Kidney disease is not an issue to be taken lightly. Given the vital role the kidneys play in cleansing the blood of impurities, kidney health affects the health of every other system in the body.
The American Kidney Fund estimates that one-tenth of the American population — about 31 million people — live with chronic kidney disease, making it the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.
Chronic kidney disease can leave you feeling weak, tired and sap you of your appetite. That’s why it’s so important to make your meals count, and put the food you do eat to work for you.
Cut Down on Salt
If your kidney disease is due to high blood pressure, this is probably a guideline you’re already following.
Reducing the salt in your diet is a common guideline for a variety of ailments, including congestive heart failure and other disorders. It’s also essential to keeping your kidneys working as well as possible.
Salt causes the body to retain excess fluid, driving up your blood pressure and putting additional strain on your heart and kidneys alike. Keeping down your salt intake to 1,500 mg (or less, depending on your physician’s recommendations) can help.
And reducing salt isn’t just about booting the salt shaker from the dinner table; you also must be mindful of the salt and sodium that’s “hidden” in other foods you eat — especially pre-made foods, where it’s often used to enhance flavor and prevent spoilage. By some estimates, up to a quarter of all the salt in Americans’ diets comes from restaurant food.
Watch Your Protein
Protein is an essential nutritional building block for bones and muscles. It’s also frequently used to help curb appetites or to help people “bulk up” after exercise.
But the kidneys have to work extra hard to eliminate the excess protein in your system, which is expelled from the body in the urine.
Meat is the main source of most protein in Americans’ diets. To get the recommended daily allotment of protein, most adults require only about two, three-ounce servings of meat — roughly the size of the palm of your hand.
Be Aware of Additives
Salt isn’t the only thing lurking in food of which people with chronic kidney disease should be aware.
Salt substitutes can contain potassium chloride, a flavor enhancer that’s also very hard on the kidneys. Potassium is essential for healthy nerves, but high levels of potassium in the blood can wreak havoc on your kidneys. High-potassium foods include beans, oranges, bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, brown and wild rice, many dairy foods and nuts. Instead, choose lower-potassium foods like apples, carrots, green beans, wheat cereals and grits.
Also be aware of the amount of phosphorus in your diet. Consuming too much phosphorus can weaken your bones and even cause your skin to itch. Be on the watch for foods that have words with “phos” on their labels — this means an ingredient contains phosphorous. Many types of meat, as well as bran cereals, lentils and colas contain phosphorus. Instead, choose foods that aren’t overly processed, like fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as corn- and rice-based cereals.
If you want to discuss other measures you can take to control or lower your risk for chronic kidney disease, speak with your primary care provider or a nephrology specialist. If you need a doctor, call the 24-hour Tanner physician referral line at 770-214-CARE or visit tanner.org.
Dr. Cuello Pichardo is a nephrology specialist with Carroll County Nephrology, with practices in Carrollton, Villa Rica and Bremen. More information is available online at ccnpc.com.