Kidney Diseases

Kidney disease  is a common problem affecting about 10% of the world's population. In many diseases of the internal organs, doctors prescribe curative diets in addition to drugs. Unlike diets for weight loss, those for therapeutic purposes must be followed unconditionally. People with kidney disease should pay special attention to their menu.

What are the kidneys and what are they for?

The kidneys are small but powerful bean-shaped organs that perform many important functions in the human body. They are responsible for filtering waste products, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, balancing body fluids, producing urine and many other basic functions.

What can cause kidney disease?

There are various ways in which these vital organs can be damaged. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common risk factors for developing kidney disease. Obesity, smoking, genetics, gender and age can also increase the risk. Uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function optimally. When the kidneys do not work properly, waste products, including food, accumulate in the blood. Therefore, it is necessary for people with kidney disease to follow a special diet.

Diet for kidney disease

Dietary restrictions vary depending on the level of kidney damage. For example, people in the early stages of kidney disease have different limitations than people with kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease.

For most people with advanced kidney disease, it is important to follow a kidney-sparing diet to help reduce the amount of waste products in the blood. The diet should help strengthen kidney function while preventing further damage. Although dietary restrictions vary, it is generally recommended that all people with kidney disease limit the following nutrients:

• Sodium

The main thing in the diet for kidney disease is the exclusion of salt from food (not only during consumption, but also during preparation). Salt retains water in the kidneys, which can cause extremely unpleasant consequences. Instead of this spice, season with vinegar or lemon juice.

Sodium is found in many foods and is a major component of table salt. The damaged kidneys cannot filter the excess, which leads to an increase in its levels in the blood. It is often recommended to limit the mineral to less than 2000 milligrams (2 grams) per day.

• Potassium

Potassium plays very important roles in the body, but people with kidney disease should limit it to avoid dangerously high blood levels. It is usually recommended to reduce its intake to less than 2000 milligrams per day.

• Phosphorus

Damaged kidneys cannot remove excess phosphorus from the body. High levels can cause damage to the body, so you should limit your diet to less than 800-1000 milligrams a day.

• Protein

Protein is another nutrient that people with kidney disease may need to limit, as damaged kidneys cannot clear waste products from protein metabolism.

People with end-stage kidney disease undergoing dialysis (a treatment that filters and purifies the blood) have greater protein needs.

Do not burden your body with excess calories, but do not make it suffer from lack of energy - the required daily amount of calories is 3000, of which: 450 grams of carbohydrates, 80 grams of protein and the same amount of fat. Of course, meals are 4-5 times a day. As for fluids, they should not be overdone in kidney disease. Every person with kidney disease is different, so it is important to consult a nutritionist to create an individual diet that meets his nutritional needs.

Authorized products and foods for kidney disease:

• bran bread without salt, white and black bread;
• biscuits without salt;
• Pasta;

• bulgur (a good source of B vitamins, magnesium, iron, manganese, vegetable protein and dietary fiber, which is important for the health of the digestive system);
• buckwheat (a good source of B vitamins, magnesium, iron and fiber; does not contain gluten, which makes it suitable for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance);
• macadamia nuts (low in phosphorus; rich in healthy fats, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese);

• meat, fruit, vegetarian, vegetable soups;
• cereal and pasta soups;

• lean poultry, other meats;
• skinless chicken (skinless chicken breasts contain less phosphorus, potassium and sodium);
• fish (boiled);
• sea ​​bass (high-quality source of protein, useful omega-3 fats that help reduce inflammation, the risk of cognitive decline, depression and anxiety; consumed in small quantities);
• meatballs (cooked and stewed);
• eggs (up to 2 per day);
• egg whites (provide high-quality protein; an excellent choice for people on dialysis, as they have higher protein needs and must limit phosphorus);

• decoction of wheat bran with honey and lemon;
• rosehip decoction;
• prune syrup, dried apricots or raisins;
• baked apples;
• jellies, pickles and juices of fresh fruit (including berries);
• watermelon, melon, honey.

• cauliflower (contains vitamins C, K, B, B9; rich in anti-inflammatory compounds - indoles; a source of fiber);
• cabbage (a source of vitamin K, C and many B vitamins; provides insoluble fiber that keeps the digestive system healthy by promoting regular bowel movements);
• cambium (rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which are important for immune function; often people with kidney disease are deficient in vitamin A);
• arugula (low in potassium; a good source of vitamin K, the minerals manganese and calcium - important for bone health; contains nitrates that lower blood pressure);

• blueberries (contain the antioxidant anthocyanins, which protect against heart disease, cognitive decline and diabetes);
• red grapes (rich in vitamin C; contains antioxidant flavonoids that reduce inflammation; high in resveratrol - a type of flavonoid that is good for heart health, protects against diabetes and cognitive decline);
• pineapple (low in potassium; rich in fiber, manganese, vitamin C, bromelain - helps reduce inflammation);
• cranberries (good for the urinary tract and kidneys; contain phytonutrients called proanthocyanidins type A);

• cottage cheese, cream, sour cream, milk;

• butter, oil, melted butter - necessarily without salt;
• olive oil (does not contain phosphorus; a healthy source of monounsaturated fats - oleic acid with anti-inflammatory properties);

• cream, dairy, vegetarian, tomato;

• weak tea with or without milk.

Absolutely forbidden foods and drinks:

• meat, fish and mushroom broths and soups;
• any fatty meat;
• fish and meat sauces;
• sausages, sausages, smoked meats;
• bean foods;
• all pickles and pickled vegetables;
• radishes, sorrel, asparagus, spinach, parsley;
• onions, garlic, pepper, mustard, all hot spices and herbs;
• chocolate, cocoa, natural coffee.