You have probably been diagnosed with Kidney problem and looking for ways to better manage the condition. On the other hand as well, you have been referred Glucerna shake as a good drink for your kidney challenge. So the real question I guess is running through your mind will be; Is Glucerna Good for kidney patients?

In this article, I will try to establish a fact about Glucerna shake in a bid to provide you with an answer to your bugling question: Is glucerna good for kidney patients.

I guess this sounds like a dream come through for you.

Let’s dive right into it.

So, Is Glucerna Good For Kidney Patients?

From my personal research on Glucerna formulation plus reviews from real users, Glucerna shake may not be the best choice for a kidney patient because it is high in protein which is not needed as much by a kidney patient. Rather, based on nutritional needs of a kidney patient, Abbott’s Nepro drink may be considered.

Glucerna, a product of Abbott is designed for diabetic patients. It is low in sugar and calories but high in protein, which may not go down well with kidney patients. Though it helps with blood sugar control and weight management in diabetics, it should be taken in moderation incase of any possible complications.

Just like diabetics, people with kidney diseases would want to make sure that their condition is not worsened by the foods they consume by choosing the right diet and nutritional supplements. Foods high in protein, potassium, sodium and phosphorus should be avoided by kidney disease patients if possible or rather taken in the right amounts as recommended by your health care professionals or dieticians depending on the level of the kidney disease.

Research has it that side effects are more likely to occur in people with kidney diseases if they consume drinks or foods that are high in protein. A publication in the Journal of Nutrition done by some researchers revealed that consuming a high protein diet had an effect on the filtration rate of the kidney but the effect was trivial in people with healthy kidneys.

According to a report in wikipedia, a diet high in protein may further increase the risk of decline in kidney function in those with moderate to advanced kidney disease. For people with kidney diseases, there is need to monitor protein intake because studies shows that consuming less protein can also improve heart health in people with kidney disease.

Kidney Patients: Nepro Drink As An Alternative To Glucerna Shake.

Nepro is a dietary supplement made by Abbott and specially designed as a renal nutrition for people at different stages of kidney disease. The Nepro range of products are formulated to improve the nutritional status of those with kidney diseases by restoring the nutritional balance without adding any excess fluid or waste. It comprises of two types – Nepro LP(Lower Protein) and Nepro HP ( Higher Protein).

Nepro LP: According to Abbott, the makers of Nepro LP, it is for people with reduced kidney function but not on dialysis. Below are the features;

• Lower protein

• Nutritionally complete with 28 vitamins and minerals including vitamin B3 and B6 to help produce energy and reduce tiredness
• Low in sodium and lower in potassium & phosphorus to meet current expert recommendations
• Rich in calories (401kcal per bottle)
• Reduced water content (162ml per 220ml bottle)
• Contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and omega-3 fatty acids
• With CarbSteady (advanced, slow-digesting, low GI carbohydrate complex)

Nepro HP: This is for kidney patients on dialysis and also for undernourished chronic kidney disease patients not on dialysis but has high protein needs.

• Higher in protein to help replace protein lost during dialysis and meet nutrition needs.
• Nutritionally complete with 28 vitamins and minerals including vitamin B3 and B6 to help produce energy and reduce tiredness
• Low in sodium and lower in potassium & phosphorus to meet current expert recommendations
• Rich in calories (401kcal per bottle)
• Reduced water content (162ml per 220ml bottle)
• Contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and omega-3 fatty acids
• With CarbSteady (advanced, slow-digesting, low GI carbohydrate complex)

Read also: Best Milk for Diabetics in Nigeria

Nutritional supplement drinks for renal patients

These supplements are designed to provide a quick and simple solution towards achieving your daily nutrient intake. They are easy to prepare and on the go drink for busy patients who might not be available to cook meals all the time. One advantage that it has is that it is a convenient way to get the right amounts of nutrients when you are on the go and do not have access to the required diet. Below are some of the nutritional supplement drinks for kidney patients.

• NovaSource Renal

• Nepro meal replacement

• Fortiva Renal

• Ensure meal replacement

• Orgain Organic plant-based protein powder

• Vega sport premium protein powder

• Garden of life raw Organic protein powder

• Whey protein

• Pentasource Renal

• Resource dialysis

• Livepure dialysis care

• Puriton Renal powder

• Fresubin Renal

In all of these, go for what works for you and make sure you consult your health care professional before using any of the above mentioned nutritional supplements. They are not to be seen as a cure but will help you if you are finding it difficult managing your own diet.

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