Introduction
Diet and nutrition are vital factors in health preservation and proper functioning of the vital organs. Adapting to a healthy diet pattern and lifestyle helps prevent various chronic diseases. A healthy diet is associated with metabolism, digestion, and absorption of micronutrients and macronutrients. However, in certain diseases, adjusting a particular constituent in the diet is necessary to prevent complications.
Therefore, it is understandable that one must draw up a nutritional strategy for various associated health conditions. In the case of chronic kidney disease, nutritional therapy is also a part of the treatment plan. The rate of progression of chronic kidney disease is associated with various factors such as blood pressure, level of blood glucose, and lipid profile. Therefore, it is essential to stick to a diet plan advised by the dietitian to prevent the disease's progression.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
The kidney is a bean-shaped vital organ that performs many essential body functions. It helps filter the waste product from the body and releases hormones responsible for maintaining blood pressure, producing urine, and maintaining the fluid balance in the body. Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which there is a gradual loss of kidney functions. The kidney helps filter excess fluid and waste products from the blood, which is removed from the body through urine. In chronic kidney diseases, waste products, fluid, and electrolytes build up in the body, and the disease slowly progresses into kidney failure.
What Is Kidney-Friendly Diet?
Kidney friendly diet plan is an eating plan that helps protect the kidney from further damage. It comprises food that is healthy for the kidney, avoiding certain restricted food items that may cause kidney damage. The dietitian helps create a kidney-friendly diet, which helps prevent further kidney damage. The meal plan helps keep the patient healthy and also protects the kidney. It prevents the building up of certain minerals in the blood and regulates blood pressure and diabetes. In addition, it provides a balance of nutrition and provides energy. The central principle of a kidney-friendly diet is to balance the electrolytes and body fluids and regulate the hormone that affects the vital organs. The following are the few objectives of a kidney-friendly diet.
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Food items that are low in sodium and phosphorus level in the diet.
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Avoid using table salt and seasoning of high sodium content such as sea salt, garlic salt, and soy sauce.
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Preference for home cooked meal over fast food as it has high sodium content.
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Avoiding packaged food in the diet as it has high sodium content.
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Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into the diet.
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Avoiding meat, poultry fish and incorporating rice and cereals in the diet.
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Limiting processed food and dairy products.
What Are the Foods Which Can Be Consumed for Chronic Kidney Diseases?
The following food is healthy for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease.
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Cauliflower - It is enriched with good nutrients such as vitamin C, A, K, and folate. It has anti-inflammatory properties as it contains indole. It is an excellent source of fiber and has a low potassium content.
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Egg White - Egg white is healthy and nutritious for people suffering from chronic kidney disease. Egg white has a low phosphorus content and a high kidney-friendly protein content. Therefore, egg white is the best choice of dietary elements for people undergoing dialysis treatment as they can provide higher protein in their diet and limit the phosphorus content. However, egg yolk contains a high amount of phosphorus; therefore, egg white is a better choice for people suffering from renal disease.
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Red Grapes - Red grapes are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants known as flavonoids. It helps in reducing inflammation and preventing chronic diseases. In addition, it contains resveratrol flavonoid, which helps maintain the health of the kidney.
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Sea Bass - Sea bass contains a high quantity of protein and omega three fatty acids, which reduces inflammation and chronic diseases. It contains a lower amount of phosphorus as compared to other seafood.
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Blueberry - Blueberries are the best source of antioxidants and nutrients. It is beneficial for health as it contains antioxidants known as anthocyanins which prevent chronic diseases. In addition, it is one of the best options to be incorporated into a kidney-friendly diet as it contains a low amount of sodium and potassium.
What Are the Nutrients Restricted in Chronic Kidney Diseases?
The following are the nutrients restricted in chronic kidney disease.
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Sodium - Sodium is the principal constituent of table salt and food items. It is restricted in chronic kidney diseases as a damaged kidney cannot filter out excess sodium from the body. In patients with chronic kidney diseases, excess sodium levels build up in the body; therefore, limiting sodium intake in the diet is essential. According to the dietary recommendation, sodium uptake of fewer than 2000 milligrams per day is recommended.
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Phosphorus - The damaged kidney does not filter excessive phosphorus. As the high level of phosphorus in the blood cause damage to the body, it is essential to limit phosphorus intake. According to the dietary recommendation, sodium uptake of fewer than 1000 milligrams per day is recommended.
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Potassium - Potassium plays an essential role in the functioning of the body. However, it is advised to limit potassium content in case of a damaged kidney, as increased blood levels can be dangerous. According to the dietary recommendation, potassium uptake of fewer than 2000 milligrams per day is recommended.
Conclusion
Kidney disease is one of the most common health problems faced by the population. If the kidney function is not working adequately, the waste products build up in the body. The waste product from food starts accumulating in the blood. Following a specific diet pattern and regular treatment is essential to manage chronic kidney disease. Healthcare providers formulate diet plans according to the stage of kidney damage and health status. Certain foods are restricted to prevent waste accumulation in the blood. A renal diet helps in boosting the function of the kidney and helps in the prevention of further damage.
