Glomerulonephritis is a disease condition characterized by the inflammation of glomeruli. Glomeruli are small blood vessels in the kidney.

The inflamed glomeruli are unable to ward off the waste products from the blood resulting in following:

• Edema, especially of the face in the morning.
• Protein in the urine, blood in urine.
• headache.
• Weakness.
• Nausea.
• Anorexia.
• Vomiting.
• High blood pressure.

Along with the medications, diet plays an important role in controlling the symptoms and in the treatment of glomerulonephritis.

Glomerulonephritis diet plan:

1. In case the patient is resting in the hospital and has no previous history of malnutrition his energy intake can be reduced. For the first week, It is better for him to consume vegetable soup to clean up the system. After that patient can start eating fruits. Fruit diet should be continued for 5 days and then for the next week give him milk along with the fruit diet. After that start, a vegetarian diet gradually.

2. A Glomerulonephritis diet includes milk, preferably goat milk, vegetables like carrots, cucumber, celery, nuts, and fruits like oranges, pineapples, grapes, peaches, and apples. Add soothing food for kidneys such as banana, papaya, avocado, and parsley. Coconut water is a well-known diuretic and can be consumed in initial stages.

3. In the cases where Oliguria is present with the elevated level of blood nitrogen urea, protein is limited. In this case, Glomerulonephritis diet should include 0.5grams of protein/kg body weight.

4. To make the Glomerulonephritis diet palatable you may include the very small amount of emulsified and easily digestible fats such as coconut oil and olive oil.

5. Glomerulonephritis diet should avoid following:

– Oxalic acid containing food such as chocolate, cocoa products, spinach, and  rhubarb.

– Processed foods and meat.

– Sugar confectionery items

6. If too much sodium is present in the blood your kidney will retain water leading to high blood pressure. This will further strain your kidney and will worsen the diseases. Due to the presence of Oliguria, edema, and hypertension, it is better to restrict the sodium intake. Sodium restriction in glomerulonephritis diet is 500 to 1000 mg/day. It is better to avoid processed foods, salted snacks, processed meat and table salt.

7. In the case of severe Oliguria where renal clearance of potassium is impaired and may lead to potassium intoxication and hyperkalemia. This increases the risk of cardiac arrest. In this case, fruit and fruit juices are restricted. Also, avoid banana, oranges, spinach, tomatoes, legumes, nuts and dairy products as they are rich in potassium.

6. In the case of glomerulonephritis intake of the fluid depends on the ability of the kidney to form and excrete urine. The volume of urine passed in 24 hours plus 500ml of daily insensible loss decides the fluid intake. In later stages of glomerulonephritis or initial stages of the treatment fluid is restricted to the minimum.

The above information will help you in planning glomerulonephritis diet. Still, I will personally recommend consulting your doctor before making any changes in your diet.