Book your Kidney dietitian appointment
We have an excellent kidney dietitian specialist on our team!!
A kidney dietitian will help you manage kidney disease by:
- Advising you on the right diet to slow or stop progression of the disease
- Assessing your nutritional needs based on your individual medical history and stage of CKD
- Preventing metabolic complications
- Minimising the toxic effects of uraemia
- Monitoring progress and adjusting your diet as needed to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need while managing their CKD
- Developing a meal plan that takes into account their specific dietary requirements, such as restrictions on protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus
- Managing fluid intake
- Avoiding kidney stones
Meet our Kidney Disease Dietitian
Chronic Kidney Disease & Kidney Health Specialist
Reema Pillai
I am Reema Pillai, a Registered Dietitian and member of the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) & the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics from the University of Surrey, and a Master of Nutritional Science from Loughborough University. Through my experience as a renal dietitian, I have worked with clients to improve their dietary and lifestyle habits, to maintain or even see improvements in their kidney function. It is important to consider any other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure and how these negatively impact kidney health. Therefore, consultations and support will combine all possible health issues and risk factors, where I can tailor recommendations and provide structured meal guidance personalised to your condition, goals and food preferences. If you would like support with your overall kidney health, get in touch.
Area of specialties
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- IgA nephropathy
- Diabetes type 2
- High blood pressure
- Weight loss
Why is it important to see a kidney dietitian?
Renal dietitian play a critical role in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our expertise in designing tailored meal plans that meet your unique nutritional needs for CKD is essential to help you live healthy, and delay the progression of the disease.
Is my diet important to help me manage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Making the right dietary changes may help you manage your condition better and can help slow the progression of the disease. The internet is full of blogs and information that talk about foods you need to avoid to keep your kidneys healthy, however, this can be really confusing. Luckily you don’t have to figure all of this out by yourself!
Your renal dietitian can help you with meal planning and look at your blood results to ensure your diet is right. She will help you with:
- Choosing and preparing foods with less salt or sodium
- Adjusting your potassium intake by advising you on the right foods to eat
- Eating the right amount and the right type of protein
- Consuming the right amount of fluid.
Here are some tips for developing a healthy, kidney-friendly meal plan:
- Limit sodium: High sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and worsen kidney function. We will help you limit your intake of processed foods and to use herbs and spices to flavour your meals instead of salt.
- Watch protein intake: While protein is essential for good health, too much can be harmful to the kidneys. We will work with you to determine the right amount of protein for your individual needs and to choose high-quality protein sources.
- Monitor phosphorus: Excess phosphorus can lead to bone disease and other complications in CKD patients. Avoid processed foods and choose low-phosphorus options.
- Ensure adequate nutrition: CKD patients may be at risk for malnutrition due to dietary restrictions. We will ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need through a balanced, kidney-friendly diet.
To book an appointment with a renal dietitian, click here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual and irreversible loss of kidney function. It a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly, leading to a buildup of waste products in the body. This can lead to a variety of complications, including high blood pressure, anemia, nerve damage, and bone disease.
The two main causes of CKD are type 1 or 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure (hypertension). Other causes can include having an autoimmune disease such as lupus, an inherited disease such as polycystic kidney disease, or having glomerulonephritis, which is an inflammatory disease causing damage to kidneys.
Often, symptoms are not severe enough until the kidney disease is quite advanced. Here are some symptoms of advanced kidney disease:
- Fatigue and low energy, with problems sleeping
- Poor appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Vomiting
- Brittle nails and hair
- Itching
- Weight loss
- Bone pain
- Urinating more often, especially at night
- Swollen eyes, legs, ankles and feet
CKD cannot always be prevented, but the following can help reduce your risk:
- Stop smoking and reducing alcohol intake. This can help reduce blood pressure and risk of other diseases associated with a higher risk of CKD.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet – aiming for a range of fruits & vegetables, wholegrain, dairy, lean protein (vegetarian and animal products if desired), and a lower intake of higher sugar, fat and salt/processed foods.
- Regular exercise – this can help lower blood pressure. Recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week (such as fast walking) + at least 2 strength training sessions a week to work muscles.
- Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can increase risk of kidney disease if taken for longer than needed.
Yes you will still be able to enjoy meals out! You may just have to be mindful about some factors such as salt & fluid intake and opting for certain choices more than others. This can be discussed with your dietitian for more detail and support.
