Nephrotic Syndrome: Eating a Low-Fat Diet

Topic Overview

Nephrotic syndrome causes the buildup of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood (hyperlipidemia), which can damage the heart. Eating a heart-healthy diet may help reduce the amount of fat in your blood.

• Choose lean meats.
  • Eat no more than 2 oz (57 g) to 3 oz (85 g) of meat, about the size of a deck of cards, at one time.
  • Do not eat any visible fat.
  • Eat chicken and turkey without the skin.
  • Eat more fish. Avoid fish canned in oil, such as sardines.
  • Bake, broil, or sauté meats, fowl, or fish instead of frying them in lots of butter or fat.
• Increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Use beans in place of meat.
• Drink fat-free or low-fat milk.
• Read the labels on cheeses, and choose those with less than 5 g of fat per ounce.
• Try nonfat sour cream, cream cheese, or yogurt.
• Flavor your foods with herbs and spices (such as basil, tarragon, or mint), nonfat sauces, or lemon juice instead of butter. You can also use butter substitutes, nonfat mayonnaise, or nonfat dressing. Always read food labels carefully. Some foods low in fat are high in salt (sodium).
• Try applesauce, prune puree, or mashed bananas to replace some or all of the fat when you bake.
• Use cooking oil that is liquid at room temperature. Try nonstick pans or oil sprays.

Remember that fat-free or low-fat foods are not always low in calories. Always read the food label to check the amount of calories in each serving size.