Protect your Kidneys in 10 Simple Ways

Most people know how to protect their heart (eat less fat, exercise more), but do you know how to care for your kidneys? A diabetic patient of mine thought he was healthy until a test showed that his kidneys were only functioning at 40-percent capacity.

The kidneys’ job is to help remove various toxins (drugs and food wastes), and expel them through the urine. The kidneys are silent and efficient workers, but if they get sick, the whole body suffers.

As we grow older, our kidneys also start to age, hence the need to protect them. Another problem with kidney disease is that majority of patients have no warning symptoms. Occasionally, some patients may notice leg swelling, which prompts a doctor’s consult.

Here, we have summarized the 10 best ways to protect your kidneys:

1. Limit your salt intake. Too much salt is not only bad for your blood pressure, it’s also bad for your kidneys. Many Filipinos die of kidney disease, which can be partly attributed to our high salt intake and fondness for fish sauce, soy sauce, plain salt, and salted fish. Even our instant noodles, chips, and nuts are teeming with salt. According to Dr. Montemayor, it doesn’t matter if you dilute your soup with lots of water. As long as you drink all the soup, you’ll still get all the salt in it. Hence, if you like eating instant noodles, just use half of the seasoning and add half of the water only. The problem with salt is that it encourages the body to retain water, and can increase your blood pressure (which damages the kidneys). Learn to read nutritional labels and limit eating salty foods.

2. Don’t load up on high-protein foods. Did you know that eating too much protein, such as pork and beef meat, can overwork your kidneys? It’s true. Being a kidney specialist and physiology professor, Dr. Montemayor explains that too much protein makes the kidneys work twice as hard. Her analogy is: If the kidney’s usual activity level is similar to a person walking, then taking in too much protein can force the kidneys to be “running” on high gear. Pretty soon, your kidneys could get tired and some of the weaker kidney cells can die. A friendly reminder to people on a high-protein Atkin’s Diet or South Beach Diet: Don’t overwork your kidneys. The time-tested doctor’s advice of moderation in everything will serve you well. Eat a balanced diet of rice, vegetables, fish, and fruits and you can’t go wrong.

3. Keep your blood pressure at 130/80 or lower. If your blood pressure is above 140 over 90, this can cause kidney damage within five years. The kidneys are said to be “happiest” with a blood pressure of 130/80 or lower. To help control your blood pressure, you should limit your salt intake, reduce weight, and take medicines for high blood pressure, if needed.

4. Keep your blood sugar below 120 mg/dl. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure. Diabetes affects almost all organs of the body. According to Dr. Montemayor, a person with uncontrolled diabetes for five to 10 years may develop significant kidney damage. Consult your doctor and keep your blood sugar under control with diet, exercise, and maintenance medicines. Our two goals are to have 1) a fasting blood sugar of 120 mg/dl or less, and 2) a hemoglobin A1C test (three-month average blood sugar test) of six percent or less.

5. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Doctors usually advise people to take in eight glasses of water a day, but this really depends on your age and condition. If you’re sweating a lot and work outdoors, you may need to drink more than eight glasses a day. However, if you are above 65 years of age, you may do well with just six glasses a day. Drinking enough water also prevents the formation of kidney stones, a painful condition which, if left untreated, can also lead to kidney failure.

6. Watch your intake of pain relievers and other drugs. Dr. Montemayor says that taking pain relievers like mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, and the coxibs (like celecoxib) for a prolonged period of time may cause kidney damage. Because of this, we should limit taking these medicines to only a week, or just take them as needed. After taking these pain relievers, we need to let our kidneys rest first (from all its running and puffing) before taking the medicines again. For those with chronic arthritis, try to look for other ways to relieve the pain such as using a hot water bag, pain reliever ointments, or the safer paracetamol tablet. Certain antibiotics can also cause kidney damage. Check with your doctor first.

7. Be careful with tests and procedures using contrast dyes. Some tests, like CT acans and MRIs, use a contrast dye which helps doctors delineate the organs better. Many procedures, such as heart angioplasties and some cancer treatments, also use ample amounts of contrast dyes. The problem with such dyes is that they can cause kidney damage, especially in the elderly and those with previous kidney disease. Dr. Montemayor says there are studies, which support the use of fluid loading (200-300 ml orally or through the vein), before such a procedure. Another promising kidney-protecting technique is to take a medicine called Fluimucil (containing N-acetylcysteine) two days before and up to two days after the procedure (as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, June 29, 2006). To be safe, I would strongly advise you to consult a kidney specialist before undergoing such procedures.

8. Don’t take too much vitamin C. Some patients are fond of taking high doses of vitamin C, such as in the 2,000mg range. However, Dr. Montemayor warns patients against using such high doses. Too much vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can lead to the formation of kidney stones in predisposed individuals. If you need to take vitamin C, a dose of 500mg or less is safer.

9. Don’t rely on food supplements to protect your kidneys. According to Dr. Montemayor, there is still no food supplement that has been scientifically proven to protect the kidneys. The above tips are so far the best tips to care for the kidneys.

10. Get a kidney check-up. Simple tests, such as a complete blood count, BUN, creatinine, and a urinalysis are the first screening tests for the kidneys. Finding a trace of protein in the urine can alert the doctor of possible kidney disease. Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure should also be checked for early kidney disease. Bottom line is: Kidney diseases are expensive and difficult to treat. Let’s take the necessary steps to protect our kidneys today.

Source: MIND YOUR BODY By Willie T. Ong, MD (The Philippine Star) Updated June 21, 2011 

Super foods for Kidney Health. . .

Most of us know that eating a balanced diet is important for good health. Now scientists have pinpointed certain foods as super foods. In addition to promoting overall health, these are foods for kidney health as well.

If you are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you'll be glad to know that there are lots of super foods, containing antioxidants and other health-supporting properties, included in the kidney diet. People with kidney disease experience more inflammation and have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without kidney problems. If you have kidney disease, it's important that you consult a renal dietitian and follow a kidney diet. Including super foods in your kidney diet eating plan can help you increase your intake of nutrients and antioxidants.

Here’s a list of the top kidney-friendly super foods. These foods are good for everyone, not just people with kidney disease, so by using them in your family's meals, you'll be helping your loved ones enjoy good health too.

Cauliflower

Another kidney-friendly super food is cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable brings lots of vitamin C to your plate, along with folate and fiber. In addition it contains compounds that help your liver neutralize toxic substances.

Cauliflower can be eaten raw with dip or in salads. Steamed or boiled, it can be seasoned and turned into a great side dish. You can even mash cauliflower as a dialysis-friendly replacement for mashed potatoes.

Cabbage

Crunchy cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable filled with phytochemicals, chemical compounds found in certain fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals work to break apart free radicals. Many phytochemicals are believed to combat cancer and support cardiovascular health. Inexpensive cabbage is a great addition to your eating plan, because it's also high in vitamins K and C, high in fiber and a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid, yet it's low in potassium, so it's especially kidney-friendly.

If you're following the dialysis diet, add cabbage by turning it into coleslaw or use as a topping for fish tacos. Other nutritious meal options include cabbage rolls and stuffed cabbage.

Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are a good choice for those concerned about kidney health, because they're low in potassium. In addition, they add color and taste to any dish, while packing a generous portion of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and fiber. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which protects against certain types of cancer. If you're following the kidney diet, it's easy to add red bell peppers to your food plan.

Garlic

Garlic is good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It also has antioxidant and anti-clotting properties. (Cooking garlic will not affect its antioxidant properties, but it will reduce its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory effects.)

If you're following the dialysis diet, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt to add extra flavor to your meals without adding extra sodium. Garlic can be used in cooking many dishes: meat, vegetables or tomato sauce, for instance. Once you start cooking with garlic, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Onion

Onion is full of flavonoids, particularly quercetin. Flavonoids are natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels and add pigmentation (color) to plants. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help reduce heart disease and protect against many forms of cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Low in potassium, onions are not only kidney-friendly; they also contain chromium, a mineral that assists your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. 

Apples

An apple a day really does help keep the doctor away! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, apples help reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and decrease your risk of cancer. Renal-friendly apples can be eaten raw or cooked. Or get their health benefits by drinking apple juice or cider.

Cranberries

Cranberries are great for preventing urinary tract infections, because they make urine more acidic and help keep bacteria from attaching to the inside of the bladder. They've also been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease.

Although we think of cranberries as a holiday side dish, cranberry juice can be enjoyed daily for added nutrition. Or toss a handful of dried cranberries into your cereal or salad.

Blueberries

These tasty berries get their blue color from antioxidant compounds called anthocyanidins. Blueberries get high marks for nutrition, thanks to natural compounds that reduce inflammation and lots of vitamin C and fiber. They also contain manganese, which contributes to healthy bones.

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in two types of antioxidants, plus they contain lots of vitamin C, manganese and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and also help keep your heart healthy.

 

Cherries

Cherries are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect your heart. When eaten daily, they have been shown to reduce inflammation. 

Fresh cherries make a delicious snack. Of course, cherry pie is a popular dessert, but there's also cherry crisp, cherry cheesecake and even cherry coffee cake. Cherry sauce makes a nice accompaniment to lamb or pork.

Egg whites

Did you know that egg whites are pure protein? They provide the highest quality protein there is, along with all of the essential amino acids. If you're on the kidney diet, it's good to note that egg whites have less phosphorus than other protein sources, such as egg yolks or meats. .

Fish

Another high-quality source of protein is fish. Both the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend that you include fish in your meal plan two or three times a week. Besides being a great source of protein, fish contains anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. These healthy fats help prevent diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They also help lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (the good cholesterol).

The types of fish that have the most omega-3s are salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, herring and rainbow trout.

Summary

If you're concerned about the health of your own kidneys — or somebody else's — these super foods for kidney health should be on your grocery-shopping list. Ask a renal dietitian for help including them in your kidney-friendly meal plan if you have chronic kidney disease. When buying fruits and vegetables, get the freshest ones you can find and be sure to include a variety, since some are rich in one nutrient and others are rich in another. If you can only find fruits that are not at their peak, the flavor may be lessened, but you'll still get good nutritional value from them for your kidney health.

Sorce: yourkidneys.com