The kidneys are a pair of organs that work together to filter wastes from your blood for excretion in your urine. Your body relies on the right balance of minerals in your blood to operate, but if kidney performance is impaired, minerals can build up and cause serious health issues. To protect your kidneys, eat a diet that doesn't place too great a strain on them yet provides enough nutrients for your body to maintain its everyday functions. However, don't make any changes to your diet without first talking with your doctor, especially if you are on medication or a special diet.
Protein Limits
You need protein to maintain healthy tissue and muscle function. Your body breaks down protein in your liver creating the waste product urea, which the kidneys filter; processing too much urea overtaxes your kidneys. To reduce this likelihood, focus on eating the right amount of protein for your size. If you are healthy, this is about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight, according to dietitian Peggy Harum. To calculate this amount, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2, and multiply this number by 0.8. If you have chronic kidney disease, your physician may recommend reducing this to 0.6 to 0.7 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight, says Harum.
Healthy Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates have a bad nutritional reputation, but are a necessary energy source for your body. If you must eat a low-protein diet due to poor kidney function, some carbohydrates are good nutritional sources, notes "The New York Times" Health Guide. Examples of good carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads. However, avoid sugary desserts such as pies, cakes and cookies, which are empty calories that contribute to blood sugar fluctuations.
Phosphorus and Calcium Interaction
Calcium and phosphorus are two minerals in your diet your kidneys filter. However, if your kidneys do not work well, phosphorus can build up in your blood, lowering your blood calcium; your blood takes calcium from bones to compensate, weakening your bones, explains "The New York Times" Health Guide. If high blood phosphorus is an issue, limit the amount of dairy foods in your diet such as milk, yogurt and cheese, which tend to have high amounts of calcium and phosphorus; consume non-dairy sources of calcium that are low in phosphorus such as leafy, green vegetables and soybeans. Always talk to your physician before adjusting the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your diet.
Reduce Sodium
One of your kidneys' principal functions is to maintain sodium balance in your body -- sodium retention is linked to kidney disease, according to epidemiologist Linda Fried. Limiting the amount of sodium in your diet helps keep the kidneys from working too hard to filter sodium. Avoid adding extra salt to your foods and choose low- or no-sodium foods and condiments whenever possible; replace salt with fresh or dried herbs for flavoring instead, advises the National Kidney Foundation.
References
- National Kidney Foundation: Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease
- American Association of Kidney Patients; The Impact of Nutrition on the CKD Patient; Peggy Harum, R.D., L.D.; September/October 2004
- University of Pittsburgh; The Relationship Between Nutrition and Kidney Function; Linda Fried, M.D., M.P.H.
- "The New York Times" Health Guide: Diet -- Chronic Kidney Disease
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Nutrition and Kidney Disease
