According to the American Kidney Fund, more than one in every seven American adults has chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, most don’t realize they have it until it’s too late. Dieting is a great way to improve your health. Like any other organ, kidneys are affected by your food intake.
Here are a few dietary changes to keep your kidneys healthy.
Tip 1: Start Plate Portioning
We recommend using the MyPlate technique at every meal as a general rule: half of your plate should include vegetables and fruits, one-quarter lean protein, and one-quarter healthy grains.
Tip 2: Limit Your Salt Consumption
Limiting your salt consumption aids in the regulation of your blood pressure. If you are at risk of or already have high blood pressure, we recommend starting with a low-sodium diet.
Tip 3: Watch Out for Protein Intake
Whether you have CKD or not, choosing healthy protein sources and watching your portion levels can be of great benefit. Protein-rich foods include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and so on.
Tip 4: Choose Your Carbs Right
Simple carbohydrates, such as added sugars in sweets, sweetened beverages, and many packaged meals, can cause blood sugar spikes and raise the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Make sure to choose carbs that provide energy rather than take it away.
Tip 5: Control Your Alcohol Intake
Both men and women should limit themselves to one alcoholic beverage every day. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, that’s 12 ounces of ordinary beer, 5 ounces of wine, or one shot glass of distilled spirits.
Start Your Diet Now
Making dietary adjustments might be difficult. If you’re having trouble sticking to a healthy diet, a registered dietitian can devise a meal plan that’s personalized to your specific requirements.
