Kidney plays an important role in filtering the wastes in our body. So it is important to follow a healthy diet. What we eat & how we eat decides our health.

You may need to change your dietary preferences to tackle chronic kidney diseases (CKD).

Karetrip is here to help you to help you find some dietary choices for your health.

Know Your CKD Risk & Nutrition Matters

CKD is a condition where kidneys lose their ability to

• Filter waste
• Remove excess fluids from the blood

If left untreated, CKD can lead to

• Kidney failure
• Dialysis
• Transplantation

Early detection and treatment can help slow or halt disease progression.

Certain groups should discuss CKD risk with their doctor

• Diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease patients
• Those 65 or older
• Young & healthy individuals with a family history of kidney disease or dialysis (first-degree relative)

Early screening, awareness, & a healthy diet can help prevent or manage CKD.

Hydration & Kidney Health

• Drink enough water to maintain kidney function and overall health.

• Inadequate hydration can lead to dehydration, causing harm to kidneys.

• Prioritize hydration, especially when:

  1. Working
  2. Exercising hard
  3. In hot and humid weather

• Benefits of adequate hydration:

  1. Slows down kidney damage progression in early CKD stages
  2. Supports kidney health

Benefits of Kidney-Healthy Foods

• Preventing mineral build-up
• Controlling high blood pressure & diabetes
• Providing nutrients
• Slow down loss of kidney function
• Reduce risk of heart attack & stroke

Food to Enjoy

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens can be both beneficial & problematic for kidney health

• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale) are:
  1. Rich in vitamins & minerals that support kidney function
  2. High in antioxidants that aid blood filtration

However, some leafy greens contain high levels of potassium, which can be harmful for

• Advanced kidney disease stages
• Certain dialysis patients

Most people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) do not need to limit leafy greens due to potassium content

Berries

Berries are generally good for kidney health.Most berries are:

• Low in sodium & phosphorus

• Low to moderate in potassium

• Rich in antioxidants, fiber, & vitamins

• Cranberries: prevent urinary infections

• Blueberries: low potassium, kidney-friendly

• Strawberries: low potassium & phosphorus

• Cherries: suitable for kidney disease, sour cherries lower potassium

• Raspberries: contain flavonoids for improving kidney function & excellent source of manganese, Vitamin B & C, fiber and folate.

However,individual needs vary & some berries may not be suitable for everyone.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a highly nutritious & kidney-friendly food. It is a versatile option & can replace rice, potatoes, & pizza crust.

• It is low in
  1. Sodium
  2. Potassium
  3. Phosphorus

Cauliflower is a good choice for people with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease).

Garlic

Garlic's anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties may help:

• Improve renal function
• Reduce albuminuria (excess protein in urine)
• Relieve renal microstructure abnormalities

Garlic & its components show promise in supporting kidney health, making it a potential "Food as Medicine" approach for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Foods to Avoid

High Sodium Foods

Consuming too much salt disrupts sodium balance, causing kidneys to:

• Work less efficiently
• Remove less water
• Increase blood pressure

This puts extra strain on kidneys, potentially leading to kidney disease.

Diary Products

When kidneys don't work well, dairy products can be a problem because they can cause:

• Protein waste buildup
• Fluid overload
• Excess salt & minerals

Limiting dairy can help keep these levels safe.

Red & Processed Meats

Red & Processed Meats

The consumption of red meat, processed meat, & white meat may be linked to the development of kidney damage & a condition known as Diabetic Nephropathy (DN).

Potassium-rich Foods

Kidney disease can lead to

• Buildup of potassium in the blood
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium)
• Dangerous levels of potassium in the blood

Normally, kidneys remove excess potassium, but kidney disease impairs this function, leading to potentially harmful levels.

Kidney-Friendly Meal Tips

1. Limit salty foods: Opt for fresh herbs and spices instead of salted ones.

2. Avoid pickles: High in sodium, they can cause fluid retention.

3.Skip pappad: Made from chickpeas or lentils, it's high in potassium.

4. Steer clear of frozen and canned foods: Not kidney-friendly.

5. Avoid processed snacks: Chips, crackers, popcorn, and sauces are not healthy options.

6. Enjoy in moderation: Most of the foods are healthy when having them in moderation. Bananas, avocados, shellfish, and chocolates are generally healthy in limited amounts.

By following these tips, you can help protect your kidney health.

A healthy diet can help you maintain healthy kidney functions. Choose less sodium & potassium foods along with adequate hydration for the kidney to function properly.

Avoiding dehydrating agents like alcohol, coffee & other beverages along with processed foods can help you maintain your kidney health.

For personalised kidney health guidance, consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian.

They'll help you create a tailored diet plan to protect your kidney health.

Don't guess, consult!

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey.