Your kidneys are a major part of your urinary system and are essential for the removal of waste products from your body. The kidneys also play a role in the regulation of blood pressure, hormone secretion, and acid-base balance. Your kidneys may not function optimally when you eat foods that contain high levels of minerals, such as sodium and potassium, which can place excess stress on your kidneys. Maintaining healthy kidneys is necessary for normal body functioning.
Rice
Rice is a carbohydrate that can provide your body with adequate amounts of energy with very low potassium. Although your body requires potassium for many essential functions, excess potassium will be filtered out of your body by your kidneys. If there is too much potassium in your blood stream, your kidneys may become overwhelmed. Rice can be included in your diet as an alternative to starchy carbohydrates that naturally contain large amounts of potassium.
Soy Protein
Dairy products, as well as most animal products, contain a mineral called phosphorous. Phosphorous is a nutrient that helps promote bone health. However, excess phosphorus can have the opposite effect and weaken your bones. Your kidneys will naturally attempt to filter out any excess phosphorus in your blood stream, but too much phosphorus can overload your kidneys, resulting in damage to the sensitive tissues that remove toxins from your body. To help keep phosphorus levels in check, try substituting some dairy products with soy-based alternatives. Soy contains many of the same nutrients as dairy, but much less phosphorus. This can help protect your kidneys from damage due to excess phosphorous intake.
Fruits and Vegetables
High protein diets can place stress on your kidneys by producing a compound called urea. Urea is a naturally occurring byproduct of protein metabolism. If your diet contains high levels of protein, high levels of urea are forced through your kidneys, potentially damaging them and limiting their ability to remove other harmful toxins from your blood. Cutting back on protein in favor of more fruits and vegetables can help control the amount of urea your kidneys have to filter.
Low Sodium Foods
Sodium, or salt, plays a role in the regulation of your blood pressure and kidney health. Too much sodium can cause your kidneys to have difficulty functioning, which can lead to even more sodium buildup in your body. Excess sodium intake can be dangerous for your kidneys and blood pressure, and can cause abnormal swelling throughout your body. By removing high sodium foods in your diet and replacing them with lower sodium foods, you can greatly improve kidney health. Foods that are high in sodium include canned or processed foods, lunch meats, and many sauces. Low or no sodium foods include different kinds of breads and beans.
References
- "Physiology of Sport and Exercise"; Jack H. Wilmore and David L. Costill; 2004
- DaVita; Potassium and Chronic Kidney Disease
- Mayo Clinic; Low-phosphorus Diet: Best for Kidney Disease?; Erik Castle; 2010
- "The Bodybuilder's Nutrition Book"; Franco Columbu; 1985
- National Kidney Foundation; Sodium and Your CKD Diet: How to Spice Up Your Cooking; 2011
