Kidneys are bean-shaped organs present under the ribcage on either side of the spine. The job undertaken by the kidneys can’t be compromised at any cost; therefore, maintaining kidney health is of the utmost importance. Their primary function is to filter waste products, balance bodily fluids, and regulate blood pressure by releasing hormones. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure threaten the kidney’s ability to function optimally.
Keeping in view the general well-being and overall health of your body, you need to curate a diet plan, considering the proportion of the following nutrients and their impact on kidney health:
Sodium, Potassium & Phosphorous:
These are minerals required to maintain the optimal functioning of the human body. However, you must closely monitor their consumption amount so as not to damage the kidneys’ function and structure.
Sodium – The mineral is essential for maintaining a water and electrolyte balance. However, consuming too much sodium can cause your blood pressure to spike. Hence, you must avoid salty foods, processed meats, and canned goods as they’re loaded with sodium, and they may cause your blood pressure to rise.
Potassium – The mineral is required to aid muscle movement. However, too much potassium may cause muscle weakness and heart problems. Therefore, try substituting lower potassium foods, such as cauliflower, onions, peppers, cranberries, white rice and bread, apples, and grapes, for potassium-rich foods. The higher-potassium foods to avoid include bran products, beans, avocadoes, bananas, melons, raisins, spinach, potatoes, and artichokes.
Phosphorous – While a certain mineral level is essential to maintain bone health, too much of it can cause the bones to go weaker and break easily. Therefore, consume foods with a lower phosphorous level, such as sourdough bread, cream of wheat, corn, or unsalted popcorns. And actively avoid whole-grain bread and nuts, among other phosphorus-rich foods.
Protein:
Proteins are the building blocks of the body and are an essential requirement for the growth, healing, and repairing of cells. However, consuming too much protein distresses kidneys as they work harder and may damage themselves. Therefore, you need to replace higher-protein foods, like, red meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, with lower-protein foods, such as bread, fruits, veggies, portions of pasta, and rice.
Consider watching this video to know more about foods to eat for healthy kidneys…
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are nutrients readily available as an energy source to the body. While consuming carbohydrates, you must choose healthy sources, such as fresh produce, over unhealthy sources like sugary drinks, candies, and beer.
Fats:
Fats can’t be removed entirely from the diet as specific amounts are required to release energy and use vitamins in the food. However, you can limit the consumption of fats and choose unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, instead of saturated fats from meats and shortening. Further, make sure to avoid trans fat at all costs.
Fluids:
As opposed to the general belief, chugging down liters of water may do more damage than good. As all things, try to remain moderate even in your fluid consumption. Though the water consumption requirement may vary depending on age, gender, climate, etc., at least 6-8 glasses of water per day are recommended.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!