Low-fat diet to control nephrotic syndrome

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 to 3 oz 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 nonfat or low-fat milk.
• Read the labels on cheeses, and choose those with less than 5 g of fat per ounce.
• Try fat-free sour cream, cream cheese, or yogurt.
• Flavor your foods with herbs and spices (such as basil, tarragon, or mint), fat-free sauces, or lemon juice instead of butter. You can also use butter substitutes, fat-free mayonnaise, or fat-free 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.