Kidneys are responsible for the removal of waste products from our bodies. However, in the case of a kidney disease, these organs are normally unable to perform their primary role thus leading to a series of complications. People suffering from kidney diseases should carefully monitor their diet so as to eliminate the chances of accumulation of toxic substances in their bodies. The kidney dietary requirements differ from one patient to the next depending on the extent of the disease and other physical attributes. Let us learn some important kidney disease diet tips.
What’s the importance of sticking to a special diet? Well, a special diet basically helps reduce the amount of toxic substances in your body system. It also helps you facilitate the recovery process depending on the extent of the disease. In general, an ideal kidney disease diet program should be made up of specific food items. Great caution should be placed on foods rich in potassium, protein, sodium and phosphorous. Further to that, patients also need to consume the right amounts of calories in order to remain healthy. In some cases, fluid restriction is normally recommended as a measure to curb specific kidney problems. The following is a closer look at different dietary components that ought to be carefully examined in a kidney disease diet.
- PROTEINS
Generally, the human body requires proteins for tissue repair, overall body growth and muscle build up. The body utilizes proteins to carry out very essential functions before eventually discarding them in form of urea via the kidneys. Therefore, if the kidneys fail to function normally, high amounts of urea will be accumulated in the body thus leading to complications. It is therefore important to moderate your protein intake. There are two different categories of proteins. The first category of proteins consists of high protein level foods including: milk, eggs, meat, dairy products and sea food. The second category is made up of low protein foods such as vegetables, cereals, bread, grains and fruits. Stick to your dietician’s guidelines and adhere to the recommended portions. (Always remember that too much of something is poisonous).
- SODIUM
Kidney diseases, high blood pressure and salt intake are closely interrelated. Therefore, it is very important to moderate your sodium intake as a control measure. You must therefore develop the habit of reading through the packed food labels in order to determine the sodium levels. On that note, desist from foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) or too much salt. Further, avoid canned foods, processed cheese, sauerkraut, pickles and foods pickled with brine (e.g olives). Smoked food items, luncheon meats, bacon and ham should also be avoided. Also, instead of flavoring your meals using salt, try out other alternatives such as tamarind, lemon and herbs.
- POTASSIUM
Potassium is a mineral that is naturally found in most food items. It is utilized in the transmission of impulses in the nervous system and movement of muscles. The amount of potassium in one’s body is regulated by the kidneys. Therefore, if one is suffering from a kidney disease, it’s always important to limit potassium intake in order to prevent excessive accumulation of this mineral in the body (a condition known as hyperkalemia). Therefore, always look out for potassium rich food items in order to regulate your daily potassium intake.
- PHOSPHOROUS
Presence of high phosphorous contents in the body leads to loss of calcium. This results in brittle and weak bones that can easily snap. Therefore by limiting your phosphorous intake, you’ll be in a position to control the amount of calcium in your body. In extreme cases, doctors may recommend phosphorous binders as a control measure for preventing phosphorous levels from rising too high. Some phosphorous rich foods include cheese, pudding, ice-cream, milk and so on. They’re also found in peanut butter, kidney beans and split beans. Soft drinks, beer and coke also contain high amounts of phosphorous. Therefore, one must limit the consumption of such foods as much as possible. For instance, instead of taking milk and milk cream, you can opt for non-dietary milk substitutes in order to maintain your phosphorous levels low.
- CALORIES
Calories provide our bodies with a sufficient supply of energy throughout the day. Since kidney disease diet programs limit on protein intake, one must therefore rely on some other alternatives so as to meet the daily body energy requirements. You can for instance increase your consumption of unsaturated fats e.g cottonseed, corn, sunflower and soy bean oils. You can also buffer up your calorie intake by resorting to marshmallows, jelly beans, gum drops, candy e.t.c. However, if you’re diabetic this tip does not apply to you. You need to seek further advice from your dietician about your calorie intake.
- IRON
Kidney failure leads to anemia (a condition resulting from low levels of iron in the body). It is therefore important to slightly increase your consumption of iron rich foods as a control measure. However, it is also advisable to seek professional advice on this one as a matter of caution.
- VITAMINS
People suffering from different types of kidney diseases normally loose vitamins B and C (especially during dialysis). One therefore needs to buffer up their vitamin intake so as to restore normalcy in the body. Do not go for over-the-counter vitamin supplements unless your dietician recommends them to you.
Author Bio: Katie Smith is the enthusiastic woman. She loves writing about health and lifestyle on Reviewmoon.