The kidneys are vital organs, which participate in the proper functioning of the body. Present in the urinary tract, they filter the blood and eliminate body waste through urine. Several factors can disrupt kidney functions or even make them sick.
In France, it is estimated that 6 million people have kidney failure. This pathology is characterized by impaired functioning of the kidneys and progressive destruction of their channels. The causes of kidney failure are multiple. It can be caused by other diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure or by dehydration or untreated urinary tract infections.
To detect kidney disease, simply consult your doctor regularly so that he prescribes a blood test (creatine level) and a urine test to detect the presence of protein in the urine.
Hygiene is important
There are several levels of kidney failure severity. Chronic kidney failure cannot be cured but can be slowed down. In order not to aggravate it and avoid complications, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle by stopping smoking, for example among smokers and by practicing a daily physical activity. Diet also has a real impact on kidney disease. It’s necessary favor a balanced diet with some restrictions if you have kidney failure. Here are 5 tips to follow to preserve your kidneys.
- Choose foods low in salt: Salt is made up of sodium chloride. Excess sodium is detrimental to kidney function. It decreases the filtration efficiency of the kidneys. It is better to eat fresh rather than prepared or pre-packaged products with added sodium and to find salt substitutes such as herbs and spices.
- Limit protein intake and favor vegetable proteins: It is recommended to consume about 50 g of protein for women and 60 g for men, per day. Legumes such as soy containing vegetable proteins are to be favored as well as cereals and pasta. Protein turns into urea which can build up in the blood if the kidneys have trouble eliminating it.
- Adopt an alkalizing diet: The kidneys contribute to the acid-base balance of the body. Acids from food can be eliminated less well if kidney function is degraded and the body is at risk of suffering from chronic acidosis. We need more fruits and vegetables on the plate since they are alkalizing unlike meat, cheese, eggs and cereals.
- Avoid excess phosphorus: In the event of kidney failure, the excess phosphorus is not properly eliminated and remains in the blood, which can lead to weakening of the bones and a loss of calcium. Too high blood levels of phosphorus and calcium can lead to deposits in the organs (lungs, heart, eyes). Meat and dairy products should be consumed in moderation.
- Avoid excess potassium: Like phosphorus, potassium levels in the blood can rise in the event of kidney failure, which is dangerous for the heart. It is therefore recommended to limit the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in potassium such as bananas, oranges, prunes, potatoes, tomatoes, avocado, etc.
Sources:
- kidney foundation
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- File on the recommended diet in chronic renal failure, University Hospitals of Geneva
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