Suffering From Kidney Disease? Know Your Diet
Kidneys are the body organs that perform many important functions, including blood filtration, blood pressure regulation, electrolyte balancing, and urine production. However, some health disorders, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, as well as your lifestyle and nutrition, can harm your kidneys, limiting their ability to function.
We're often told that we should consume a healthy diet. However, for people with kidney disease, also known as renal disease, eating a balanced diet means making sacrifices, such as giving up a favorite dish or drink and many other foods, including healthy ones. Yes, many healthy food items can also exert the kidneys and could lead to additional damage. As a result, people with kidney disease should maintain a healthy kidney diet.
Foods to Avoid with Kidney Disease
Depending on the stage of kidney disease, dietary restrictions differ. People with early-stage chronic kidney disease will have different dietary restrictions than those with kidney failure.
Kidney damage might make it difficult to filter protein metabolic waste products. Unless they are on dialysis, those with chronic renal disease at any stage, especially stages 3–5, should limit their protein intake. Therefore, the doctor will generally recommend minimizing the following food items, while on dialysis:
Processed meats:
Bacon, deli meats, sausage, and jerky are some common types of processed meats. These are preserved by smoking or salting, curing, or adding chemical preservatives and are typically salted with high sodium content.
Excess sodium can cause a strain on the kidneys, hence high sodium diets are not recommended for persons with kidney disease. This can lead to fluid buildup in the ankles, as well as around the heart and lungs.
High potassium fruits:
Fruits are generally healthful and rich in vitamins & minerals. However, people with kidney disease may need to limit their intake of certain fruits mainly those high in sugar and potassium, such as bananas, avocados, apricots, kiwi, and oranges. These fruits are not recommended for people who have kidney disease.
Dried fruits:
Dried fruits are prepared by extracting the water from the fruit using a variety of processes. As a result, small, dense fruits that are rich in energy and nutrients are produced and contain high levels of potassium and sugar, making them problematic for persons who have kidney disease.
Most beans and lentils:
Most beans and lentils are not recommended for people who have kidney disease because they are rich in phosphorus and potassium. If you must eat them, limit yourself to a small portion and choose low-sodium varieties.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes:
Potassium levels in potatoes and sweet potatoes are high, which can be a problem for people with kidney disease, especially for those who are in the late stages.
Packaged Snacks:
Snack foods such as chips, pretzels, and crackers are high in sodium and refined sugar and low in beneficial nutrients. Snack foods should be limited or avoided in any balanced diet, especially if you have kidney disease.
Some leafy green vegetables:
Potassium and oxalic acid are rich in leafy green vegetables like spinach, beet greens, and chard. Kidney stones are more likely to form if you consume too much oxalic acid. In persons who are vulnerable to oxalates, kidney stones can form. Kidney stones can cause more damage to your kidneys and limit their function.
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Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease
To keep kidney disease under control, it's important to maintain a proper diet. The food you eat will have a major impact on the results of your treatment. The kidney's primary function is to eliminate waste materials and fluids.
Some foods may place a strain on the kidneys' performance, while others can help them work better and stay healthy.
Fatty fish:
Salmon, tuna, and other cold-water fatty fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can be a nutritious addition to any diet. According to the National Kidney Foundation, omega-3 fats may lower blood pressure and reduce fat levels in the blood. This can help the kidneys stay healthy.
Berries:
Dark berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant components. These may help to protect the body's cells from damage.
Apples:
An apple a day, keeps the doctor away! An apple can keep the doctor away! Pectin may help in the reduction of several kidney-damaging risk factors, such as excessive blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Apples are also a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Cauliflower:
Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and the B vitamin folate, among other nutrients. It also contains anti-inflammatory chemicals such as indoles and is high in fibre. In addition, for a low potassium side dish, mashed cauliflower can be used in place of potatoes.
Garlic:
Garlic is a tasty salt substitute that adds flavour to recipes while also delivering nutritional advantages. It includes sulphur compounds that have anti-inflammatory qualities and is a good source of manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
Olive oil:
Olive oil is a good source of fat and is low in phosphorus, so it's a good choice for persons with kidney disease. People with advanced kidney disease frequently struggle to maintain their weight, making nutritious, high-calorie foods like olive oil essential. The majority of the fat in olive oil is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat with anti-inflammatory properties.
Cabbage:
Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which means it's high in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. It also contains insoluble fibre, which helps to keep your digestive system healthy.
Bell peppers:
Bell peppers include a lot of minerals, but they're poor in potassium compared to other vegetables. These vibrantly colored peppers are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. They are also high in vitamin A, an important component for immune function, which is often compromised in people with kidney disease.
Radish:
Radishes are crunchy vegetables that can be used in a kidney diet. This is due to the fact that they are low in potassium and phosphorus but abundant in a variety of other essential minerals. Radishes are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduction in the risk of heart disease and cataracts.
The body fills up with extra water and waste products if the kidneys stop performing properly. This condition is called uremia. The hands or feet may swell and the person may feel tired and weak because the body needs clean blood to function properly. Consult Doctor Immediately for these symptoms.
Discuss with Your Dietitian
Your kidneys are directly affected by everything you eat and drink. Therefore, you should talk about which foods you should eat and which you should avoid. The dietician will work with you to develop a diet plan as per your specific needs, stage of kidney disease, and any underlying health issues you may have.
Pamper your kidneys with good food and stay healthy!
