10% of the population worldwide is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions die each year because they do not have access to affordable treatment. – kidney.org
People have a misconception that diet plans are only for obese ones who want to shed fat.
But that’s not true.
Diet plans not only help with fat loss but also slow the progression of several lethal diseases, such as kidney disease. Kidneys are integral organs that filter out waste and prevent it from mixing with the blood. When kidneys fail and their functionality is compromised, the body suffers.
However, following a tailored diet plan can mitigate these effects and promote better kidney health. A renal diet is considered the most effective diet plan to combat kidney issues. It is mainly low in sodium, phosphorus, and protein.
Nourish 2 Rise is an expert team of nutritionists suggesting diet plans for people with various health issues, including kidney disease. They specialize in renal nutrition and weight loss management and educate clients on building healthier relationships with food.
Our guest post discussed Renal Nutrition for Kidney Disease in detail to help people better understand their health and choose accordingly.
What is Renal Nutrition?
You will be surprised after reading this report from kidney.org: 37 million American adults have kidney disease, and most don’t know it.
Renal nutrition is a diet plan or practice specifically curated for patients suffering from kidney disease. As everybody knows, the kidneys’ primary function is to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. But when they don’t function properly, the filtration process doesn’t remove waste and fluid from the body, which starts depositing in the body.
A renal diet normalizes the process by limiting the intake of certain nutrients. This diet plan focuses on consuming moderate amounts of protein, sodium, and potassium while setting a limit on fluid intake. However, there is no one-size-fits-all mantra.
Since everyone’s body is different, so does the diet plan. A renal nutrition expert sets the diet plan according to the patient’s needs.
The Significance of Renal Nutrition
When you consume food, your body absorbs all the right and needed nutrition to energize you, and what’s not required is carried to the kidneys through blood. Once it gets into the kidneys, the filtration process starts, and waste gets out of the body. People with kidney issues face hindrances in the filtration process resulting in the accumulation of certain substances in the blood.
A renal diet helps resolve those kidney issues by refraining patients from consuming specific foods.
Proper renal nutrition helps:
Reducing the amount of waste that the kidney filters by stopping you from consuming certain nutrients.
To maintain electrolyte balance, proper intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorous is needed for kidney health.
Hypertension is one of the most common health conditions people face when dealing with kidney issues. A balanced renal diet can also help manage that.
A balanced diet can improve kidney health and enhance its functionalities.
The kidneys perform their life-sustaining job of filtering and returning to the bloodstream about 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours. Approximately two quarts are eliminated from the body in the form of urine, while the remainder, about 198 quarts, is retained in the body. (kidney.org)
If you are facing any kidney issues, whether minor or major, it’s high time to visit a healthcare practitioner for a consultation and get it treated immediately.
Major Components to Manage in a Renal Diet
A proper diet is vital for optimal health, especially for people with declining kidney issues. Here is the basic nutrition guide for renal nutrition for dialysis patients explaining what they should have in moderate quantities to avoid inconvenience.
Protein
Kidneys filter out waste from protein metabolism, and large amounts of protein intake can overburden them. It is recommended that people with kidney issues consult their healthcare advisors and ask for the right amount of protein intake. For kidney health, it’s better to consume high-quality protein like lean meat, fish, and eggs and plant-based ones such as tofu and beans.
Sodium
Sodium is present in almost all natural foods, and consuming it in higher amounts can cause problems such as high blood pressure and edema. A higher intake of sodium leads to fluid retention as well. Therefore, you should limit the intake to 2,300 mg each day or take proper guidelines from the healthcare professional.
Avoid processed and canned food, as they contain plenty of sodium for preservation, and enjoy fresh food, herbs, and light spices.
Potassium
This mineral is responsible for the muscles’ proper function and is a key component in maintaining heartbeat and electrolyte levels in the body. Imbalanced potassium intake can affect heart and muscle function.
Be mindful when eating high-potassium food like bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, oranges. Instead, find suitable alternatives like apples, berries, and cauliflower.
Phosphorous
Phosphorous is a building block in bone and connective tissue maintenance and development. However, an excessive amount of it can lead to severe bone issues and kidney disease. Don’t overdo high-phosphorous food such as dairy products, nuts and seeds. If needed, talk to experts and get a guide on renal nutrition for kidney disease.
A Kidney-Friendly Meal Plan for Optimal Health
We have rounded up some tips and tricks for your needs. It might feel a little challenging, but it’s achievable if you follow the right approach.
First and Foremost, Consult a Dietitian
A registered dietitian specializing in renal nutrition can provide tailored guidance based on your specific condition and preferences.
Plan Balanced Meals
Set a target of having planned meals and add a variety of food for balanced health.
For instance:
Breakfast: Go for scrambled eggs with bell peppers, whole-grain toast (limited portion size), and a small apple.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and carrots. You can try it with low-sodium crackers
Dinner: Baked salmon, quinoa, and steamed broccoli.
Snacks: Carrot sticks, unsalted popcorn, or a handful of berries.
Stay Hydrated
Track your fluid intake based on your doctor’s recommendations. Overhydration can be harmful, but adequate hydration is essential.
Before You Leave
Understanding renal nutrition in depth is essential to manage kidney health effectively. By making smart dietary choices and making informed changes in your diet, you can improve your kidney’s health. Seek professional help from https://nourish2rise.com/ to work on your diet, and you will be on your way to a healthy body. As Steve Maraboli stated:
It’s up to you today to start making healthy choices. Not choices that are just healthy for your body, but healthy for your mind.
So, be mindful while eating, drink plenty of water and go for a walk for optimal kidney health.