Healthy Kidney Diet: Tips from Mayo Clinic

Having a healthy kidney diet is an important part of keeping your kidneys healthy and functioning properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, “A healthy diet can help protect your kidneys from further damage and keep them functioning at their best.” Eating the right foods and following a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of kidney disease and other health problems. Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic on how to have a healthy kidney diet.

Consume Less Sodium

High amounts of sodium can cause your body to retain fluid, which can put extra strain on your kidneys. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting your sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, which is about one teaspoon of table salt. You can reduce your sodium intake by avoiding processed and packaged foods, which often contain high amounts of sodium. Instead, use fresh herbs and spices to add flavor to your food. You can also opt for low-sodium versions of processed foods.

Reduce Your Protein Intake

The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting your protein intake to 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This is because too much protein in your diet can cause waste products to build up in your blood, which can put extra strain on your kidneys. You can reduce your protein intake by eating smaller portions of lean proteins such as fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and tofu. You should also avoid high-protein diets such as the Atkins diet, which can put extra strain on your kidneys.

Choose Healthy Fats

Eating healthy fats is important for your overall health. The Mayo Clinic recommends consuming unsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts. These healthy fats can help reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. You should also limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, which are found in processed and packaged foods. Avoiding these unhealthy fats can help keep your heart and kidneys healthy.

Limit Your Intake of Potassium and Phosphorus

Having too much potassium and phosphorus in your diet can be harmful to your kidneys. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting your intake of potassium to 2,000 milligrams per day and your intake of phosphorus to 800 milligrams per day. Foods that are high in potassium and phosphorus include meat, dairy products, nuts, and dried beans. You can reduce your intake of these nutrients by avoiding processed and packaged foods and opting for fresh fruits and vegetables instead.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids is important for your overall health, but it is especially important for your kidneys. Drinking enough fluids can help flush out waste products from your body and help your kidneys function properly. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water per day. You can also drink other fluids such as herbal teas, fruit juices, and coconut water. Avoiding caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can also help keep your kidneys healthy.

Having a healthy kidney diet is an important part of keeping your kidneys healthy and functioning properly. By following the tips from the Mayo Clinic, you can reduce your risk of kidney disease and other health problems. Eating a balanced diet with the right amounts of protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus can help keep your kidneys functioning properly. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding processed and packaged foods can also help keep your kidneys healthy.