fbpx

Healthy Kidney Diet 101
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

What should you eat to preserve your kidneys?

Healthy Kidney Diet - Kidney Failure Diet

Monitoring the function of the kidneys is part of the routine medical checkup to ensure good general health. Since the kidneys have different roles and their functional decline may impact other organs in the body, it is important to identify a decline in status early. Nutrition has a huge impact both on the prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease. Keep reading to learn more about the crucial role of your kidneys, the chronic kidney disease categories, what a healthy kidney diet looks like and more. 

What are the kidneys and why are they important?  

The kidneys are two organs located on each side of the backbone. They have a bean shape and are approximately the size of your fist.  

The kidneys are important for: 

  • The elimination of drugs, poisons and metabolic wastes mainly related to the degradation of protein
  • The regulation of the body’s fluid by retaining water into the body or excreting more water into the urine
  • The regulation of the metabolic pH and electrolytes
  • The regulation of the blood pressure
  • The production erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for the stimulation of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells
  • The activation of vitamin D

Inside the kidneys, there are nephrons which are responsible for the above roles. Each of the kidney contains approximately 1 million nephrons. As the function declines, the number of nephrons declines, which makes it harder for the kidneys to achieve their roles. In order to estimate the function of the kidneys, creatinine, a protein found in the blood, is being monitored. Based on the creatinine level, the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is estimated. Below are the chronic kidney disease categories based on the GFR levels: 

  • Stage 1 (GFR >90): Minimal kidney damage, no intervention is required 
  • Stage 2 (GFR 60-89): Mild kidney damage, nutrition intervention focuses on the prevention of further decline in kidney function 
  • Stage 3 (GFR 30-59): Moderate kidney damage, nutrition intervention focuses on the prevention of further decline in kidney function AND the treatment of the comorbidities 
  • Stage 4 (15-29): Severe kidney damage, nutrition intervention focuses on the treatment of the comorbidities AND transplant or dialysis is being considered 
  • Stage 5 (<15): End-stage renal disease, transplant or dialysis is often initiated or moving towards end of life 

    What diet should you follow when you have a low kidney function? 

    Let’s be honest, there is lots of information on the web and unfortunately some of the recommendations out there may be more harmful than beneficial. Frankly, the answer to this question is “It depends”. There is no kidney disease diet that is right for everyone with kidney disease. However, there are some guidelines that can help prevent a decline in kidney function.  

    Manage your blood sugar

    If you have diabetes, make sure your blood sugar stays within the normal range. Hyperglycemia, high blood sugar, is the #1 cause of decline in kidney function.  

    Lower your sodium intake

    The second cause of chronic kidney disease is hypertension. A high blood pressure can damage or weaken the blood vessels in the kidneys resulting in a decline in function. Did you know that roughly 80% of the excess in sodium we eat is from the food we bring from the grocery and not the salt added while cooking? That means that the most control we have is while making choices at the grocery store; choosing lower or no added salt products and choosing fresh produce and proteins can have a huge impact on your health.  

    Increase your fibre

    Fibre is important for good digestion but also to lower the blood cholesterol which ultimately has an impact on the heart health and blood pressure. As described earlier, a high blood pressure is one of the main causes of chronic kidney diseases.  

      The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have a positive impact on the prevention of the decline in kidney function as shown in this handout recently released by BC Renal, the British Columbia Kidney Agency. This style of eating emphasizes fresh foods, more specifically the daily intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and unsaturated fats such as olive oil, regular intake of plant-based protein and fish/seafood and more limited intake of red meats, poultry and dairy.  

      To go back to the “It depends” from earlier, here are the tricky things with chronic kidney disease and diets. We are all unique on how our body reacts. Therefore, nutrients such as protein, potassium and phosphorus may not need to be adjusted at all, may need to be limited or may need to be increased… and this depends on your stage of chronic kidney disease, your comorbidities and even your medication or supplements. A registered dietitian can help individualize the diet that YOU need, one that takes into consideration your level of kidney disease, your lifestyle, and any other health conditions (like heart disease or diabetes) that may also need to be considered. 

      If you or a loved one have a decline in kidney function, don’t hesitate to contact us for support in maintaining a healthy kidney diet. You will do yourself or your loved one a favor and prevent your health to worsen.  

       This article is based on The Essential Guide for Renal Dietitians, 4th edition, 2020, Canadian Association of Nephrology Dietitians (CAND) 

      Looking for support for declining kidney function?

      If you or a loved one have declining kidney function / impaired kidneys and need a Calgary Renal Dietitian or Online Nutritionist that understands what to eat for kidney disease, CONTACT US to learn more.

      Our team of Calgary Dietitians and Online Nutritionists have a range of specialties, so we can find one that works for you.

      Book an appointment for an in-person or online meeting! 

      Interested in learning more about a healthy kidney diet and nutrition for your kidneys? Check these blog posts out:

      Print Friendly, PDF & Email

      As seen in

      •  

      Success stories

      "I am a psychologist in private practice and it is very important to me that my clients have the best care with other health care professionals. For that reason Health Stand Nutrition is my only source for exceptional Dietitians. Andrea and her team provide highly knowledgeable, compassionate, and real world support to my clients who require assistance with food lifestyle. I trust my clients to them and you would be in excellent hands making them part of your health care team."
      Adele Fox, Psychologist
      “This is the first time I feel satisfied; my cravings have diminished dramatically and I have a whole new relationship with food. I am eating guilt-free for the first time in my life. My energy has also dramatically increased and I feel great!
      Rhonda Jenkins, Nutrition Counseling Client
      “The Dieticians at Health Stand Nutrition help you to take action on the science behind eating well by making it practical, understandable, and fun. Their office is cozy and not at all clinical or intimidating. I felt like I was sitting down with a really smart, caring friend who wanted to help me make the best choices for my lifestyle and food preferences. They really are the best in the business.”
      Marty Avery, Nutrition Counseling Client
      “I have come to think of the program as a one stop shopping excursion for everything one needs to know about creating a joyous relationship with food and our bodies. In a single word, the course has gifted me with freedom from the punishing rigidity of disordered eating, old stories that never were true, and body dysmorphia that did nothing but make me lose sight of a body that has done everything I've asked, despite my careless dismissal of her needs. Now when I look in the mirror I find myself shifting from harsh criticism to gentle gratitude.”
      Lynn Haley, Pursuit of Healthiness Online Course Participant
      “I spent 3 hours when first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I learned more from my Dietitian about food in those 3 hours than I had learned in all the years of my life. I also love the newsletter, there is always something to learn.”
      Peter Whitehead, Nutrition Counseling Client
      “I didn’t realize how strong my “diet mentality” was, and all the rules I had in my head about food. I was in a cycle of reward/punish/binge/cringe. I booked with your business very reluctantly, on the repeated advice of my doctor, to get my slowly rising cholesterol levels in check. I thought I knew everything about food, and my behaviour with food, but I was definitely re-schooled. My weight is creeping down, I feel good about my diet, exercise, body image, and lifestyle.”
      Amy Floyd, Nutrition Counseling Client
      “Thanks Andrea for an amazing presentation, I have heard all positive remarks from attendees and the evaluations show the same sentiment. It is really gratifying when a speaker does their “homework” and weaves in our profession’s day to day challenges within their content, you did an awesome job of this! You truly took the “die” out of Dietician! Your information on healthy eating and simplifying how we can work towards this as we are all so busy really hit the mark. Andrea connects very well with her audience; she is energetic, funny, and very approachable.”
      Carole Ann LaGrange, Transfusion Medicine Safety Officer

      Event Planner for Laboratory Diagnostic Imaging Annual Event

      I am a family physician who sees patients with a myriad of eating concerns – from wanting to know how to plan healthy meals for active families, to weight loss, to eating disorders, and so on. I cannot recommend the Health Stand team highly enough. I have worked with (and been to!) other Dieticians in the past and too often find that they just ask for food logs and make suggestions that are easily obtained online or in books. The Dieticians at Health Stand offer much more than just telling clients what they “should be eating.” In contrast, the team really does more of a counselling practice, and they work hard to help their clients learn more about why their eating habits may be off track and not optimal for them, as well as helping people to effect change at a deep level that, most importantly, is sustainable for lifetime health.”
      Dr. Deb Putnam, Family Physician

      Nutrition Counseling Client & Referring Physician

      “I am a busy mom, with kids in high level sports, working full-time downtown, and running our home acreage outside the City. I now have the knowledge and tools I need to plan for and manage the chaos of meal planning.”
      Gillian Gray, Pursuit of Healthiness Online Course Participant
      “As a construction company, we select speakers who can relate to our industry and its employees. Andrea’s message was delivered with humor and empathy. She makes people feel as though they can make changes without leaving behind every favorite food. Andrea focused her presentation on healthy eating as a way to keep energy high throughout the day. This message and the way it was delivered resonated with our predominantly male, blue collar culture. I would highly recommend Andrea as a speaker for groups such as ours. She will get your message across without alienating anyone in your audience – which is a huge hurdle when trying to introduce a wellness program in the workplace!”
      Stephanie Wood, HR and Safety Manager

      Fisher Construction Group, Burlington, WA

      I found my Dietitian warm, funny, and skilled at teaching nutrition concepts without the overwhelm. The general approach of each session was to mix science with emotion, which was exceedingly effective in helping me shift my perspective on food from one of anxiety to one of joy and curiosity.”
      Erin Kronstedt, Nutrition Counseling Client
      “Excellent presentation! What a refreshing change to have a speaker inspire rather than “lecture” about nutrition. Your captivating stories, tips and overall approach to healthy eating uplifts and puts people at ease. It was great to hear we don’t need to strive to be perfect eaters, and that small changes really can make a difference in how we feel and in our health. Thanks to Andrea, we have solutions to our everyday nutrition challenges that can actually work in real life!”
      Tina Tamagi, Human Resources

      ARC Resources Ltd.

      “Had I not joined this course I would have struggled with no focus, low energy, and mindless eating. Excellent teaching and motivation. This is not just a course, it is a nutrition club with mentorship, support, and connections with other people with similar situations.”
      Lorri Lawrence, Pursuit of Healthiness online course participant

      Pin It on Pinterest

      Share This