What is one of the major goals of renal nutrition therapy for CKD patients?

Achieving acid-base balance through diet is a major goal of renal nutrition therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As kidney function declines, the body's ability to maintain proper acid-base balance becomes impaired, leading to metabolic acidosis. This condition can have several negative effects on metabolism, bone health, and overall well-being. Nutritional interventions aimed at improving renal function often focus on adjusting dietary components, such as protein and certain electrolytes, to help maintain or restore acid-base status.

Dietary modifications may include reducing the intake of acid-producing foods and encouraging the consumption of more alkaline-producing foods, such as fruits and vegetables. These adjustments can help reduce the burden on the kidneys and improve the patient's overall health.

In contrast, promoting weight gain indiscriminately would not be an appropriate goal, as it may worsen other health issues associated with CKD. Maximizing sodium intake would generally be detrimental, as it can lead to fluid retention and hypertension, which are not desirable in CKD management. Eliminating protein from the diet is also not a suitable approach; instead, managing protein intake is important, often with a focus on quality and quantity, rather than a total elimination, to ensure that the patient receives necessary nutrients without overburdening the