Benefits Of Stinging Nettle
Nettle has been also used as a diuretic to remove excess water from the body and to treat urinary tract infection. It is also used to flush bacteria out of the kidney and the urinary tract. Nettle is anti-inflammatory and also high in oxidants.
Make a routineto drink nettle tea, and also drink an extra glass of water along with thenettle tea as it will help the kidney to flush out all the waste and excesswater. However, nettle tea is notrecommended for pregnant women because due to its allergic reaction it mayincrease the risk of miscarriage.
Benefits Of Dandelion Tea
Its anti-inflammatory effect helps to dissolve the kidney stones. It is a good source of vitamin A, B complex. C, D, E, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc.
The root of Dandelion is often dried up and consumed as a tea but this whole plant is highly nutritious and edible loaded with vitamin, minerals, and fibers. The root of dandelion is rich in carbohydrate inulin that is a type of soluble fiber and helps in the growth and maintenance of healthy bacterial flora in the intestinal tract.
Drinking Dandelion tea will help to cleanse your kidney and maintain its healthy working.
Why Is Knowing About Sodium Important For Someone With Advanced Ckd
Too much sodium in a person’s diet can be harmful because it causes blood to hold fluid. People with CKD need to be careful not to let too much fluid build up in their bodies. The extra fluid raises blood pressure and puts a strain on the heart and kidneys. A dietitian can help people find ways to reduce the amount of sodium in their diet. Nutrition labels provide information about the sodium content in food. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises that healthy people should limit their daily sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams , the amount found in 1 teaspoon of table salt. People who are at risk for a heart attack or stroke because of a condition such as high blood pressure or kidney disease should limit their daily sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg. Choosing sodium-free or low-sodium food products will help them reach that goal.
Sodium is found in ordinary table salt and many salty seasonings such as soy sauce and teriyaki sauce. Canned foods, some frozen foods, and most processed meats have large amounts of salt. Snack foods such as chips and crackers are also high in salt.
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Boost Your Fiber Intake
When your gut metabolizes fiber, it creates beneficial compounds that improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation-two factors important for kidney health, says Carrero. This process also reduces the production of toxins that are damaging to kidneys, he adds. In fact, a study published in the British Journal of Nutritionfound that for every 5 grams of fiber people reported eating each day , their risk of developing CKD dropped by 11%.
Tip: Eat What You Can When You Can
Since most people who are going through kidney cancer treatment suffer with nausea and appetite loss and experience unintentional weight loss, its extremely important that they eat what they can, when they can. The American Cancer Society encourages eating whatever appeals to you at the moment because for some people, the options are limited in terms of what they can stomach.
The main thing during treatment is to really maintain weight, says Sandquist to Everyday Health. During treatment is not the time to be watching your weight or avoiding certain foods that cause weight gain. In fact, patients are often encouraged to indulge in high-calorie foods like peanut butter, milkshakes, sauces, gravies, cheeses, and whole milk.
To ensure that youre eating enough, try eating smaller meals throughout the day. You may find it helps to eat small portions every 2 to 3 hours, writes American Cancer Society. Try to keep in mind that these problems usually improve over time. You can ask your doctor about seeing a dietitian, or an expert in nutrition to help you through the process.
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Easy To Add To Your Diet
Macadamia nuts are found in most supermarkets but can also be ordered online. Theyre versatile and easy to incorporate into most diets.
In general, raw macadamia nuts are the healthiest form. Dry-roasted ones provide a good alternative if you dont have the time to roast them yourself, but try to stay away from oil-roasted versions, which contain unnecessary added fats.
You can snack on whole macadamia nuts, grind and sprinkle them onto soups and warm dishes, or swap them for croutons in salads.
Macadamia butter is another way to enjoy this nut. Like peanut butter, it can be spread on bread, crackers, and fruit slices, or added to oatmeal or yogurt.
Finally, these nuts can be soaked and ground into a paste to make dairy-free cheese or milk. This paste can also provide a base for various desserts.
Macadamia nuts can be stored at room temperature for one to five months, ideally in an airtight container. Storing them in your refrigerator will keep them fresh even longer up to one year .
Summary Macadamia nuts are a versatile addition to most diets. They can be eaten whole, ground, raw, roasted, or as a nut butter and make for an interesting addition to main courses, snacks, and desserts.
The Best Foods To Increase Kidney Function
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Your kidneys are natural filters, removing harmful waste material from your bloodstream and balancing your bodys fluids. In most people, a healthful, balanced diet will keep the kidneys working smoothly. Medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, however, may compromise your kidneys health and require you to make dietary changes. Identifying foods and beverages that contribute to optimal kidney health may boost their function, but be sure to ask your doctor or dietitian about the best regimen for your specific needs.
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Foods That Can Help Protect Your Kidneys
More than 1 in 7 U.S. adults have damage that keeps these crucial organs from doing their job. But these dietary tweaks can help keep your kidneys going strong.
For all of the hard work they do-filtering out waste, regulating blood pressure, converting vitamin D into its usable form-your kidneys might not get the love they deserve. An estimated 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease , a condition that prevents the organs from functioning properly and can lead to heart disease, stroke and early death. And 9 in 10 affected people don’t know they have it. Diabetes, high blood pressure and age all increase your risk for CKD. But there are some simple ways to lower your odds of the disease or slow its progression, says Juan Jesus Carrero, Ph.D., who studies kidney disease at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Here are four smart habits to adopt.
The Best Foods For Kidney Health
Kidneys are small organs located underneath the rib cage, on each side of the spine. They are responsible for filtering waste out of the blood and excreting it out of the body through urine. Kidneys also balance the bodys fluid and electrolyte levels and play a significant role in overall health. Some foods may boost the performance of the kidneys, while others may place stress on them and cause damage. Eating foods rich in certain vitamins and nutrients may help the kidneys function properly and prevent damage to them. However, some foods that generally help support healthy kidneys may not be suitable for people who have an existing kidney disease. Check with your doctor or dietitian if you have an existing condition to find out which foods are best for you.
1. Dark leafy greens
Dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, chard, and collard greens are loaded with vitamins A and C, calcium, and many other important minerals. Kale also is a significant source of carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin K. Spinach is high in vitamins A, C, K, and folate. The beta-carotene found in spinach is important for boosting your immune system and a good source of magnesium. Try replacing that nutritionally challenged iceberg lettuce with some dark leafy greens.;
2. Berries
3. Cranberries
4. Sweet potatoes
5. Olive oil
6. Fatty fish
7. Cabbage
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How Many Calories Do I Need
Every person is different. Calories are like fuel. If you dont eat enough calories, you body will use protein for energy.; This protein comes from your muscles. This can make you weak and may also cause damage to the kidneys. It is important to make sure you are getting the right amount of calories. The right amounts of calories are important to:
- Help you stay at a healthy weight
- Give you energy to do your daily tasks
- Help your body use the protein in food to build muscle and tissues.;
Too many calories can cause extra weight gain which can be a burden on the kidney. If you are overweight, some weight loss may be beneficial. If weight loss is desired or you have diabetes, you should meet with a dietitian to set up a plan based on your kidney blood tests, current food choices and daily activities.;
Should I be taking any vitamin and mineral supplements?
Most people get enough vitamins and minerals to stay healthy by eating a variety of foods each day. You need to limit some foods because you have kidney disease that would have given you vitamins and minerals. If so, you may need to take special vitamins or minerals. You should only take the vitamins and minerals your dietitian or healthcare provider tells you to take because some may be harmful to people with kidney disease.
Where can I get more information?
Signs And Symptoms Of Kidney Issues
What is renal failure , and what are some symptoms that someone might be experiencing it?;Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys stop working well enough to keep someone alive. This condition is characterized as sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, conserve electrolytes and maintain fluid balance.
Acute kidney injury is the term commonly used to describe patients whose kidneys suddenly stop functioning as they normally should.;Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of normal/healthy kidney function.
Some patients with kidney issues or even kidney disease wont experience any obvious symptoms. However, if sudden failure of the kidneys occurs, this quickly becomes an emergency situation as symptoms tend to progress quickly.
Kidney disease symptoms tend to worsen with time and can begin with:
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- High blood pressure
Kidney failure symptoms normally include:
What increases someones risk for kidney issues?;Risk factors for experiencing kidney disease/kidney failure include:
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Choose Complex Carbs Over Simple Carbs
Carbohydrates are your bodys main source of energy, and those that occur naturally in fresh foods are filled with fiber to support heart and gut health and keep your blood sugar levels steady. However, simple carbs such as added sugars in desserts, sweetened beverages, and many packaged foods can spike blood sugar and increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
As part of an overall healthy diet, you should limit sweets and foods with added sugars , says Maruschak. Healthier carbohydrate choices include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils.
If you have diabetes and are on insulin, you may need to be even more careful about your carbohydrate intake. It is likely that people will need to count carbohydrates at meal times so they can dose their insulin correctly, says Maruschak.
Foods High In Phosphorus To Avoid As Part Of The Renal Diet
If you are looking for foods to avoid with kidney disease, then its important to know where phosphorus can be lurking in your food.
The International Journal of Nephrology says that 1 gram of protein contains 13-15 mg of phosphate. From this, between 30 and 70% is absorbed during the digestion process.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, some phosphorus-rich foods include beef or chicken liver, dairy products, beer, and colas.
The foods to avoid if you have kidney disease are processed foods where phosphorus is added. Phosphorus as a food additive is completely absorbed in the body.
Researchers say that if you have chronic kidney disease, you should avoid processed foods that contain phosphorus additives. In fact, foods containing added phosphorus may have up to 60% more phosphorus than similar-type foods without the additive.
Some foods that may be bad for your kidneys because of added phosphorus include fast foods, convenience foods, processed cheeses, processed meats, and canned sodas.
Most research studies on chronic kidney disease recommend carefully reading the packaging on food labels to avoid phosphorus-rich foods. Medical studies about CKD also recommend to cook meals from scratch as much as possible.
To know what look for, check for any additive with the root word phos in it. Some examples are phosphoric acid, diphosphates, polyphosphates, and phosphates.
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Protein Intake In The Renal Diet
In the later stages of CKD, protein is often restricted in a kidney-friendly diet because phosphorus is found in protein-rich foods.
The journal Kidney International Reports in 2018 published a review on many studies on the effect of protein in chronic kidney disease. Many studies point to the fact that a low-protein diet can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. However, a diet that restricts protein can also lead to malnutrition and other complications. Therefore, the review concluded that dietary counseling and reasonable protein intake reduction is necessary to preserve kidney function in CKD patients.
Limit Saturated Fats And Avoid Trans Fat
Diets that are high in saturated and trans fats increase the risk of heart disease and whats bad for your heart is bad for your kidneys. Heart health and kidney health are interconnected, as the heart constantly pumps blood throughout the body and the kidneys continuously filter the blood in order to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body, Maruschak says.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fats to less than 10 percent of your total daily calories. Main sources include meats, full-fat dairy products, butter, lard, coconut oil, and palm oil, says Maruschak. And try to avoid trans fats, found in baked goods and fried foods. Instead, fill up on heart-healthy unsaturated fats, found in fatty fish, avocados, olives, walnuts, and many types of vegetable oils.
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Foods Low In Sodium That Are Good For The Kidneys
One of the most important aspects of following a renal diet for kidney health is to avoid sodium-rich foods. Salty foods are definitely some of the most important foods to avoid on a kidney-friendly diet.
In general, fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. If you prepare your own food from scratch on a CKD diet, you can easily control the sodium content of food.
To make foods for kidney health tasty and appetizing, you can add various spices and herbs to improve their flavor.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, food substitutes to make food tastier include garlic, black pepper, lemon juice, and onions.
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol harms your kidneys in several ways, explains Maruschak. Its a waste product that your kidneys have to filter out of your blood and it makes your kidneys less efficient. Its dehydrating, which can affect the kidneys ability to regulate your bodys water levels. It can affect your liver function, which in turn can impact blood flow to the kidneys and lead to CKD over time. And a high alcohol intake has been liked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney disease.
Maruschak says both men and women should drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day. Thats 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Its always best to speak with your physician about your alcohol intake, as some people should not be consuming any alcohol at all, she says.
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Eat Lower Protein Foods As Part Of The Renal Diet
A renal diet menu for advanced kidney disease usually involves limiting protein-rich foods.
Studies have shown that one of the reasons to eat lower protein foods to preserve kidney health is that the kidneys metabolize amino acids. A high-protein diet should be avoided with kidney disease as it can lead to an accumulation of toxins. This puts extra strain on the kidneys and can aggravate chronic kidney disease.
However, medical researchers say that restriction of protein in cases of kidney disease should be closely monitored by a doctor or dietitian. This is necessary to help prevent complications of malnutrition.
What Kinds Of Changes Will I Need To Make To My Diet
There is not one eating plan that is right for everyone with kidney disease. What you can or cannot eat may change over time, depending on how much kidney function you have and other factors. Also, if you are following a special diet for diabetes or heart conditions, you will need to continue to follow it as well.
People with kidney disease may need to control the amount of protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium in their diet.;; If your kidney disease gets worse, you may need to limit other nutrients as well. Your dietitian or healthcare provider will tell you if you need to do this based on your blood test results.;
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