Kidney Diet

What is the kidney diet?

Your kidneys filter unused chemicals and minerals from your blood, including sodium, potassium, and phosphates. If you have kidney disease, your body's ability to clean your blood declines. 

You can protect your health and kidneys by following a low-fat and low-salt diet, to reduce stress on these vital organs. The kidney diet includes:

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are your body's primary energy source, providing the fuel your body needs for autonomic functions like breathing and digestion as well as energy for physical activity. 

You need a mix of complex and simple carbohydrates, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A varied diet provides the vitamins and other nutrients your body needs for optimal health and function. 

Protein

Your body uses protein to build muscle, repair tissue, and create antibodies to protect you from disease. 

You need to consume some protein for optimal body function. However, if you have late-stage kidney disease, your kidneys can't process protein waste efficiently, so you need to reduce the amount of protein in your diet. 

Fats

Fats help your body make hormones and transport vitamins and other nutrients. As with protein, you need to consume some fats to help your body function and protect your health. 

You should carefully monitor your intake, as too much fat in your diet can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, which also contribute to kidney disease. 

Why should I follow the kidney diet?

Proper nutrition is critical for everyone. However, if you have kidney disease, a nutritious, kidney-friendly diet is essential to protecting your health and helping your body function correctly. Following a kidney diet, helps you avoid overtaxing your kidneys. 

For example, your kidneys filter excess sodium, potassium, and phosphates from your blood. If you consume food with too much of these minerals, you increase your risk of high blood pressure, edema, fluid overload, and other painful and dangerous complications. 

How do I know what to eat if I have kidney disease?

The team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center offers personalized nutritional counseling and support. They educate you about the best foods to include in your meal plans and those to avoid. 

The team also offers routine blood testing to monitor your health for signs of excess sodium, cholesterol, and other potentially dangerous substances. Your doctor can help you adjust your diet and other treatments as needed to protect your health. 

Call Houston Kidney Specialists Center or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about the kidney diet and how it can help manage and improve your health.