Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a serious health problem that affects how well the kidneys work over time. The kidneys help remove waste and extra fluids from the body.
But when they are damaged, they can no longer do their job properly. This can lead to waste building up in the blood, causing many health problems.
One of the best ways to manage CKD and feel better is through healthy eating. What you eat can make a big difference in slowing down kidney damage and reducing symptoms.
When kidneys aren’t working well, certain things in food like potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and protein can become too much for the body. That’s why choosing the right foods is so important.
Let’s start with sodium. Too much sodium, which is found in salt, can raise blood pressure. High blood pressure puts more strain on the kidneys, making them worse. It also causes the body to hold onto water, leading to swelling.
To help your kidneys, it’s best to avoid salty foods like canned soup, chips, processed meats, and take-out meals. Try eating fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned ones, and always check for low-sodium options at the store.
Protein is another thing to watch. Your body needs protein to stay strong, but if you eat too much, your kidneys have to work harder to get rid of the waste. People with CKD are often told to eat less protein, especially if their disease is more serious.
Instead of eating large amounts of meat, go for small portions of lean meat, chicken, fish, or tofu. These high-quality proteins create less waste in the body.
Potassium is a mineral that helps your muscles and heart work properly. But when kidneys don’t work well, potassium can build up in the blood and affect your heartbeat.
Foods like bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and potatoes are high in potassium. Some people with CKD need to avoid or limit these foods. Your doctor can tell you if a low-potassium diet is right for you.
Phosphorus is another thing that becomes a problem when kidneys are weak. It helps build strong bones, but too much phosphorus can damage the body. It can hurt your heart, eyes, and blood vessels, and make bones weak.
Foods with a lot of phosphorus include milk, cheese, nuts, red meat, and whole grains. Processed foods often have phosphorus added in, so it’s important to read food labels carefully.
As kidney disease gets worse, you may also need to drink less water and other fluids. This helps prevent fluid from building up in your body, which can lead to swelling and heart problems. Drinks like coffee, tea, and even foods like ice cream count toward your fluid intake. Your doctor can help you figure out how much fluid is safe for you.
Because people with CKD have a higher chance of getting heart disease, it’s also a good idea to eat for a healthy heart. This means eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Olive oil and fish like salmon are great choices because they have omega-3 fats that are good for the heart.
Everyone is different, so it’s best to work with a dietitian who understands kidney disease. They can help you create a meal plan that fits your needs and changes as your health changes. Keeping a food diary to track what you eat and drink can also help you learn how your body responds to different foods.
Living with CKD means making smart food choices every day. With the right diet and support from your healthcare team, you can protect your kidneys and live a healthier life.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about drug that prevents kidney failure in diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and common painkillers may harm heart, kidneys and more.
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