodium restrictions can actually increase the effectiveness of these drugs. Excess sodium with CKD has been shown to also increase proteinuria, kidney blood flow and prevents antihypertensive agents from working properly.
Source: Journal of Renal Nutrition - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Patient Education Source Type: research