Imagine your kidneys like the filter in a water purifier. They capture toxins, like unwanted minerals, and purify blood as it passes through them. However, kidney damage over time can affect their ability to filter, which can result in a buildup of harmful substances in your blood. One of the methods you can use to slow the effects of kidney damage is eating a diet designed specifically to reduce the filtering demands placed on the kidneys.
Low-Phosphorus Foods
Your kidneys are responsible for balancing the phosphorus level in your blood. When they aren't working optimally, excess phosphorus built up in the blood begins to rob your bones of calcium, weakening them. To reduce the likelihood of experiencing this problem, you can eat low-phosphorus foods for kidney function. This includes foods like rice milk, cream cheese, refined grains, green peas, starchy vegetables, poultry or beef. As a general rule, foods high in protein -- like organ meats or beans -- tend to be high in phosphorus. If you aren't sure of a food's phosphorus level, skip it if it's high in protein.
Protein Sources
Protein intake must be monitored carefully when you are eating for kidney function. Not only do high-protein foods contain phosphorus, they also are broken down into smaller parts, which the kidneys must filter. Eat protein-rich foods that create the least amount of waste when broken down. Examples include eggs, fish and chicken. If you are a vegetarian, eggs and soy products are some of your best options for protein sources.
Sodium
Sodium is another mineral the kidneys filter. Sodium has an added concern because a buildup in the blood can lead to higher blood pressure, which is bad for your heart. Reducing you overall sodium intake is important to your kidney health. This is because your kidneys are responsible for balancing the amount of sodium in your body. If your kidney function is impaired, your kidneys may not be as adept at filtering sodium, which can increase your blood pressure. Skipping on seasonings like soy sauce or garlic salt in favor of cooking with fresh herbs is one way to start. Foods that are best for kidney health and reduce sodium include freshly prepared vegetables and meats that are not seasoned with the salty stuff. Choosing fresh whenever possible can help you reduce sodium, which is often used in the food industry as a preservative.
Potassium
Potassium is found in most of the foods you eat -- yet some contain higher levels than others. If your kidney function has significantly declined, your physician may recommend choosing low-potassium foods for your health. Examples of low-potassium foods include refined grains, apples, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, peas and green beans. However, most fruits and vegetables contain some element of potassium. Limit your intake to smaller serving sizes to keep potassium levels low.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Low-Phosphorus Diet: Best for Kidney Disease?; Dr. Erik Castle; August 2010
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; The Kidneys and How They Work; February 2009
- National Kidney Foundation; Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease; 2006
- American Association of Kidney Patients; Eating Vegetarian Foods While Living with Kidney Disease; Joan Brookshyer, R.D., C.S.R.; 2011
- UpToDate; Low Potassium Diet; 2011
