Best Food For People With Kidney Problems

Kidney disease is a common problem affecting about 10% of the world’s population      

The kidneys are small but powerful bean-shaped organs that perform many important functions.

They are responsible for filtering waste products, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, balancing fluids in the body, producing urine and many other essential tasks

There are various ways in which these vital organs can become damaged.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common risk factors for kidney disease. However, obesity, smoking, genetics, gender and age can also increase the risk

Uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure cause damage to blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function at an optimal level (4).

When the kidneys aren’t working properly, waste builds up in the blood, including waste products from food

Therefore, it’s necessary for people with kidney disease to follow a special diet. 

Diet and Kidney Disease

Dietary restrictions vary depending on the level of kidney damage.

For example, people in the early stages of kidney disease have different restrictions than those with kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) 

If you have kidney disease, your health care provider will determine the best diet for your individual needs.

For most people with advanced kidney disease, it’s important to follow a kidney-friendly diet that helps decrease the amount of waste in the blood.

This diet is often referred to as a renal diet.

It helps boost kidney function while preventing further damage 

While dietary restrictions vary, it is commonly recommended that all people with kidney disease restrict the following nutrients:

• Sodium: Sodium is found in many foods and a major component of table salt. Damaged kidneys can’t filter out excess sodium, causing its blood levels to rise. It’s often recommended to limit sodium to less than 2,000 mg per day 
• Potassium: Potassium plays many critical roles in the body, but those with kidney disease need to limit potassium to avoid dangerously high blood levels. It’s usually recommended to limit potassium to less than 2,000 mg per day 
• Phosphorus: Damaged kidneys can’t remove excess phosphorus, a mineral in many foods. High levels can cause damage to the body, so dietary phosphorus is restricted to less than 800–1,000 mg per day in most patients 

Protein is another nutrient that people with kidney disease may need to limit, as waste products from protein metabolism can’t be cleared out by damaged kidneys.

However, those with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis, a treatment that filters and cleans the blood, have greater protein needs

Each person with kidney disease is different, which is why it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your individual dietary needs.

Luckily, many delicious and healthy options are low in phosphorus, potassium and sodium.

Here are 20 of the best foods for people with kidney problems.

1. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is high in many nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K and the B vitamin folate.

It’s also full of anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles and an excellent source of fiber

Plus, mashed cauliflower can be used in place of potatoes for a low-potassium side dish.

One cup (124 grams) of cooked cauliflower contains 

• Sodium: 19 mg
• Potassium: 176 mg
• Phosphorus: 40 mg

• 2. Blueberries

  Blueberries are packed with nutrients and one of the best sources of antioxidants you can eat

  In particular, these sweet berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which may protect against heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline and diabetes

  They also make a fantastic addition to a kidney-friendly diet, as they are low in sodium, phosphorus and potassium.

  One cup (148 grams) of fresh blueberries contains

  • Sodium: 1.5 mg
  • Potassium: 114 mg
  • Phosphorus: 18 mg
  
  

  3. Sea Bass

  Sea bass is a high-quality protein that contains incredibly healthy fats called omega-3s.

  Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and may help decrease the risk of cognitive decline, depression and anxiety

  While all fish are high in phosphorus, sea bass contains lower amounts than other seafood choices.

  However, it’s important to consume small portions in order to keep phosphorus levels in check.

  Three ounces (85 grams) of cooked sea bass contain:

  • Sodium: 74 mg
  • Potassium: 279 mg
  • Phosphorus: 211 mg
  
  

  4. Red Grapes

  Not only are red grapes delicious, they also deliver a ton of nutrition in a small package.

  Red grapes are high in vitamin C and contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation 

  Additionally, red grapes are high in resveratrol, a type of flavonoid that has been shown to benefit heart health and protect against diabetes and cognitive decline 

  These sweet fruits are kidney-friendly, with a half cup (75 grams) containing:

  • Sodium: 1.5 mg
  • Potassium: 144 mg
  • Phosphorus: 15 mg

  • 5. Egg Whites

    Although egg yolks are very nutritious, they contain high amounts of phosphorus, making egg whites a better choice for people following a renal diet.

    Egg whites provide a high-quality, kidney-friendly source of protein.

    Not to mention, they are an excellent choice for people undergoing dialysis treatment, as they have higher protein needs but need to limit phosphorus.

    Two large egg whites (66 grams) contain:

    • Sodium: 110 mg
    • Potassium: 108 mg
    • Phosphorus: 10 mg
    
    

    6. Garlic

    People with kidney problems are advised to limit the amount of sodium in their diet, including added salt.

    Garlic provides a delicious alternative to salt, adding flavor to dishes while providing nutritional benefits.

    It’s a good source of manganese, vitamin C and vitamin B6 and contains sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.

    Three cloves (9 grams) of garlic contain:

    • Sodium: 1.5 mg
    • Potassium: 36 mg
    • Phosphorus: 14 mg
    
    

    7. Buckwheat

    Many whole grains tend to be high in phosphorus, but buckwheat is a healthy exception.

    Buckwheat is highly nutritious, providing a good amount of B vitamins, magnesium, iron and fiber.

    It is also a gluten-free grain, making buckwheat a good choice for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

    A half cup (84 grams) of cooked buckwheat contains:

    • Sodium: 3.5 mg
    • Potassium: 74 mg
    • Phosphorus: 59 mg

    • 8. Olive Oil

      Olive oil is a healthy source of fat and phosphorus-free, making it a great option for people with kidney disease.

      Frequently, people with advanced kidney disease have trouble keeping weight on, making healthy, high-calorie foods like olive oil important

      The majority of fat in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties

      What’s more, monounsaturated fats are stable at high temperatures, making olive oil a healthy choice for cooking.

      One ounce (28 grams) of olive oil contains:

      • Sodium: 0.6 mg
      • Potassium: 0.3 mg
      • Phosphorus: 0 mg
      
      

      9. Bulgur

      Bulgur is an ancient grain that makes a terrific, kidney-friendly alternative to other whole grains that are high in phosphorus and potassium.

      This nutritious grain is a good source of B vitamins, magnesium, iron and manganese.

      It’s also an excellent source of plant-based protein and full of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.

      A half-cup (91-gram) serving of bulgur contains:

      • Sodium: 4.5 mg
      • Potassium: 62 mg
      • Phosphorus: 36 mg
      
      

      10. Cabbage

      Cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and is loaded with vitamins, minerals and powerful plant compounds.

      It’s a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C and many B vitamins.

      Furthermore, it provides insoluble fiber, a type of fiber that keeps your digestive system healthy by promoting regular bowel movements and adding bulk to stools.

      Plus, it’s low in potassium, phosphorus and sodium with one cup (70 grams) of shredded cabbage containing:

      • Sodium: 13 mg
      • Potassium: 119 mg
      • Phosphorus: 18 mg

      
      

reference : healthwitheyes.blogspot.com

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