West Shore Endoscopy Center | Patient Education
		Low Protein Diet Purpose Protein is a nutrient needed by the body for normal growth, wound healing, and the ability to fight infection. People with severe kidney or liver disease often must limit the amount of protein they eat because their bodies cannot use the protein properly. Dangerous waste products can build up in the blood from eating too much protein. The major food sources of protein are: Highest Amount of Protein Meat, fish, poultry, eggs Milk, yogurt, cheese, peanut butter Small Amount of Protein Vegetables Starches such as breads, cereals, and pasta (the protein in these foods is of poorer but still good quality) Trace Amount of Protein Fruits Fats Sugars Nutrition Facts For the healthy person, between 40-60 grams of protein are needed each day to achieve and maintain good health. This, of course, will depend on the weight and health of an individual. A person recovering from an illness or injury often needs more. It is satisfactory to eat less than this amount for a short period of time, depending on health and diet objectives. A low protein diet should meet the National Research Council's Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for nutrients. Special Considerations Protein is never completely eliminated from the diet. The physician and dietitian can determine how much protein the body is able to handle. However, since the amount of protein is limited, it is important to eat foods that contain high quality protein (meat, milk, fish, poultry, eggs, and peanut butter). These proteins are complete. They contain all the essential amino acids (building blocks of protein). Even though the protein in vegetables and starches is incomplete, it is still important to include these foods in a daily meal plan for a well-balanced diet. Salt and Sodium: Many people with serious kidney or liver disease may also need to limit salt or sodium intake because of high blood pressure or fluid retention. The greatest source of sodium in the diet is table salt. Therefore, the first step in reducing sodium intake is to limit the use of table salt. Certain other foods have a high sodium content and will also need to be limited. Fats One serving contains: virtually no protein, 55 mg sodium One serving equals: regular butter or margarine 1 tsp mayonnaise 1 tsp vegetable oil 1 tsp gravy 1 Tbsp reduced calorie margarine 1 Tbsp reduced calorie mayonnaise 1 Tbsp salad dressing (oil type) 2 Tbsp low calorie salad dressing (oil type) 2 Tbsp low calorie salad dressing (mayonnaise type) 2 Tbsp tartar sauce 1 1/2 tsp Avoid the following if you are reducing sodium intake: commercially prepared gravy, gravy mixes, bacon fat Remember, fats are a substantial source of calories. Some people may need additional calories and should therefore use fats freely. Those who need to lose weight should use fats sparingly. Fruit One serving contains virtually no protein or sodium One serving equals: fresh, frozen, or canned fruit or fruit juice 1/2 cup dried fruit 1/4 cup Meat and Meat Substitutes One serving contains 7 gm protein, 25 mg sodium. One serving equals: lean beef 1 oz chicken 1 oz fish 1 oz lamb 1 oz fresh pork 1 oz low-sodium tuna 1/4 cup turkey 1 oz veal 1 oz egg 1 peanut butter* 2 Tbsp kidney beans 1/4 cup dry soybeans 1/2 cup garbanzo beans* 1/2 cup lentils 1/2 cup low-sodium cheese* 1 oz Avoid the following if you are also reducing sodium intake: bacon cold cuts (bologna, salami, loaf-type luncheon meats, or processed meats) corned beef ham sausage low-salt ham or cold cuts hot dogs, chicken dogs turkey ham, turkey bologna regular canned tuna regular TV dinners (special low-sodium dinners may be acceptable -- check protein content) cottage cheese processed cheeses such as American, Velveeta, cheese spreads canned kidney beans *higher in sodium Breads, Starches,Cereals, and Desserts One serving contains 2 gm protein, 80 mg sodium 42 Breads - One serving equals: white, wheat 1 slice rye or pumpernickel 1 slice Italian or French bread 1 slice dinner roll 1 croissant 1 pita pocket 1 hamburger roll 1/2 hot dog roll 1/2 bagel 1/2 English muffin 1/2 biscuit 1 doughnut 1 muffin 1 unsalted breadsticks 2 Melba toast 4 slices unsalted crackers 4 unsalted pretzels 4 unsalted potato chips 15 chips rice cakes 2 Starches, cooked - One serving equals: noodles, macaroni, pasta 1/2 cup rice 1/2 cup unsalted popcorn 1 1/2 cups homemade bread filling 1/2 cup potatoes 1/2 cup or 1 medium pancake (homemade) 1 medium Cereals - One serving equals: unsalted cooked cereal (cream of wheat, cream of rice, oatmeal, Farina) 1/2 cup ready-to-eat cereal* 3/4 cup shredded wheat 1 biscuit *may be high in sodium Cakes, Pastries, and Desserts - One serving equals: cake 1 piece (2 1/2" square) coffee cake 1 piece Danish 1 piece fruit pie 1 slice (1/6 of 9" pie) cookies 1 medium granola bars 1 Avoid the following if you are reducing sodium intake: instant hot cereals cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Total, Wheaties salted snack crackers, pretzels, potato chips packaged noodles, pasta, rice, or potato mixes stuffing mixes pancake mixes baking mixes croissants, rolls, biscuits made from commercially packaged refrigerator dough waffles Special low-protein pasta, bread, crackers, cookies, and baking mixes are available. A dietitian can discuss these with you. Vegetables One serving contains 1 gm protein, 15 mg sodium One serving equals: fresh, frozen, or low-salt canned vegetables 1/2 cup Avoid the following if you are reducing sodium intake: canned vegetables sauerkraut pickles canned tomato juice or vegetable juice canned or bottled tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce Milk Products One serving contains 4 gm protein, 80 mg sodium One serving equals: whole, lowfat, or skim milk 1/2 cup homemade pudding 1/2 cup ice milk, ice cream 1/2 cup yogurt, plain or fruit flavored 1/2 cup sherbet 1 cup sour cream 4 Tbsp cream cheese 3 Tbsp light cream or half & half 1/2 cup The following may be used as a milk substitute: One serving contains 1.0 gm protein, 40 mg sodium liquid non-dairy cream, polyunsaturated 1/2 cup dessert, non-dairy frozen 1/2 cup dessert topping, non-dairy frozen 1/2 cup Sweets One serving contains virtually no protein or sodium hard candy 4 pieces gum drops 15 small Gummi Bears 1 small pouch jelly beans 10 lollipops 2 marshmallows 5 large butter mints 14 water ice 1/2 cup popsicle 3 oz = 1 bar gelatin 1/2 cup sugar (brown or white) 2 Tbsp honey 2 Tbsp jelly, jam, marmalade 2 Tbsp Remember, sweets are a source of calories. Some people may need additional calories and should therefore use sweets freely. Those who need to lose weight should use sweets sparingly. Beverages One serving contains virtually no protein, <50 mg sodium coffee fruit juices or fruit drinks tea lemonade soft drinks mineral water Avoid milk-based beverages unless counted as part of milk allowance.   Low-Protein Shake Recipe: marshmallows 4 oz fruit ice or Italian ice 4 oz corn syrup 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 Tbsp vanilla ice cream 1/2 cup Place all ingredients in a blender and mix thoroughly. 600 calories - 2.5 gm protein - 170 mg sodium Condiments Recommend: pepper fresh or dried herbs flavored powders (garlic, onion, etc.) lemon juice vinegar Avoid: bacon bits barbecue sauce chili sauce cooking wine ketchup meat tenderizers monosodium glutamate prepared mustard regular salad dressings seasoned salt (e.g., celery salt, garlic salt, onion salt) sea salt soy sauce steak sauce tartar sauce Special Low-Protein Products The following product is low in protein, electrolytes, and fluid, it can be ordered by calling Ross Laboratories at 1-800-544-7495. SUPLENA The following low-protein products can be ordered by calling Dietary Specialities at (716) 2673-2787. Low-Protein Bread Low-Protein Crackers & Rusks Low-Protein Cookies Low-Protein Pasta Low-Protein Baking Mix Low-Protein Wheat Starch Low-Protein Gelatin Low-Protein Cracker Toast Low-Protein Cheese Sauce Mix Sample Menu Low Protein Breakfast Lunch Dinner Cheerios cereal 3/4 cup non-dairy creamer 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup banana 1/2 med white bread 2 slices turkey breast 1 oz lettuce tomato 1/2 cup green beans 1/2 cup mayonnaise 3 tsp apple 1 med fruit punch 4 oz lean hamburger 2 oz white rice 1/2 cup broccoli 1/4 cup cauliflower 1/4 cup tossed salad ranch dressing 2 Tbsp pineapple 1/2 cup Snack Snack Snack cherry fruit roll up 1 popsicle 1 gum drops 1 oz This Sample Diet Provides the Following Calories 1476 Fat 48 gm Protein 39 gm Sodium 1270 mg Carbohydrates 237 gm Potassium 2282 mg Related Diseases Cirrhosis | Primary Biliary Cirrhosis | Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis | Autoimmune Hepatitis | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C Related Diets Sodium Restriction Related Procedures Liver Biopsy | Liver Transplant This material does not cover all information and is not intended as a subsitute for professional care. Please consult with your physician on any matters regarding your health. © Copyright Chek Med Systems®, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
		Patient Ed | Diseases | Procedures | Diets | Drugs | Endoscopy Images | Link West Shore Endoscopy Center 423 North 21st Street Suite 102 Camp Hill, PA 17011 Phone: 717-975-2430 Fax: 717-730-2158 Email: info@endowsec.com © Copyright 2003 West Shore Endoscopy Center. All Rights Reserved.