In the United States, kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death. Each year, over 500,000 people are diagnosed with kidney disease, killing more than 120,000 people annually. It’s a severe problem, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing kidney disease. One of the most important is to keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for kidney disease, so follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. One of the things you can do to prevent kidney disease from getting worse is to eat a healthy diet. If you have kidney disease, you should consult with a specialist familiar with the kidney diet Memorial Hermann Cypress. Here are some guidelines on what to eat to improve your health.
Choose Foods That Need Less Salt
One of the critical things you can do to reduce your risk of developing kidney disease is to eat foods that need less salt. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for kidney disease. So try to choose foods that don’t need as much salt. These include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid Too Much Protein
Another thing you should avoid is too much protein. While protein is essential for your health, overeating can overload your kidneys and increase your risk of developing kidney disease. Try to limit your protein intake to about 50 grams per day. You can find this amount in a single chicken breast or a small steak.
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
A healthy diet is also vital for your heart. Eating foods that are good for your heart will help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, leading to kidney disease. So try to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Also, eat foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This will help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.
Avoid Foods and Drinks With Too Much Phosphorus
Another thing you need to avoid is foods and drinks with too much phosphorus. Phosphorus is found in dairy products, nuts, and cola drinks. It’s essential to limit your intake of these foods and drinks if you have kidney disease, as they can overload your kidneys and make the condition worse.
Go For Foods With the Right Amount of Potassium
Eating foods with the right potassium is also essential for people with kidney disease. Potassium helps keep your blood pressure under control, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting enough of it in your diet. You can find potassium in fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Limit Fluids if You Have Advanced Kidney Disease
If you have advanced kidney disease, you need to limit the number of fluids you drink. This is because your kidneys can’t handle too much fluid, and it will overload them and make the condition worse. Try to drink no more than 1 liter of fluids per day. You can still drink liquids, but they should be low in salt and potassium.
In summary, if you have kidney disease, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to your diet. Try to choose foods that require less salt, avoid too much protein, eat heart-healthy foods, and avoid foods and drinks with too much phosphorus. You should also make sure you’re getting enough potassium in your diet. And lastly, if you have advanced kidney disease, you need to limit the number of fluids you drink. Following these guidelines will help improve your health and reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.