The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining good health and proper bodily function. Every 30 minutes, they work to remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body. Additionally, they help regulate blood pressure, signal the production of red blood cells, keep bones healthy, and balance blood chemicals vital for life.¹ According to the National Library of Medicine in an online article titled, Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of Diet for a Reduction in the Severity of the Disease, “About thirty-seven million US adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is more than one in seven. Even more astonishing, nine in ten adults do not know they have the disease, and half of the adults with little kidney function who are not on dialysis are unaware they have CKD.”² CKD often goes undiagnosed due to lack of apparent symptoms.
How to check your kidney health:
Understanding how your kidneys function is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle that meets your specific needs. Regular physical exams can help detect any signs of kidney disease by checking various indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, swelling, pain, and skin changes. These exams can sometimes reveal subtle symptoms of kidney issues. It is recommended to have a physical exam every 1-2 years if you are between 20 and 50 years old, and annually if you are over 60.
If you suspect that something might be wrong with your kidney function, you can ask your primary care doctor for a urine test. Be alert for symptoms such as foamy or bubbly urine, blood in the urine, swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or face, excessive fatigue, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs, itching or rashes, and anemia caused by a low red blood cell count.³ Keep in mind that these symptoms could also indicate different underlying conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If you have a medical condition or a family history of kidney disease, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring, including blood pressure checks and urine tests during your office visits. Early detection of kidney disease can help slow or prevent the progression to kidney failure.
Who is at risk?
Certain medical conditions or lifestyle habits can make individuals more at risk for CDK. This includes:³
Type 1 or 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Inherited kidney disease (polycystic)
Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract (kidney stones, enlarged prostate and some cancers)
Recurrent kidney infection
Conditions that cause kidney inflammation
Heart disease
Smoking
Obesity
Older age
Frequent use of medications that damage the kidneys
Alcoholism
What if I have or am at risk for kidney disease?
If you discover that you have kidney disease or are at risk due to conditions affecting your kidneys, there are habits you can adopt to promote kidney health, such as following the renal diet. The renal diet is specifically designed for individuals with kidney disease. Before diving into the details of the renal diet, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider if you do not have kidney disease but have a condition that impacts your kidneys. They can help you determine whether this diet would be beneficial for you. However, if you do not have kidney disease or any related conditions, the renal diet is not recommended, as it restricts certain nutrients that are essential for your overall health.
What is the renal diet?
A renal diet aims to decrease the amount of waste in the blood by limiting sodium, phosphorus, and protein intake. Individuals with compromised kidney function have difficulty removing these waste products from their blood, so reducing specific nutrients in their diet can help preserve kidney function. Additionally, some patients may also need to limit their intake of potassium and calcium.⁴ Since each person's body is unique, it is essential for each patient to collaborate with a renal dietitian to create a diet tailored to their specific needs.
Key points about the renal diet:⁴
Limit processed foods and limit sodium intake to 400 mg per meal and 150 mg per snack.
Restrict milk and dairy products to a total of 8 oz per day.
Limit potassium-rich foods, including fish, citrus juices, beans, spinach, potatoes, bananas, and avocados.
Manage protein intake according to the stage of CKD you are currently in.
Fluid control is crucial for individuals in the later stages of CKD. Only drink the amount that your doctor recommends, including any food that can melt at room temperature and fluids used in cooking.
Avoid high-phosphorus foods, such as meat, fast food, seeds, milk, canned fish, cola, and cheese.
Focus on fresh, high-quality whole foods, including lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you're unsure where to begin, consider starting a food journal. Make it a habit to pay close attention to food labels, and work with your doctor and renal dietitian to understand the specific portions and dietary recommendations tailored to your unique needs and the stage of CKD you are in.
What about vitamins and supplements?
When following a renal diet or taking medications for CKD, you may need to add vitamins to your daily routine to compensate for any deficiencies in your diet. It's important to avoid herbal remedies and over-the-counter nutritional supplements unless your healthcare provider or CKD dietitian recommends them. Below is a list of vitamins that you may need to take, as well as those that should be avoided.
Recommended Supplements⁵
Depending on your health and other factors, your healthcare provider may recommend the following vitamins:
B Complex: works to help prevent anemia
Other B Vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin may assist your body in converting food into usable energy.
Iron: If you are taking a medication to prevent anemia, you may need to add an iron supplement. Only take iron if your healthcare provider prescribes it to you.
Vitamin C: Supports healthy tissue and promotes faster healing from wounds, bruises and infections. Since the renal diet lacks nutrients, your healthcare provider may recommend this.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones. Your healthcare provider may prescribe this to you in the later stages of CKD. You should only take this supplement if your healthcare provider tells you to.
Supplements to Avoid⁵
Fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, E, D and K: These vitamins are likely to do more harm than good by building up in your body which can cause issues over time.
If you are living with CKD, the renal diet may be beneficial for you. If you have a higher risk of developing kidney disease, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and stay informed about the vitamins you should include in your diet. You can find high-quality vitamins at your local pharmacy. Don’t hesitate to ask our pharmacy team how we can support your health journey.
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