A renal diet is one that limits the amount of sodium, protein, potassium, phosphorus and animal protein. It contains less than 60 g of total solids per day to help decrease the amount of fluid retained by the body. This diet also includes more fluids during meals to dilute this food intake in order to help avoid problems from too much salt intake. Normal kidney function depends on healthy blood vessels, which deliver nutrients to the cells, and remove waste products from the blood. When these blood vessels are not working properly, waste products can build up in your blood. This leaky blood vessel problem is called "hypertension" (high blood pressure). The excess fluid (edema) can swell the feet, ankles, or abdomen with fluid. Swelling in the tissue outside of the kidneys can also occur; this is called "ascites" and may cause problems breathing if it becomes severe. Other indications that may be experienced are queasiness and vomiting, weight gain or loss without trying, weakness and fatigue, burning while urinating or feeling like you have to urinate often. MORE THAN 100 RECIPES INSIDE !