The kidneys function diligently to excrete waste products from the blood through filtration, control blood pressure and manufacture hormones that contribute to bone health and red blood cell production. While they do a great job, but, like any hard-working systems, they also might be overloaded. Regularly eating a healthy diet provides the nutrition that is needed to get the kidneys working seamlessly. Through careful selection of your diet, you will be able to reduce your risk of kidney disease by a large percentage.

This blog post will discuss “How can your diet safeguard your kidneys?”

1. Indulge in Low-Sodium Life

@kidneyhealthmd How can your diet safeguard your kidneys? Say no to sodium, processed foods, and sugar, and yes to vibrant, antioxidant-rich foods low in phosphorus. Your kidneys deserve the best! Ready to make a change in your diet? Reach out to us for personalized dietary guidance today! #ivitality #kidneyhealth #healthydiet #protectyourkidneys #nutritiontips #healthylifestyle #balanceddiet #healthyeating #diabetesmanagement #wellnessjourney #eatclean #healthandwellness #dietaryadvice #holistichealth #prevention #foodchoices #lifestylechange #nutritioncoach #healthgoals #wellbeing #dietaryguidance #holistic #holisitchealing ♬ original sound – Kidney and Holistic MD

Sodium is an indispensable electrolyte that is a principal component of table salt and a primary element responsible for the maintenance of fluid homeostasis in the body. Nevertheless, more salt creates a workload for the kidneys because they have to eliminate extra sodium and liquids at the same time. These can be the cause of increased pressure on the blood vessels thus leading to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can in turn become a great risk for kidney diseases.

The American Heart Association recommends a daily sodium intake of no more than 2,300 mg, better than 1,500 mg, for those with hypertension or a family history of kidney ailments. Consider these tips:

• Scrutinize food labels: Make sure to limit sodium intake by checking how much sodium is in one serving, some seemingly healthy options, for instance, may still have a large amount of salt.
• Minimize processed foods: The sodium content in processed foods containing canned foods, ready-to-eat meats, frozen meals, and snacks is substantially higher than in natural foods. Incorporate fresh and frozen fruits together with whole grains and lean proteins within the meals instead of the other food items.
• Try natural flavours: Infuse some taste by adding herbs, spices, and fruits with a salty note instead of salt.

2. Emphasize the Value of Fruits and Vegetables

Various researches show how eating fruits, vegetables, and other foods leads to the doubling or tripling of the nutrient levels in the body. These are lower in sodium and are a good alternative option for those with kidney problems.

Here’s why they’re kidney-friendly:

• Antioxidant-rich: Defend kidney cells from oxidative damage by generating antioxidants that prevent free radicals.
• Hydration boost: High levels of water in their content make them more likely to detoxify the kidneys and, consequently, improve their state of functioning.
• Potassium-packed: Many of them are also rich sources of potassium which assists in maintaining blood pressure and eases the pressure on the kidney.

Visit Dr Bismah’s website to find out how to add different kinds of vegetables, and fruits to your diet.

3. Keep A Low Blood Pressure

Systemic hypertension is one of the most frequent risk factors for end-stage renal disease, leading to the impairment of the kidney blood vessels.

Tips for maintaining healthy blood pressure:

• Having a healthy weight will decrease stress on the heart and kidneys.
• Restrict alcohol consumption as it increases blood pressure.
• Develop stress-management habits such as yoga, breathing or meditation techniques.
• Practice at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.

Dr. Bismah’s website also offers instructions on managing blood pressure toward good health results, as an integrated holistic approach to Type 2 Diabetes.

4. Smoke Break: Quit Cigarettes

Nicotine in cigarettes affects the whole body and your kidney is not an exception. The practice leads to increased vessel narrowing, thus, reducing the kidney’s blood flow and compromising its function. Smoking also poses the risk of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and these could cause damage to your kidneys.

By giving up smoking, one can improve renal health significantly. Many resources are available to help you to quit for good.

5. Incorporate Moderate Protein  into Your Diet

Protein is irreplaceable, but overdosing on it can be unfavourable. During protein digestion, your kidneys have to remove the waste products generated by the metabolization of protein. Protein, if in excess quantity, may strain your kidneys, particularly if you are suffering from kidney problems.

Recommended daily protein intake will vary greatly depending on individual factors such as age, weight, and activity level Consult a health professional so that you can properly understand what amount of protein you personally require on a daily basis.

Dr. Bismah’s website might also include protein intake resources specifically suited for different dietary needs.

6. Wash Canned Foods Before Eating Them

Canned foods indeed enable people to save time, but they often contain higher amounts of sodium than expected. For example, rinsing canned vegetables and beans under running water can reduce some of the excess salt. Therefore it will be kidney-friendly.

7. Careful of the Amount of Alcohol Intake

Alcohol is also among the contributors to kidney strain. This happens when you take more alcohol and become dehydrated. Moderation is the key factor, therefore visiting your doctor for alcohol limits that fit and safe for you is a good thing to do.

8. Choose Complex Carbs Instead of Simple Carbs

The simple carbohydrates from white bread, pastries, sugary drinks, and processed snacks are rapidly absorbed by the body producing sugar peaks in the blood. A long period of high sugar in the blood may lead to kidney failure.

Fast foods like pizza, pasta, and rice are digested more gradually than simple carbohydrates. Thus, they offer a steady energy flow even for people with insulin resistance. It is important to replace simple carbs with complex ones while taking care of the kidneys.

9. Embrace a Holistic Dietary Approach

A diversified and balanced diet is regarded to hold an important place in kidney health. Although some types of food provide unique benefits, you need to have a balanced approach to what you put into your body. This involves including a wide range of healthy foods from all food groups but excluding processed foods, added sugars and unhealthy fats.

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Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that these are general recommendations, and specific dietary requirements for optimal kidney health may vary. It is strongly recommended that if you have questions about your kidney health, you schedule an appointment with a doctor who can help you develop a plan personalized to your specific needs. 

Dr. Bismah’s website gives you a lot of information about kidney health and even shows you a holistic approach which is made of adjusting diet and lifestyle to the maximum benefit for kidney function!