Diets to Reverse Disease
Subtitle
Diet to Reverse Kidney Disease
Diet to Reverse Kidney Disease
The kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs that are located near the middle of the person's back, just below the rib cage. Inside each kidney are around a million tiny structures called “nephrons”, which filter blood. These also remove extra water and waste products, which the body releases as urine. Most of the kidney diseases attack and destroy the nephrons, and they leave the kidneys unable to remove wastes. A person faces higher risks of developing kidney disease if they have diabetes, high blood pressure, or has a close family member with kidney disease (Source: Medline Plus).
Here are a number of suggested diets to reverse kidney disease:
Limit Phosphorus and Protein
Healthy kidneys aid in regulating minerals like phosphorus in the person's blood. But if the kidneys are not working properly, the person will eventually have high phosphorus levels in the blood. Excess phosphorous reduces the level of calcium in the blood, which can lead to bone disease. Foods that are high in protein also have high phosphorus levels. This means that a reduced-protein diet can also decrease the amount of waste that builds up in the blood.
Examples of low-phosphorus foods include regular and low-fat cream cheese, rice milk, and refined grains including white bread/cereals, green peas, lean beef/lamb/pork/poultry/fish, ginger ale, root beer, sherbets and frozen fruit pops. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
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Eat Foods That Are Low in Carbohydrates
For those who are overweight or suffering from diabetes and kidney disorders, you may need to limit the amount of carbohydrates you consume. Foods that are low in carbohydrates include fruits, bread, grain and vegetables, honey, hard candies, sugar and jelly, pies, cakes and cookies. Just make sure you talk to your doctor or dietitian before following any diet plan. (Source: Medline Plus)
Low-Potassium Diets Help
While potassium is a mineral that helps keep the nerves and muscles healthy, too much of it can make the heart beat irregularly, or even stop without warning. A diet low in potassium can be very beneficial to kidney sufferers. Low-potassium foods include fruits and vegetables, apples, beans, rice, grapes, cucumber, noodles, lettuce, cereal, carrots, cherries, bread and bread products.
While almost all foods contain potassium, make sure to talk to your doctor or dietitian regarding serving size. (Source: Medical College Wisconsin) It would be helpful too if you reduce your consumption of processed foods like bacon, cold cuts, canned vegetables or soup, and processed dinner mixes.
When a
person is suffering from kidney disease, he or she needs to make significant
changes in their diet, including limiting food, eating low-protein diets,
restricting salt, potassium, phosphorus and other electrolytes, and get enough
calories if they are losing weight. The
person's recommended diet may change over time, especially if the disease gets
worse, or if the individual requires dialysis.
Ask for a referral to a registered dietitian for diet information about kidney
disease. Also ask doctor about what your ideal weight should be, as well as
weigh yourself every morning.
Photo credits:
“English Peas “ by Nickharris/Flickr
“Vegetable Platter “ by AllthingsItalian/Flickr
“Bunch o Grapes” by Ericelfman/Flickr