Kidneys are bean-shaped organs in our body that perform many important functions. Kidneys help filter blood, help balance minerals, remove waste through urine, produce hormones and maintain fluid balance.
The most common risk factors for kidney disease are unmanaged or uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure.
Fluid can build up in the body and waste can accumulate in the blood when the kidneys are not able to function properly and are damaged.
Avoiding or limiting certain foods in your diet can help in decreasing the accumulation of waste products in the blood, improve kidney function and prevent further damage.
Depending on the stage of kidney disease, dietary restrictions may vary. For example, dietary restrictions may vary for people with early stages of chronic kidney disease than those with end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure. Also, those who require dialysis will also have different dietary restrictions. Many foods that are part of a healthy diet may not be right for a CKD diet.
To avoid a buildup of certain chemicals or nutrients in the blood, those with end-stage kidney disease will need to follow a kidney-friendly diet.
The kidneys cannot adequately remove excess sodium, potassium, or phosphorus for people suffering from chronic kidney disease, therefore they may need to control these nutrients. Also, many healthy foods may not be good for CKD.
The fluid which is built up in your body will decrease by eating less sodium, and this will help to lower blood pressure. Usually, one should avoid eating packaged and restaurant food that has a lot of sodium and eat fresh food instead. Look for low sodium (5% or less) on food labels. Also, you should consult your physician or dietician if you want to use any salt substitution.
Phosphorus keeps your body healthy and bones strong. Your kidneys cannot remove extra phosphorus from your blood very well. Excess phosphorus weakens bones, and it can damage the eyes, heart, and blood vessels. People with CKD should avoid eating packaged food as it contains a lot of phosphorus. Whole-grain bread, dark-colored sodas, dairy, beans, meat, and nuts are high in phosphorus.
Appropriate amounts of potassium help to keep muscles and nerves working well. Too much potassium can build up in your blood and cause serious heart problems with CKD. White bread, carrots, and apples are lower in potassium while tomatoes, potatoes, apples, and whole-grain bread are high in potassium. A potassium binder may be prescribed by your physician to help your body to get rid of extra potassium.
A person with CKD should have the right amount of protein. Eating more protein may make CKD worse and the kidneys work harder. Animal and plant foods both have protein. For the right combination and amount of protein to eat, you can consult your dietitian.
Below are a few examples of food that a person with CKD can eat. You can work with your dietitian to help you find recipes for tasty meals.
Foods listed above containing high sodium, high potassium, and high phosphorus foods are best limited or avoided. Reducing your intake of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium can be an important aspect of managing kidney disease. Also, restrictions related to diet and nutrition will vary based on the severity of your kidney damage. Working with your physician and renal dietitian can help you design a renal diet meeting your individual needs.
If you are concerned about your kidney health or function, visit us. To schedule an appointment with us, please visit – https://swkidney.com/contact-us/ OR Contact Us – 480.610.6100
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