Six Diet Tips to Manage Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Making changes to your diet is paramount if you do not want the disease to progress further. If you have CKD, it’s important to take steps to manage your health and diet to reduce the progression of the disease. The following tips will help manage and implement your chronic kidney disease diet.
Tips For Managing Your Chronic Kidney Disease Diet
Limit salt intake. Consuming too much sodium can increase your blood pressure, which can be harmful for people with CKD. Try to limit your sodium intake by avoiding processed foods and adding flavor to food with herbs and spices instead of salt.
Limit the amount of protein you consume. Too much protein can put a strain on your kidneys and make them work harder than necessary. It's important to talk to a doctor or dietitian about how much protein is appropriate for you specifically, as it will vary from person to person depending on their overall health.
Choose complex carbs over simple carbs. Your body needs carbohydrates for energy, but complex carbs like whole grains are better for your health than simple carbs like white bread or white rice because they are digested more slowly and provide more sustained energy.
Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats. Eating too much-saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels, which is bad for heart health and can also be detrimental to kidney function if left unchecked. Trans fats should be avoided altogether because they have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, both of which can worsen CKD symptoms if not managed properly.
Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can cause dehydration and make it difficult for your kidneys to filter waste from your body effectively, leading to further complications down the line if not managed properly. Talk with your doctor about what an appropriate intake might look like for you individually before making any adjustments in this area of your lifestyle regimen.
Talk to a doctor about potassium and phosphorus. Potassium and phosphorus are two minerals that are essential for proper kidney function. However, when someone has CKD, their bodies may not process them effectively enough on their own. Supplementation may be necessary for them to maintain normal levels in the bloodstream. Talk with a medical professional before adding them to your chronic kidney disease diet.
A healthy lifestyle is important when managing chronic kidney disease. Incorporating these dietary recommendations into yours is a great place to start. You should also consider working with a nutritionist who specializes in chronic kidney diseases so they can help create an individualized plan that works best for you based on your current health needs. This way, you know that all food choices being made are informed by expert advice tailored specifically towards helping manage CKD symptoms long-term! When you are ready to create your chronic kidney disease diet, visit Swap Health and get a personal certified nutritionist today! To learn more about the benefits of an Online Nutrition Coach Click here.
