Dietary Guidelines to Prevent and Manage Kidney Disorders

Diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer are familiar terms to most of us, even children have heard people mention these names. They are the most commonly discussed disease conditions or health problems of our day. Lately however kidney problems have become more common and the word dialysis is discussed too. It is wise for us to be familiar with kidney problems and know how to help elderly family members who are struggling with this condition. Also we must try to take certain precautions with ourselves and our children so that those conditions which can be passed down genetically can be prevented or delayed or managed wisely if already set in.

In kidney disorders the kidneys cease to function normally and waste products and excess water build up in the body disrupting the chemical balance of the blood. The condition may take two forms acute kidney failure or chronic kidney failure. It is advisable that when a routine blood test or health check is being done, we also ask for the levels of blood urea, creatinine and uric acid to be tested. Blood urea should be below 25 mg/dl, creatinine below 1.0 mg/dl, uric acid below 5.0 mg/dl for women and below 6.0 mg/dl for men.

The treatment for kidney failure involves first reversing or slowing the damage and then with treatment and diet control restoring the balance of the chemicals of the blood. People suffering from B.P problems, gout, kidney stones, diabetes and high blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides and thyroid disorders in the age group of 30’s and 40’s must be very, very careful about their water intake, weight control and regular walking.

Water must be a measured 2.5 liters to 3 liters, weight must be brought down to ideal with a balanced diet plan, any fad diets will damage the kidneys further. The habit of regular and steady walking must be inculcated.

Those who are diagnosed with acute renal failure will be treated with drugs, dialysis or transplant and advised to follow a strict diet plan for the next 3-6 months. Those with chronic renal failure will also be advised drugs and dialysis depending on certain chemical levels in the body.

The aim of treatment in to slow down the progression of the disease. In some cases if diabetes and blood pressure are controlled the kidney deterioration can be reduced. The foods to be avoided are

1. Beans, greens, peas, veg soups
2. Cheese, paneer
3. Chocolate, nuts, coconut
4. Papad, pickles and chutneys
5. Red meat and non- veg soups.

If you are young and have been diagnosed with mild diabetes, B.P, heart disease, thyroid or kidney problems the doctor may also put you on mild medication. Many when taking medication feel that it is then safe to eat as they wish. If they do this, the above mentioned diseases may be controlled but inside the body, slowly but surely the kidneys start getting damaged and this may be irreversibly damaged and then life can be very painful and difficult.