Foods that help with Chronic Kidney Disease

We live in an era where lifestyle disorders are sheer common. One such disorder is chronic kidney disease, keeping you from leading a healthy life. Chronic kidney disease can be fateful because the kidneys stop functioning at all. When this happens for an extended period, the efficiency of the blood filtration system to stave off the toxins gets compromised. As a response to this, the body may not be skeptically functional well. Dangerous levels of fluid and waste may obstruct the work of organs essential for life. More likely, a person with kidney disease (CKD) gets a stroke, heart attack, or high blood pressure.

So, at any point in time, management of kidney disease is essential. Fortunately, we have treatments like dialysis, transplant, and Ayurveda for a healthy recovery. The concoction of dialysis and transplant with dialysis can offer even more efficacious results and slow down the symptoms from becoming severe.

Not to mention, the importance of a renal diet in recovery cannot be overlooked. Making healthy choices about diet is important for every one of us, but slightly more important for those with underlying kidney disease. As told, CKD results in waste ‘pile-up’ and fluid retention, so approaching a kidney-friendly diet can help get rid of toxins. Though managing a diet is extremely individualized, and you need to consult a dietician for the same, some generalized rules can still be helpful.

Dietary guidelines for people with CKD

• Consume enough calories each day to keep you healthy and prevent the breakdown of body tissue.
• Choose to cook food at home with less salt and sodium.
• Eat the right amount and types of protein. Preferably pick plant sources of protein.
• Pick heart-healthy foods.
• Choose foods and drinks with less phosphorus content.
• Avoid too much potassium in your diet.

Let’s stroll down the foods that help to protect kidney function and keep you in good health.

• Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers fit the renal diet because of being low in sodium and potassium. They are loaded with powerful antioxidants to help protect the cells from damage. This tasty and tangy vegetable is also an excellent source of vitamin A, B6, C, folic acid, and fiber.

• Garlic

Garlic is yet another healthy veggie for people with CKD. It enhances the food taste and thus eliminates the need for more salt while being healthy for the body. It brings down cholesterol and reduces inflammation, so you should definitely add it to your renal diet.

• Onion

Onion is another flavoring food that has sulfur compounds, giving it a pungent smell. Onions are loaded with flavonoids, such as quercetin, that bring down the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancers. Additionally, they are low in potassium, which is important for CKD patients to look for.

• Cauliflower

Cauliflower has many health benefits to offer. They are high in vitamin C, fiber, and folate necessary for optimum health. When CKD patients are restricted most of the veggies, boiled cauliflower can still be taken to make healthy variations in your diet.

• Cabbage

This leafy vegetable has potent benefits for people with chronic kidney disease. The potassium and sodium content in cabbage is relatively low yet loaded with compounds and vitamins helpful for kidney function.

• Bitter gourd

We won’t stop you if you go by the name; this bitter veggie is quite healthy though. The presence of so many minerals, vitamins, antioxidants makes it a fit for CKD patient diet. It helps control and manages diabetes, hypertension, digestive system disorders, to name a few.

• Ridged gourd

Rich in vitamin A, B6, C, fiber, iron, and magnesium-all the right reasons why you should include ridged gourd in your diet. Nonetheless, it helps weight loss, prevents anemia, and detoxifies the blood.

• Bottle gourd

Not for CKD patients only, but for others in general, bottle gourd has many benefits. It keeps stress at bay, boosts heart health, prevents bacterial growth, and keeps your body cool. It boosts digestive system function because it has fiber, Vitamin C, K, and water content in it.

• Apple

Let’s change the old saying, an apple a day keeps the nephrologist away. You may not know, but apples help to reduce cholesterol, boost heart health and reduces the risk of various cancers. Apples are high in fiber, which is good for CKD patients as this facilitates toxin removal. It also helps to bring down inflammation in the cells and tissues, keeping you healthy.

• Blueberries

Berries like these are very tasty. They are high in phytonutrients which help you reduce inflammation. They are a healthy source of manganese, vitamin C, and fiber. Eating blueberries regularly protects the brain from losing some of its functions due to aging.

• Cranberries

Cranberries have been popular for their effectiveness in preventing UTIs. They do this by preventing bacteria from sticking into the walls of the bladder. It has been known that cranberries do reduce the risk of cancer and heart problems.

• Raspberries

Raspberries contain a phytonutrient called ellagic acid that neutralizes the effects of free radicals and prevents oxidation. They are rich in flavonoids and keep the share of manganese, vitamin C, fiber, folate, and vitamin.

Aren’t all berries an excellent source of flavonoids?

Along with this, the fluid content in your diet also counts. Many people do not talk about the benefits of fluid for CKD patients. But you must ask a dietician before deciding on what foods and drinks are healthy for CKD patients. The treatment for CKD patients is individualized and so do the diet plan.

Call us for more information on the same.

Disclaimer: Kidney patients at higher risk of being infected from corona should seek medical guidance first before consuming ayurvedic herbal medications or kaadha. We recommend them to check with their doctors first about consuming medications, kaadha, or practicing yoga to avoid other life-threatening complications. For appointments, call our 24×7 helpline: +91-9821929797 or visit www.karmaayurvedahospital.com.