Kidneys perform the most important job of cleansing your blood from excess fluids and waste products. About 120-150 quarts of blood are filtered by healthy kidneys on an everyday basis. By performing this function, kidneys help prevent waste buildup while also keeping electrolytes at a stable level within the body. As kidney function declines, protein waste and mineral removal become difficult. This is because diseased kidneys have to put in double the effort to get rid of them. It is important to follow a proper diet for healthy kidneys.
Diet for healthy kidney
Although it’s necessary for you to visit the best kidney hospital in Hyderabad or wherever you stay, following a kidney-friendly diet can help protect your kidneys from further damage. It means restricting some particular foods and fluids to prevent certain minerals from building up in your body. Creating the right balance of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals is also important. Have a look:
Follow a Dash Diet
The abbreviation for DASH is Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. A DASH diet is rich in veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy products, seeds, beans and nuts. It’s important to talk to your doctor or dietician before following this diet. Although this diet is useful for patients with deteriorated kidney function, it’s not recommended for those on dialysis.
Reduce Sodium Intake
Sodium, which is the main ingredient of table salt, affects your blood pressure while also maintaining water balance within the body. While healthy kidneys ensure optimal sodium levels, the same might be disrupted if you have CKD. As sodium and fluid levels rise in the body, problems such as high blood pressure, swollen ankles, and shortness of breath can arise. It can also lead to fluid buildup around the heart and lungs. People with kidney problems must keep their sodium intake at less than 2g per day. Here are a few tips to cut down sodium from your diet:
Since most fast foods are high in sodium, it’s advisable to cook at home.
Table salt and high-sodium seasonings must be replaced with new spices and herbs.
Canned foods such as beans, veggies, meats and fish etc. must be rinsed well with water before serving.
When shopping for foods, read the labels carefully to ensure they are low in sodium.
Restrict Phosphorous and Calcium
Healthy kidneys keep phosphorous levels in check, removing extra to help your bones stay strong and healthy. CKD can raise the phosphorous levels in your body which increases your chances of acquiring heart disease. It can also cause your calcium levels to drop which is pulled from the bones, making them weak and easy to break. Late-stage CKD patients must aim for more than 1000 milligrams of phosphorous each day which can be accomplished by:
Consuming more fresh veggies and fruits
Drinking light-coloured sodas
Choosing rice and corn cereals
Limiting dairy intake
Cutting poultry, meat and fish
Choosing food that's good for kidneys with low phosphorous levels
Cutting back on calcium-rich foods since they are rich in phosphorous as well
Reducing Potassium Intake
As mentioned earlier, it becomes difficult for your body to filter out excess potassium if you have CKD which can lead to serious heart problems. Certain foods such as avocadoes, potatoes, bananas and melons can affect potassium levels in your body. Therefore, it’s important for you to discuss with your doctor if these foods need to be limited. He will also suggest you low-potassium foods such as:
Plums
Apples
Cabbage
Pineapples
Boiled cauliflower
Cranberries
Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries
For those with worsened cases of CKD, further diet modifications are required which might involve cutting back on protein-rich foods.
Fluids
Although fluids are not usually restricted for those with early-stage CKD, you might be required to limit that too if your disease progresses.
You need to be mindful of what you eat and incorporate kidney-friendly foods into your diet. If you have problems with your normal kidney functioning, you should consult an expert, and it’s advised to visit a hospital for any problems related to the kidneys.
Calcium (Ca) plays an important role in maintaining bone health, including your teeth. Calcium also helps in maintaining the normal structure and func...
Vitamin B12 Deficiency; Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Vitamin B12 is one of the important ingredients required by our body. It helps in making DNA and Red Blood Cells in the body. It is interesting to not...
The fundamentals of food for children are the same as those of nutrition for grownups. Everybody needs the same nutrition, including vitamins, mineral...
From time immemorial, one of the most common issues among people is uncontrolled weight gain. An increase in body mass by an increased intake of fats ...
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people around the world. The best way to understand whether you have diabetes or not is by going through the diabe...
The Skeletal System, made up of bones, is a fundamental part of the human body as it provides the structure and support for every other system. Theref...
Vitamin B12, also known as Cyanocobalamin, is important for brain function, nerve tissue health, and the production of Red Blood Cells. Vitamin B12 De...
Yoghurt is a dairy product usually made by fermenting milk. It provides important essential nutrients like protein and calcium and is generally associ...
Vitamin K is an essential part of a healthy diet, which plays a crucial role in helping the blood clot and in building bone tissue. Vitamin K intake i...
Dragon fruit, as the name suggests, resembles a dragon. It grows on climbing cactus known as Hylocereus, which can be found in tropical regions. The o...
Pregnancy: Can Certain Foods Improve Baby’s Complexion?
A pregnant woman needs about 1,800 calories per day during the first trimester, which should be increased to 2,200 calories per day in the second trim...