Diets for Kidney Disease
A selection of menu called diets for kidney disease consists of healthy food sources that address the
imbalances inside the body as brought about by the damaged kidneys. Acutely, the kidneys fail because of 3 main
causes. First is the pre-renal cause which traces the cause outside of the kidneys.
Constriction of the veins going to the kidneys, low blood volume and etc. might obstruct proper circulation or
blood flow to the kidneys and impeding the kidneys’ role as filter. Second is the Intra-renal cause which is
brought about by an inflammation within the kidneys, blood transfusion reactions and others. This too hinders the
proper functioning of the kidneys. Lastly, the post-renal cause which includes renal calculi or calcium stones,
urinary tract infection, or prostatic tumors.
As mentioned in the overview, a kidney healthy diet needs to address the imbalances of the body
following renal damage. So, for acutely affected individuals who belong to the pre-renal cause category, it is best
not to take in vasoconstricting substances in food such as coffee, tea, energy drinks and the like. It is also best
to avoid smoking if not, quit. Eat foods rich in iron such as broccoli, cabbages, and other green leafy vegetables
and drink lots of water (about 2-3L per day). This will help the body cope up with a decreased blood volume.
For those who belong to the second category, intra-renal cause, it is best to consult your doctor first about this
since anti-inflammatory agents might be needed for this type of inflammations.
Some helpful tips on following diets for kidney disease:
It would also be considerable to eat food high in albumin such as egg whites. This will increase oncotic
pressure inside the veins and absorb more water from the inflamed area. There are two diet choices for renal
calculi patients so that the stone will not completely block the urinary tract and cause post-renal acute renal
failure. Acid ash diet for calcium and struvite renal stones, and Alkaline ash diet for uric acid and cystein renal
stones. For the former, meats, eggs, cranberry juice, plums, prune juice, and ascorbic acid. This is to acidify the
urine and help expel the renal stones. For the latter, milk, vegetables and fruits will gradually dissolve renal
stones as the urine is alkalinized or made non-acidic.
Diets for kidney disease
A kidney healthy diet would not be complete without proper exercise and lifestyle modification. Exercise
burns the excess fat and calories that your body does not necessarily need (unless of course you are facing great
famine). Exercise also improves body circulation which will contribute to greater oxygen perfusion and normal body
functioning, kidneys included! Also, modify your lifestyle by drinking less alcohol and control or just quit
smoking. Most conditions are reversible if you cut the main root of the problem which is mainly found in the
lifestyle you are living.
Most importantly, don’t forget to drink lots and lots of water. This is one central theme if youre
following diets for kidney disease. Water keeps your bodies hydrated keeping the necessary chemical reactions
going on in your body in harmony.
Resources:
Diet for Kidney Disease
Polycystic Kidney Disease Diet
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