If you're concerned about the health of your kidneys, you're far from alone. Diabetes and high blood pressure can cause chronic kidney disease, and incidence of both conditions is rising fast, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. However, proper nutrition can help improve the health of your kidneys.
Causes
Almost everyone has two kidneys, located at the back of the abdomen alongside the spine. Your kidneys help your body eliminate waste products, and without them the waste would build up in your bloodstream until it killed you. Although many conditions can damage your kidneys, diabetes and high blood pressure cause the majority of cases of chronic kidney disease.
Function
If you have kidney function that's less than optimal or even if you're just at risk for kidney disease, you may be able to slow or even halt the disease process by eating a special diet aimed at providing proper nutrition for kidney health, according to the State University of New York at Buffalo. The diet limits the amount of protein you consume and may also limit the amount of salt and potassium you consume.
Types
You may find that the low-protein diet recommended for kidney disease really limits your food options, at least at first. According to the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, people with early kidney disease should eat about 0.6 g of protein per kilogram of weight each day. Translated, that means a 160-lb. person should eat between 40 and 45 g of protein per day. Three-and-a-half ounces of steak contains about 30 g of protein. Fish, poultry, milk products and even grains all contain protein.
Minerals
Your physician may also tell you to watch your intake of two minerals, sodium and potassium, according to the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. By reducing your sodium intake, you can lower your blood pressure, which helps to curb kidney damage. In people with impaired kidney function, potassium can build up in the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heartbeat. Chocolate, nuts and molasses all contain high levels of potassium, and you should avoid them. Also avoid salt substitutes, because they also contain potassium.
Considerations
By following a low-protein diet to protect your kidney health, you may become deficient in some essential amino acids, several B vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin, and the minerals iron and calcium, according to Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Your physician may recommend that you take vitamins or nutritional supplements to make up for any nutritional shortfalls in your diet.
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