The kidneys have a very important role to play in the metabolic function which is to eliminate waste from the body. They are a part of the excretory system and are responsible for flushing out more than 80% of the waste from our body. Unfortunately, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which affect a major proportion of the population, lead to kidney disease.

Healthy food choices and limiting the intake of fat, sugar, and sodium can reduce the risk factors for kidney disease to a large extent.

What is kidney diet?
Also known as renal diet, this kidney diet is most apt for those suffering from compromised kidney functioning. Following such a diet will help to control the amount of waste in blood. Accumulation of toxins in the blood can adversely affect the electrolyte balance. A kidney diet plan will help the kidneys to function better and also slow down the progress of total kidney failure.

The kidney diet plan is low in sodium, phosphorus, and protein. Kidney diet plans encourage excluding high-quality protein in your diet and limiting the fluid intake. In some cases, a limit is imposed on potassium and calcium as well. It’s best to have a customized kidney diet plan catering to each patient.

Role of each element in kidney disease are as follows.

Sodium
Sodium is a major electrolyte in the body. However, kidney patients need to monitor their sodium intake. A malfunctioning kidney cannot remove the excess sodium and fluids from the body. As a result, there is a build-up of both, which can lead to:

• Shortness of breath, due to fluid accumulation in lungs
• Heart failure, due to enlargement of the heart as a result of excess fluid in the bloodstream
• High blood pressure
• Edema

Potassium
Potassium regulates the electrolyte balance and also ensures that the heartbeat is regular. It also keeps the muscles working. The optimum amount of potassium ingested from the foods we eat is absorbed by the kidney, and the rest is excreted through urine. In this case, the kidneys don’t function properly; potassium build-up leads to:

• Muscle weakness
• Slow pulse
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart attack
• Death

Phosphorus
Critical to development and maintenance of bones, phosphorus is absorbed by the small intestines and stored in the bones. Excessive phosphorus levels, when not excreted by the kidneys, weaken the bones as it withdraws the calcium. Plus, excess calcium is also deposited in the blood vessels, heart, lungs, and eyes, leading to dangerous conditions.

Fluid intake
Decreased kidney functioning can lead to accumulation of fluids in the body. As a result of kidney malfunction, there is a decrease in urine output. So the normal recommended fluid intake for healthy adults can prove to be an overdose for kidney patients. The quantum of fluid intake is based on the urine output and dialysis settings of individual patients.

To sum up, a kidney diet plan should follow the policy of limiting the intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, fluids, and protein. Steering away from processed foods and reading the food labels is a positive step towards limiting the intake of the above and thus reducing the stress on the already compromised kidney functioning.

Following a kidney diet plan to the hilt will ensure that your kidneys retain their health. A major step towards ensuring healthy kidneys is to keep away the following foods off your diet.

Foods to be avoided

Processed foods
Packed and processed foods, which include deli meat cuts, are high in sodium. High levels of sodium in blood lead to high blood pressure. nitrates present in processed meat cuts can cause cancer. A healthier alternative would be leaner meats like chicken and roasted turkey. Choose meats that have low sodium content.

Frozen foods
Frozen foods, no doubt, score high on convenience. But on the health front, they score a dismal zero. In fact, they are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Plus, regular consumption of frozen foods increases the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. A high diabetic patient also suffers from kidney malfunctioning.

Soda
This is known as the unhealthiest drink option. In otherwise healthy people, regular consumption of soda has led to the onset of kidney disease. Over-saturated with sugar, soda intake leads to obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and dental problems as well. All the above health conditions have a major impact on affecting the kidneys.

Mayo
Be it burgers or sandwiches or salad dressings; mayo is a must-have. Well, it’s a very high-calorie food. The bad news over and above is – mayo contains a high quantity of sodium, sugar plus additives. These are definitely not kidney-friendly. Low-fat options are no better. If you’re already suffering from a kidney disease, steer clear of mayo.

Leading a life with a malfunctioning kidney is difficult indeed. Adopting a healthy kidney diet plan and following the same will help to reduce the stress on the kidneys and reduce the dependency on dialysis.