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Dietary Changes You Can Make To Improve Your Kidney Health

By Medical Expert Team

Aug 09 , 2022 | 5 min read

Kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering toxins, excess water, and metabolic waste from the blood. Once kidney damage occurs, it is typically irreversible, making prevention and early care crucial for long-term health. Kidney diseases affect approximately 1 in every 10 people globally and increase the risk of complications such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and bone disorders. However, early stages of kidney disease often lack symptoms, which leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Making dietary changes plays a key role in protecting kidney health and slowing disease progression if diagnosed. Small, consistent changes in diet can significantly reduce the strain on the kidneys and promote better overall health. [2]

How Does Diet Impact Kidney Health?

Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension contribute to nearly 64% of kidney disease cases. Uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, causing permanent damage over time. A kidney-friendly diet helps manage these conditions effectively by maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Additionally, proper nutrition supports weight management and healthy cholesterol levels, all of which protect kidney function. The kidneys filter metabolic waste produced by cells from the bloodstream, so unhealthy foods can increase toxic waste buildup, exacerbating kidney damage. Following a renal diet, which focuses on kidney-friendly foods and limits harmful nutrients, helps preserve kidney function and slows disease progression. [1],[4]

8 Diet Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Adhering to a renal diet tailored for kidney health can improve kidney function and quality of life. Consider these key dietary guidelines:

Exercise Portion Control

Portion control helps balance nutrient intake, preventing overload on the kidneys. An ideal plate consists of:

50% fresh fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, berries, and apples
25% lean protein sources like beans, lentils, nuts, and egg whites
25% whole grains such as brown rice, buckwheat, and millets
A small amount of healthy fats such as olive oil

Cut Down on Sodium

Excess sodium causes fluid retention and raises blood pressure, damaging the kidneys. Limit salt intake by using lemon or spices for flavor and avoid high-sodium processed foods. Aim for less than 2300 mg of sodium daily. [2]

Don’t Overdo Protein

Moderate protein intake is important; excessive protein increases kidney workload due to higher waste production. Prioritize plant-based proteins and lean animal proteins in controlled portions. [4]

Choose Complex Carbs over Simple Carbs

Complex carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables provide fiber and nutrients, digest slowly, and help maintain energy balance, unlike simple sugars that increase metabolic stress on kidneys.

Be Mindful When Consuming Fats

Focus on unsaturated fats found in olives, avocados, fatty fish, and nuts. Reduce saturated and trans fats, which elevate cardiovascular risk and indirectly affect kidney health.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol dehydrates the body and impairs kidney and liver function, reducing the kidneys' efficiency. Limit or avoid alcohol to protect renal health.

Learn more about - What Does the Liver Do? Tips to Keep Liver Healthy and Best Foods for Liver Health - Role of Diet in Liver Health.

Consult the Doctor Regarding Phosphorus and Potassium Intake

Phosphorus and potassium are essential nutrients but tend to accumulate in kidney disease, causing complications. Always consult a doctor or dietitian before making dietary adjustments to these minerals.

Work with a Dietitian

Individual kidney health conditions vary. A registered dietitian or nutritionist can provide tailored dietary plans that consider your medications, lab values, and lifestyle to optimize kidney support.

Types of Kidney Diseases

Understanding common kidney diseases helps highlight the importance of dietary management:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A progressive loss of kidney function with no cure, managed by medication and lifestyle changes including diet.
Kidney Stones: Solid mineral deposits causing pain, often managed by hydration and diet modification.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of kidney filtering units, sometimes reversible; managed with diet and medical care.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic condition causing cyst growth, leading to kidney failure; no cure exists.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bacterial infections treatable with antibiotics; untreated infections may harm kidneys.

What Can You Do to Improve Kidney Health?

Simple but effective kidney health strategies include:

Dietary Improvements: Follow a renal diet and control portion sizes.
Lifestyle Modification: Maintain healthy weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.
Regular Exercise: Aim for 15-30 minutes of moderate aerobic, stretching, or resistance exercises daily.
Medication Adherence: Take prescribed medicines and consult your healthcare provider regularly to monitor kidney status.

Know more about - 7 Things To Avoid For a Healthy Kidney and Nephrologist: Everything You Need to Know.

Conclusion

Healthy kidneys are vital for eliminating waste and maintaining fluid, mineral, and acid-base balance. While irreversible damage cannot be undone, proactive diet and lifestyle changes can significantly delay kidney disease progression and improve life quality. Begin adopting a kidney-friendly diet and habits today to safeguard your kidneys and overall wellness. [1]

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.