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Kidneys are really important workhorses in the body. The small,
bean-shaped organs filter waste products from the blood. They also
release hormones that regulate blood pressure, help to balance bodily
fluids, and create urine. Kidney disease affects about 10% of the
world’s population and can be caused by high blood pressure and
uncontrolled blood sugar. Other factors like age, smoking, obesity, and
gender also play a part. When the kidneys aren’t functioning optimally,
waste products from food build up in the blood and make the body quite
ill.
The diet that must be followed by people with kidney disease varies a
lot based on its stage. Early stages have different restrictions than
people with end stage renal disease. Beyond dietary changes, you may
need dialysis and possibly a kidney transplant. If you have been
diagnosed with kidney disease or if it runs in your family, it is smart
to educate yourself on the best healthy food choices. We’ve got a list
of safe things to eat with kidney disease, but please consult with your
doctor for the best amount and combination of these foods for your
particular situation.
Before we dig into the good stuff, know that in general, people with
kidney disease will be asked to limit certain nutrients that are found
in a lot of different foods. The three big ones are sodium, potassium,
and phosphorus. Protein may be limited in the early stages of kidney
disease and increased in patients whose condition is more advanced and
requires dialysis. As a start, here is a list of tasty and healthy foods
that are low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
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