Caring for your kidneys
About 1 in 10 people have some degree of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It can develop at any age and various conditions can lead to CKD. If you or a member of your family are currently living with chronic kidney disease, you may be wondering what you can do to help slow the progression of the disease. If you are at risk for developing CKD, you might want to know what you can do to protect yourself. This article will help you understand CKD and how a kidney-friendly diet can help.
Chronic kidney disease happens when your kidneys become damaged and can’t filter blood well, reducing their ability to regulate minerals in your bloodstream, which can lead to anemia, weak bones, high blood pressure, or heart disease. The unfortunate part of chronic kidney disease is that in the early stages there are no symptoms. As we age, CKD becomes more common, with one-third of adults being at risk for developing CKD. On top of the natural aging of the kidneys, many conditions which can damage the kidneys are more common in older people including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
About the kidneys
The kidneys are located just below your ribcage on either side of your spine. They are about as big as an average computer mouse or a fist, and only weigh about four to six ounces each. While almost everyone is born with two kidneys, it is possible to live with only one.
The kidneys are important to our well-being because they regulate body fluids and hormone levels, but that's just the start. Kidneys also help maintain blood pressure and activate vitamin D for healthy bones. But the most important job of the kidneys is to filter waste out of the blood. In fact, the kidneys receive and filter more than all the other organs except the liver, almost 45 gallons each day.
Healthy kidney diet
You can help protect your kidneys by eating foods that promote kidney health. Eating a proper diet will help prevent kidney disease if you are at risk, or protect your kidneys from further damage if you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease. A kidney-friendly meal plan will avoid foods that have certain minerals that can build up in your kidneys. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
Eating the right types of food, such as lean meats, chicken, and fish, will also help stabilize your energy levels. The proteins in these foods can help build healthy skin, hair, and nails. But too much protein can force your kidneys to work harder to filter waste. So working with your doctor to determine the best sources of protein, and eating the right amount, can help protect these vital organs.
Watching both the type and the amount of carbohydrates in your diet is also important to kidney health. Good carbs help you maintain your energy level and provide essential vitamins. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are healthy ways to add carbohydrates to your diet.
Salt is also a key dietary concern when it comes to your kidneys’ health. You may know that salt can contribute to high blood pressure, but too much salt can also damage your kidneys. Most foods that are processed and pre-packaged contain too much salt. In fact, if you look at the nutrition labels on these foods you’ll see that they often contain more than the recommended daily allowance of salt. It is therefore best to avoid processed foods as much as possible to control your salt consumption.
One of the ways your body controls the effect of salt on your blood pressure is with the mineral potassium. Potassium can be found in leafy greens, fruits that grow on vines, root vegetables, and citrus fruits. Potassium also helps regulate your heartbeat and moves nutrients through the body. Unfortunately, when your kidneys are damaged, they are unable to use potassium effectively, causing your potassium levels to get too high. This can be counterproductive and cause an irregular heartbeat or even a heart attack. It’s another good reason to work with your doctor to find the best balance for kidney health.
Another mineral your kidneys filter is phosphorus. Like potassium and salt, your body needs some phosphorus. Phosphorus, like the calcium in milk, contributes to healthy bones and teeth. You’ll find healthy phosphorus in nuts, beans and dairy foods along with meats, poultry and fish. But phosphorus is also a food additive. Your body gets extra phosphorus from pre-packaged food and drinks like soda. If you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys can’t remove the extra phosphorus as needed. As a result, your body will lose calcium from your bones, making them weaker.
Unfortunately, kidney damage is not reversible. The best way to slow down or prevent further damage is to make healthy food choices and maintain a healthy weight. Chronic kidney disease can be treated, and the earlier you discover that you have CKD, the better your chances of getting effective treatment.If you or a family member has diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease then you may be at risk for chronic kidney disease. If anyone in your family has had kidney failure you are also likely at risk. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, or abnormal kidney structure. Studies have also shown that people of color are at higher risk for CKD. If you have any of the risk factors for CKD, be sure to discuss your kidney health, risk factors, and diet with your doctor.