Kidney or renal cancer is a condition in which a tumor develops in the kidney. In most cases, renal cancer first originates in the small tubules of the kidney. Some of the common risk factors of kidney cancer are smoking, obesity, exposure to harmful chemicals, hypertension, and a family history of the same.

Dietary tips
Individuals with renal cancer need a proper diet that is well-balanced and provides the essential nutrients and energy to the recuperating body. In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy makes a person very weak, and, in several instances, patients lose their appetite. A common diet may not suit every renal cancer patient because diet selection also depends on whether the person has other health conditions like cardiovascular disorder or diabetes. There are some dietary tips that need to be followed for renal cancer patients:

• Eat small portions : It is not an essential requirement but, in most cases, treatment for renal cancer can cause vomiting or nausea, making it important to eat small portions to avoid any distress to the digestive system.
• Consume sufficient fruits and vegetables : Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. They are a rich source of fiber, especially soluble fiber, and contain antioxidants, vitamins, and several minerals. Certain phytoconstituents are also beneficial in maintaining the cholesterol and glucose levels in the body.
• Starchy foods : Starchy foods like rice, wheat, and potatoes are the main sources of energy for the body. Whole grain also contains vitamin B, fiber, and iron.
• Eat energy-dense foods : Renal cancer patients can eat energy-dense foods like peanut butter, cheese, or milkshakes to maintain body weight, but this should not interfere with other dietary restrictions like the intake of salt or fluid.
• Avoid too much salt : A high intake of salt is linked to increased blood pressure, and hypertension can aggravate kidney issues. It is best to avoid processed foods that contain high quantities of salt.
• Control the water intake : Although water is essential for survival, in patients of renal cancer, intake of too much water or other fluids can cause hypertension and swelling. This is because the kidney does not produce a sufficient quantity of urine due to abnormal functioning.
• Control the phosphorus intake : In patients with renal cancer, excess phosphorus can accumulate in the body if the kidneys do not work efficiently, and it gets deposited in the joints.
• Protein intake : A protein-rich diet can create extra load on the already distressed kidney because the kidneys have to get rid of the urea, a waste product of protein metabolism. It does not mean that one has to stop eating protein. Proteins are essential for maintaining muscle mass and body weight, and one can incorporate a sufficient quantity after consulting the doctor.

The kidney is a critical organ for maintaining body homeostasis because it filters waste products from the blood. In renal cancer, one must take proper precautions to avoid any extra stress on the already ailing kidneys. A proper diet plan along with treatment will prevent deterioration of the condition.