Unfortunately, kidney disease is an affliction that, more and more, is affecting people from all over the world. Sometimes this disease cannot be avoided, but there are some things that you can do to lower your risks and to help your body fight the disease.
The unhealthy food choices that many people make can be especially hard on the kidneys. Carbonated drinks and foods that contain large amounts of sugar can have deleterious effects on your kidneys. In addition to harming your kidneys, this disease can also damage other organs like your heart and lungs. It is important to lower the amount of fluid retention and waste in your system and to keep your electrolytes balanced. If you have been diagnosed with or are genetically prone to kidney problems, you need to make the necessary changes to your diet right away.
There are some foods that should be avoided altogether, some that should be eaten in moderation, and you should always prepare your foods hygienically. Stay away from tartar, sushi and all other raw meat and fish products. Avoid any dairy products that aren’t pasteurized, undercooked eggs, raw eggs and even sprouts. Food related illnesses are often fatal for those individuals who are suffering from kidney issues. You should also limit the amount of sodium and potassium in your diet.
You should also pay attention to the amount of carbohydrates that you are eating. These foods are turned into sugar (glucose) when they are digested which will raise your blood sugar levels. Since diabetes is a major cause of kidney disease, you will need to monitor your intake of carbohydrates in order to maintain your blood sugar. Diabetes obstructs the body’s natural production of insulin and makes it difficult to properly process glucose. This may damage the inner walls of the kidneys.
Carbohydrates are a necessary part of any diet, so they should not be eliminated altogether. Highly refined carbohydrates (such as what you would find in cakes or cookies) will cause blood sugar to spike and energy levels to fluctuate. Whole grains and vegetables provide fiber and energy and may be good choices for your diet. Even simple carbohydrates like fruit may have a place in your diet, but it’s important to eat these in moderation and to choose healthy carbs that leave you feeling full.
Since those suffering from kidney disease are especially prone to cardiovascular issues, it is also important to monitor cholesterol levels. This means eliminating foods with trans and saturated fats. These are commonly found in prepared frozen meals, margarine, butter, ice cream, and fried foods, among others. Foods that can help to lower your cholesterol include vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and fish oil. Choose non-starchy vegetables and use olive oil over other choices.
One helpful tip is to prepare or at least plan your meals ahead of time. Convenience foods like tv dinners save time, but are poor choices for even those with healthy kidneys. The easier it is to access healthy foods that work with your diet, the more likely you will be to make the right choices. This is extremely important as the right diet can actually reverse kidney disease or even kidney failure.
