Diet & Nutrition in Managing Kidney Disease: USA vs India Guide

Kidneys are one of the most important organs in our bodies. They not only filter waste from the blood, but also help maintain a balance between minerals in the body. Having a balanced diet and nutrition for kidney disease prevention is something that has caught the attention of everyone. A balanced diet not only improves your kidney functions, but it also supports your overall health. You need to be more aware of what you eat if you want healthy kidneys.

Kidneys: Why are they vital?

As briefly mentioned, our kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from the body, also known as urine. Kidneys also offer a balance of water, salts, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in the blood. If your kidneys are unhealthy, then waste keeps getting accumulated in the body. Additionally, the balance between water, salts, and minerals gets disturbed. An abnormal functioning of the kidneys can lead to diseases such as renal failure, high creatinine, high blood pressure, etc.

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Diet and Nutrition for Kidney Disease

If you want healthy kidneys, the journey starts in the kitchen. If you have healthy eating habits, then there is a good chance that you will be able to avert kidney diseases. If you are thinking that you need a special diet and nutrition for kidney disease prevention, then you are wrong. You can have healthy kidneys with everyday food items as well. Some of the best foods for great kidney health are:

1. Cauliflower: We all know cauliflower, don’t we? However, what a lot of us don’t know is that this veggie is pretty high on nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, and iron, as well as vitamins A, B, and C. It has potassium too; however, the amount is not on the higher side. You can easily include this veggie in your diet to keep your kidneys healthy.
2. Onions: Onions are rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and E, as well as iron. The presence of dietary fiber in onions improves the overall health of the kidneys. A rich concentration of folic acid in onions also helps in managing creatinine levels.
3. Red Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C. The presence of these two vitamins helps reduce creatinine levels in the body.
4. Garlic: Garlic is one of the most potent home remedies for avoiding kidney diseases. The presence of allicin in garlic improves renal functions, contributing to the healthy functioning of our kidneys.
5. Raspberries: Raspberries are packed with nutrients like iron, manganese, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, copper, zinc, and calcium. These nutrients give a boost to your immunity, resulting in an improved renal health.
6. Cranberries: Cranberries are pretty high-on antioxidants. These antioxidants reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and hypertension. Cranberries are also found to be effective in managing our blood pressure.
7. Blueberries: Just like cranberries, blueberries are also quite rich in antioxidants. These anti-oxidative properties may help in preventing diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, some of the major contributors to deteriorating kidney functions. Blueberries also contribute to the lowering of creatinine levels in the body.
8. Strawberries: Another berry that is pretty effective in improving your kidney health is strawberry. A high concentration of polyphenols helps you avoid cardiovascular issues.
9. Cabbage: The alkaline elements present in cabbage counteract the acidity in the blood. This aids in the blood purification process, resulting in reduced pressure on our kidneys.
10. Grapes: Grapes contain an antioxidant called resveratrol. This chemical compound counters the high blood sugar levels. This can reduce your chances of getting diabetes, a disease that often affects our kidney health in a negative way.

Furthermore, carrot, eggplant, green leafy vegetables, apples, papaya, pineapple, guava, watermelon, peach, wheat products, etc. have also shown excellent results in promoting good kidney health. However, diet and nutrition for kidney disease prevention is not just about what foods to eat. You need to know about health practices that promote good kidney health. Some of these practices are:

• Instead of having heavy meals, eat small, frequent meals all through the day. This eases the pressure on your kidneys.
• Moderate the consumption of red meat, fish, eggs, etc.
• Practice abstinence from tobacco and alcohol.
• Keep yourself well-hydrated.
• Avoid processed foods, as a lot of salt is used to preserve them. Consuming a high amount of salt on a regular basis can raise your blood pressure.
• Dietary fiber may reduce creatinine levels. Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
• Foods with high levels of phosphorus, such as brown rice, should be consumed in moderation.

Managing kidney diseases with a healthy diet is not a difficult task. However, you have to stick to your diet plan and ensure that you stay away from alcohol, tobacco etc. If you consume a kidney-friendly diet, you will be able to manage your kidney diseases effectively.

Ready to manage kidney health effectively? Book an appointment with our specialists. WhatsApp us or call us for immediate support.