Living with chronic kidney ailments or renal failures can prove to be a challenge that one needs to deal with by making certain adjustments aimed towards achieving better health, for example, taking your deserved diet with specifications of managing the circumstances. The question is: What are the best foods to eat if you have severe kidney disease or renal failure?
In this blog post, Dr. Bismah will share appropriate food options that could support individuals facing severe kidney disease or renal failure.
Diet and Kidney Disease
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Efficient kidneys act like filters, cleaning waste products from our blood. If the functions of kidneys become impaired, they will start failing to do the work that they are fairly good at, causing several health complications and some strain on these priceless organs. Proper nutrition could effectively help to regulate a rise in waste levels and at the same time promote general health and wellbeing.
Essential Dietary Considerations for Severe Kidney Disease
Dr. Bismah advises individuals dealing with severe kidney disease to make several key dietary modifications:
1. Low Protein Foods
Protein is essential in tissue building and repair; however, in severe kidney disease, it becomes difficult for the body to dispose of excess proteins through urine elimination systems. Excessive protein consumption further overloads the kidneys.
- Recommended Protein Sources: When selecting proteins to include in a balanced diet, lean meats (chicken or fish), egg whites, and low-protein vegetables such as cauliflower or cabbage are excellent sources of high calcium. Plant-based sources (in moderation due to potassium content) such as beans may also provide excellent sources.
- Foods to Limit: Consume less red meat, organ meats, poultry with skin attached, and dairy products (consult your physician about specific recommendations).
2. Low Phosphorus Foods
Phosphorus can pose problems in those suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to bone problems as well as cardiovascular issues. For this reason, foods rich in phosphate should be chosen carefully when selecting their diets to minimize such exposure and complications from chronic conditions like this one.
- Recommended Low-Phosphorus Options: For best results, include fruits (apples and berries), vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, and peppers), whole grains in moderation, and egg whites in your daily diet.
- Foods to Limit: Take care in selecting and limiting dairy, cheese, and yogurt products, processed food items (especially crisps), nuts, and seeds in very limited amounts, and soda drinks with added phosphorous additives (check labels to confirm).
3. Eat Foods Low in Potassium
Being optimally potassium-depleted is vital for maintaining normal body functions; however, an excess can cause heart rhythm issues.
- Recommended Low-Potassium Food Choices: When considering what low-potassium food choices might include in your daily diet, apples, grapes, cabbage, cauliflower, cooked rice, and egg whites should all be part of that selection as they all offer great potassium-lowering potential.
- Foods to Limit: While cutting down, reduce the intake of bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and other leafy veggies and processed food.
4. Regulate Your Sodium Intake
Salt plays an essential part in body fluid regulation; however, excessive sodium consumption can raise blood pressure and contribute to fluid retention among those living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
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5. Managed Fluid Intake
Healthy kidneys typically maintain balance by managing fluid accumulation; however, with chronic kidney disease (CKD), excess fluid accumulation can lead to swelling and other health complications. Dr. Bismah advises collaborating with healthcare professionals to establish the necessary volume intake that suits each person’s circumstances.
6. Supervised Phosphorus and Calcium Intake
Maintaining adequate calcium intake is equally crucial to bone health; Dr. Bismah may prescribe medications or phosphate binders to regulate phosphorus intake while guaranteeing adequate calcium consumption.
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7. Incorporation of Healthy Fats
Include healthy fats to provide energy and support various bodily processes, like cardiovascular health.
- Recommended Healthy Fats: When selecting sources for healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, salmon, tuna fatty fish, nuts, and seeds in moderation due to high phosphorus content, they are ideal sources.
- Foods to Limit: For best results, avoid products containing saturated and trans fats, such as processed foods, fast foods, fried products, and meat products with high saturated or trans fatty acid levels.
Schedule periodic follow-up visits with the doctor to monitor kidney function and make any required dietary modifications. Dietary adjustments are at the core of managing severe kidney disease. Follow Dr. Bismah and your healthcare team’s guidance and advice closely, making well-informed dietary choices that promote your overall well-being!