What foods should a kidney disease patient avoid?

The life of kidney patients is quite a challenging one; their kidneys will not get any better, due to which they need to be apprehensive about their diet. Because even regular homemade food can trigger some severe physical complications that can give a spike to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and high protein levels, which, if not controlled, can stir up some chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, brain tumor, stroke, and even heart attack in severe cases.

How bad can food affect your kidneys' functioning?

Your fist-sized kidneys perform many pertinent roles. They're in charge for.

Purifying your blood from waste products and other excessive substances must be flushed out from the body in time.
Your kidneys hold back protein from seeping out from the body via urine.
Your kidneys keep the level of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and salt in proportionate amounts.
Your kidneys regulate the production of red blood cells in your body.
Your kidneys produce an active form of vitamin D, which keeps your bones strong and healthy.

Which Foods Do Not Help To Repair Weak Kidneys?

The increased consumption of certain foods supplemented with trans fat, carbohydrates, salt, and spices can toll your kidneys' functioning. Junk foods if over consumed, which makes them hard to cut out by your kidneys. Your kidneys need to overwork to flush out excessive amounts of fat, carbs, salt, and spices out from the body. Because of being overworked, your kidneys get damaged or develop inflammation, leading to complete loss of your kidneys' functioning. Therefore, it's essential to be apprehensive about your diet to keep your kidneys strong and healthy throughout your life.

What foods should kidney patients eat?

A person suffering from chronic kidney disease needs to follow a specially curated kidney-friendly diet plan low in sodium, protein, and phosphorus. Here we've listed some food items that will not only keep your kidneys healthy but will also help you to maintain a healthy weight which includes the following-

Garlic

Dairy products such as paneer, dahi, cheese, butter, and buttermilk are high in potassium and phosphorus that too can be bad for kidney patients. The deposition of phosphorus on your bones can suck calcium from the bones, making them weak and vulnerable to fracture.

Cloves of garlic are the best alternative to salt. Apart from being the spine of every Indian cuisine, garlic can also be used as a medicinal herb, as they are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away", that's correct! Apples are nutrient-dense with vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K, which effectively lowers your cholesterol and glucose levels.

Onion

Compromising your salt intake can be challenging, especially when you have any kidney-related problem. Like garlic, onion is also a good alternative of salt, providing sodium-free flavor to your kidney-friendly dishes. Onions are low in potassium and have potent antioxidants that can lower your risk of having heart problems and protect against cancer.

Strawberries

Strawberries can be highly beneficial for those suffering from any type of kidney problem. Strawberries are supplemented with vitamins, fiber and also rich in antioxidants while having less potassium.

What foods should kidney patients avoid?

Do not add these foods to your diet plan if you have bad kidneys. The foods listed below have high amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and salt, which can act as a slow poison for your kidneys and permanently disrupt your kidneys' functioning. Here we've listed some fruits which you need to avoid if you want to keep your kidneys strong and healthy throughout your life-

Dark-colored cola

Sodas with artificial flavors and preservatives have high amounts of phosphorus (50- 100mg), which is a big no for kidney patients. You can switch to natural juices to satisfy your cravings.

Processed or canned foods

Canned foods or processed foods contain tons of salt for preservation. So, always try to avoid canned foods and carry your own homemade food if you're traveling.

Whole white bread

Bread might have higher fiber content but is also rich in phosphorus (57mg) and potassium (69mg) which unfortunately counters its good properties. How much bread you should eat depends on how much percentage of kidney functioning you have left with.

Brown rice

Brown rice might be the best alternative for white rice if you're on a weight-loss mission, but it's a big no for a renal diet. Brown rice also contains high amounts of potassium and phosphorus, which can induce pressure on your kidneys. One cup of brown rice has around 150 mg of phosphorus and 154 mg of potassium.

Dairy products