Robert Janes
The kidneys’ responsibility is to filter the blood flowing throughout the body, thus removing waste and balancing the fluids within the body. As blood enters the kidneys, they begin eliminating waste and adjusting the salt, water, and minerals in the blood. The filtered blood then continues its journey throughout the body as the waste is turned to urine. Patients may have only ten percent kidney function without noticing any signs or symptoms. However, if blood stops coursing through the kidneys, the kidneys may die, which could lead to kidney failure. It is vital for patients suffering from conditions or diseases affecting their kidneys to alter their diet for optimal kidney health.
Be Careful With Caffeine
Caffeine is commonplace in many of the beverages individuals use to stimulate themselves and get a quick fix of energy. However, for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease or other kidney conditions should limit their caffeine intake. Since caffeine is a stimulant, long-term use can increase the risk of kidney failure in patients. Brief to moderate consumption can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, especially while fasting or on an empty stomach. The idea is to have caffeine in moderation; this includes chocolate, coffee, soft drinks, and ice cream.
Limit Dairy Consumption For Your Kidney Health
Patients with kidney disease or a health condition affecting their kidneys should reduce and limit their consumption of dairy. The kidneys are responsible for keeping a balance between phosphorus and calcium, and eliminate surplus phosphorus from the blood when necessary. When kidneys cannot properly filter phosphorus, the patient’s body will begin to extract calcium from their bones to maintain balance, which is why they should limit their intake of dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and other foods containing high amounts of phosphorus. These other foods patients may want to limit in their diet include beans, chocolate, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Eat Less Animal Protein And Meat
Dairy contains animal protein, which is highly acidifying and causes the body to use calcium from the bones to neutralize acid within the body before it is filtered through the kidneys. But animal proteins can do even more damage by putting an immense amount of stress on kidneys and depleting calcium from the patient’s bones. Balancing a diet, limiting the amount of animal protein, and eating foods high in antioxidants like fruits and vegetables have proven to be the ideal diet for someone with kidney disease. Alternatively, eating a diet plentiful of meat and dairy can increase the risk of kidney stones, and other chronic kidney diseases.
Remember To Lower Your Sodium Intake
Kidneys are responsible for preventing fluid retention by removing excess sodium from the bloodstream. As kidney function declines, it can result in the build of sodium and fluid in the blood, which can then lead to swelling of the hands, eyes, and ankles, and high blood pressure. It is essential for patients who suffer from kidney disease or kidney conditions avoid food high in sodium such as potato chips, canned soup, frozen dinners, deli meats, bacon, and salted snacks. They should also avoid using salt and other spices high in sodium when cooking meals. A good rule for those with kidney issues is to limit sodium intake to no more than 2000 milligrams per day.
Watch Sodas, Sugars, And Sweeteners
Sugars are an only an issue with kidney disease if the patient has high blood sugar levels, or Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, consuming foods with artificial sugars and sweeteners will cause a decrease in the function of kidneys over time. Synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame have proven to decline kidney function due to their high toxicity and acidity. Sodas, whether they are dietor not, contain phosphoric acid that dissolves calcium, lowering bone density, which makes them more weak and brittle. Whether they contain sugar or not, soda increases the risk of chronic kidney diseases.
Some alternatives to sugar and sweetener are honey or raw, organic cane sugar. Remember to lower the intake of all sugars for better kidney health.