You already know your kidneys are vital organs for your health. They’re responsible for many functions, from processing body waste to making hormones. But are you doing everything you can to make kidney health a top priority?
Understanding CKD and Its Symptoms
March is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) awareness month. CKD occurs when kidney functions gradually diminish over time. It is often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, but it may also be connected to other diseases as well. As with many health issues, early detection of CKD is important.
Symptoms of CKD can include:
- Low energy; feeling tired frequently
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle cramping at night
- More frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- A poor appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Dry, itchy skin
If you are experiencing these symptoms and have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney failure, contact your physician right away to discuss your risk for CKD.
Manage Kidney Health with a Kidney-Friendly Diet
If you have CKD or are at risk for CKD, improving your kidney health starts with a healthy diet. A kidney-friendly diet typically includes minimizing your intake of certain minerals and fluids to help prevent excessive waste and fluid build-up that might further damage your kidneys. It’s important to keep in mind that each person’s situation is different, so be sure to talk with your physician or dietician about the best plan for you before making drastic changes.
Your doctor might recommend that you limit the following to help improve kidney health and function:
- Potassium: While some potassium is good for you, too much can be dangerous, especially if your kidneys are damaged and unable to process the potassium well.
- Phosphorus: Important to bone health, but when your kidneys aren’t working properly, phosphorus can build up in your blood and weaken your bones.
- Fluids: Damaged kidneys are unable to process fluids as well as healthy kidneys, which can lead to a build-up of fluids that can result in high blood pressure or impact heart or lung health. Your doctor may recommend cutting back on fluids as well as foods that contain a lot of fluid.
Recommended foods for a kidney-friendly diet include:
- Fruits like apples, cranberries, strawberries, and pineapple
- Cauliflower, radishes, peppers, lettuce
- White bread, tortillas, pita bread, sourdough bread
- Corn or rice cereals, or cream of wheat
- Unsalted popcorn
- White rice
- Chicken and beef
Foods to avoid:
- Bananas, melons, oranges, avocados
- Spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, potatoes
- Granola and bran products, including bran cereals and oatmeal
- Nuts and sunflower seeds
- Brown or wild rice
- Beans
Your physician or dietitian will advise you on your fluid intake based on your individual situation, as well as vitamins or other dietary supplements to ensure you get the nutrition you need while managing your kidney health.
If you’re ready to take the next step in getting in front of your CKD and improving your kidney health, contact us to schedule an appointment.
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