Healthy kidneys help clean waste from the body. Waste comes from tissue and muscle breakdown as well as food. Unhealthy kidneys, such as those damaged by diabetes and high blood pressure, do not filter blood well. Family history also contributes to suboptimal kidney function. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 23 million adults have chronic kidney disease. Follwing a specific diet helps kidneys that are affected by disease.
Protein
Healthy kidneys filter out the waste product urea, which is produced when protein foods are consumed. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, urea levels rise and become toxic in the body. Therefore, you need to restrict this nutrient on a renal diet. Consume quality sources such as eggs, milk, meat, chicken and tuna, but intake needs to be monitored. Check with your doctor or a registered dietitian for the intake levels that are appropriate for you. Foods such as pinto beans, vegetables and grains contain fewer grams of protein per serving, so you can consume more of these foods in the diet. A dietitian might suggest, for example, that you try eating a vegetable omlette for breakfast. Fish provides another high quality source of protein.
Potassium
This mineral helps keep the heart and muscles working properly. The kidneys help maintain the right amount of potassium in the body. A too-high or too-low level can be fatal. People on a renal diet should limit foods high in this mineral, such as bananas, oranges and mushrooms. You can, however, under guidance from a dietitian, consume many foods that are low in potassium. Apples make a great snack. Salads that include iceberg lettuce, cucumber, beans and carrots make a healthy, low-potassium salad. Bread and grain products contain low amounts of this mineral, so a dietitian may tell you that you can enjoy this foods group without fear. A fruit salad containing cherries makes an excellent low-potassium desert.
Sodium
This electrolyte helps maintain blood pressure, balance fluid and controls muscle contractions. The kidneys help remove excess sodium that builds up in the body, so if kidneys are not working optimally, salt needs to be consumed in moderation. You should not add salt to foods on the kidney diet. However, you can use other spices such as pepper to flavor foods. Many commercial soups, sandwich meats and processed foods contain high amounts of sodium and should be avoided, although a dietitian my advise you that you can eat low-salt soups. Canned vegetables and beans should be rinsed to remove excess salt. Fresh vegetables like green beans, carrots and corn contain low amounts of sodium. Fruit also contains low amounts of sodium. Include fresh meat such as chicken, pork or fish in your diet. Sorbet, fruit pies and plain cake make low sodium dessert foods, especially if they are homemade so the ingredients can be monitored.
Liquids
The kidneys help control fluid levels in the body. Kidneys with a decreased functioning capacity may not be able to efficiently remove fluid from the body. High amounts of fluid cause high blood pressure, swelling and shortness of breath. You should be aware that the low-salt diet that is recommended on a renal diet can decrease thirst, so proper hydration is essential. Water remains the best choice to re-hydrate the body. Lemonade, tea, coffee and 100% apple juice can provide occasional alternatives to water. These beverages have low amounts of protein, potassium and sodium as well. You can drink non-cola soft drinks in moderation. Check with your doctor or dietitian to see if you can consume alcohol.
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