In our fast paced lives, quick and easy have become a priority. Convenience, however, has its consequences. When foods are processed they are changed from their natural states and many healthy nutrients are removed, resulting in foods that are high in saturated fats, transfats, sugar, salt, artificial ingredients, additives, and preservatives. If you have ever read the labeled ingredients of processed foods, I bet you have found that you can't pronounce most of them, let alone have any idea as to what they are. And don't let minimalistic labels fool you, either. Manufacturers are not required to list additives they consider safe, so their labels can read as little as "artificial color and flavor." In addition, the serving sizes of many prepared foods, such as certain frozen dinners, are much more than one person could possibly eat at a sitting.
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| Diet Plan For Kidney Disease |
Whole foods, on the other hand, provide you with numerous natural benefits. The term whole foods includes vegetables, fruits, and grains, all of which are loaded with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Studies indicate that whole grain foods significantly lower the risk of developing heart disease and strokes, and possibly diabetes and other chronic conditions.
When possible, buy organic fruits and vegetables in season. Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown. To be organic, the crops must be grown in safe soil, have no modifications, and be kept separate from conventional products. Farmers are not allowed to use synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. You may find that organic fruits and vegetables spoil faster because they aren't treated with waxes or preservatives. If fresh is not available, frozen fruits and vegetables are acceptable.
Even with whole foods, it is important to check the labels with regards to potassium and phosphorus content. In advanced stages of CKD, more restrictions may be prescribed and you will have to be more selective in food choices.
When choosing any food or dietary plan, there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, as CKD is a state of inflammation, any diet considered should be anti-inflammatory in nature. A vegetarian based diet is very helpful in this regard. Second, a kidney-based diet should reduce the body's acidity, because the build up of acid in the body affects kidney, bone, and total body health, and worsens inflammation. Foods that contribute to an acidosis, like meat protein, should be eliminated from the diet, and foods that can counter the acid effect on the body should be emphasized. Finally, remember that a vegetarian-based diet is kidney and total-body healthy. In many ways, this is a restating of point number one, but that's how important it is. Vegetables have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and those who are on vegetarian-based diets typically live longer and have a better quality of life.
A REVIEW OF SOME COMMON DIETS
We are now going to review some of the conditions in the context of which dietary options are best for them.
Hypertension and the DASH Diet
One of the most well-studied diets that has been demonstrated to have a dramatic effect on lowering blood pressure and preserving kidney function is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet plan. Endorsed by organizations like the American Heart Association, DASH has at its core an emphasis on reducing salt intake and eating fruits, vegetables, and low fat foods. A recent article demonstrated that following the DASH diet reduced the incidence of heart failure.
The DASH diet, with its emphasis on vegetables, also has an emphasis on high potassium intake. If you have stage one or stage two kidney disease, this diet is an excellent option because it has a significant anti-inflammatory effect. You may have to watch your choices with regards to high potassium fruits and vegetables, but this is usually not too much of a problem in early kidney disease. If you have advanced CKD or problems with high potassium, then you need to be more careful in your food choices and make a point to discuss your diet with your doctor.
There are great many recipes and options with this diet. Cookbooks exist that give step-by-step plans regarding how to best utilize DASH. To find out more, you can check out Diet Plan For Kidney Disease.