As an internist, I am exposed to a wide variety of diseases and patients on a daily basis. One of the most common challenges is kidney problems, as the kidneys are vital "scavengers" in our body, responsible for removing waste products, filtering blood, and balancing electrolytes in the body. Once kidney function is impaired, the consequences are not usually serious.
I remember one time, a middle-aged man came to my clinic with a dull face and looking very tired. After some examination, we found that his kidney function was far from the normal range. His kidney problems were due in part to long-term poor eating habits, particularly his preference for a high-salt and high-protein diet. Through a detailed discussion with him, I learned that his knowledge of kidney disease was very limited and he did not realize the importance of daily diet for kidney health.
Principles of a kidney-friendly diet
1. Low-sodium diet: Reduce salt intake
An important function of the kidneys is to maintain electrolyte balance in the body, including sodium. Excessive sodium intake increases the burden on the kidneys and may also lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for kidney disease. The most straightforward way to reduce sodium intake is to cut back on processed foods and fast foods, which often contain high amounts of salt. When cooking at home, try using herbs and spices instead of salt to add flavor to your food.
2. Control protein intake: Moderate amounts of high-quality protein
Although protein is an essential nutrient for the body, excessive protein intake can increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys, especially when renal insufficiency occurs. It is advisable to choose high-quality protein sources, such as fish, chicken, soy products, and eggs, and adjust your total protein intake according to your doctor's recommendations. For people with kidney disease, it is generally recommended that the daily protein intake be moderate, and the exact value should be set by a dietitian or doctor on an individual basis.
3. Choose foods that are high in vitamins and low in potassium
Potassium is another mineral that requires special attention, as people with kidney disease may not be able to effectively remove excess potassium from their blood, and hyperkalemia can be dangerous for heart function. It is recommended to consume low-potassium foods such as apples, pears, grapes, etc., while avoiding high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes. In addition, adequate vitamin intake is essential for maintaining overall health, which can be achieved by diversifying vegetables and fruits, and taking care to choose varieties that are suitable for a low-potassium diet.
Specific dietary recommendations and recipes
Breakfast recommendations
Low-sodium whole-wheat toast with honey and boiled eggs
Use whole-wheat toast instead of white bread to increase fiber intake, honey as a natural sugar substitute, and boiled eggs provide high-quality protein.
Lunch recommendations
Chicken vegetable broth with brown rice
Choose lean chicken as a protein source and pair it with low-potassium vegetables such as carrots and celery. Using brown rice instead of white rice to increase your fiber intake can help your kidneys health.
Dinner recommendations
Grilled salmon with seasonal vegetables
Salmon is a good source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which is beneficial to cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation, while at the same time putting little burden on the kidneys. Paired with roasted pumpkin and mung beans, it provides essential nutrients without overburdening the kidneys.
Recipe example: low-sodium chicken vegetable broth
Ingredients: 100 grams of skinless chicken breast, 1 carrot, 2 celery, half an onion, 50 grams of brown rice, 750 ml of water, a little coriander.
Steps:
Cut the chicken breasts into cubes and quickly blanch them in hot water to remove the blood.
Slice carrots, celery and onions.
Add 750ml of water to the pot and add the blanched chicken and all the vegetables to the pot.
Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
Cook brown rice.
Once the soup is ready, sprinkle with a little cilantro to add flavor.
Place the cooked brown rice in a bowl and pour in the stewed chicken and vegetable broth.
Food selection tips
Choose low-sodium foods, such as homemade dressings, instead of store-bought, high-sodium sauces.
Pay attention to the choice of protein source, the right amount of high-quality protein can help with kidney health.
Avoid foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, etc., and choose vegetables and fruits that are low in potassium.
Ensure adequate fluid intake, but adjust it as recommended by your doctor, as some people with kidney disease need to restrict water.
With these specific dietary recommendations and recipes, people with kidney disease can better manage their diet while enjoying delicious foods that support kidney health.
Diet management tips in everyday life
1. Shopping tips: How to pick kidney-friendly foods
Read the label: When shopping for processed foods, be sure to read the nutrition facts sheet. Try to choose foods that are low in sodium (no more than 140 mg of sodium per serving), low in sugar and low in fat.
Prefer whole grains: Choose whole-wheat bread and whole-wheat noodles, which contain more fiber and less sodium.
Add fresh food: Fresh fruits and vegetables should be your main choice. Fresh vegetables and fruits are low in sodium and rich in vitamins.
2. Protein selection and control
High-quality protein: Prioritize high-quality protein sources such as lean meat, chicken breast, fish, and eggs. These help maintain kidney health without overburdening the kidneys.
Beans and soy products: Moderate consumption of beans and soy products, such as tofu and soy milk, is a good source of vegetable protein, but be careful not to overdo it.
3. Reduce sodium intake
Flavorings instead of salt: Try flavoring with herbs, spices, and lemon juice, which can add flavor to foods without increasing sodium intake.
Homemade seasonings: Avoid commercially available seasonings, as these tend to be high in sodium. Learn to make your own seasonings, such as vinegar, minced garlic, chili pepper and herbs.
4. Diet preparation and cooking skills
Healthy cooking method: Cook food by steaming, boiling, grilling or frying and avoid frying.
Batch cooking: Prepare multiple meals at once, refrigerated or frozen in batches. This allows you to control the amount of ingredients you use and makes it easy to quickly prepare healthy meals when you're busy.
Boiling method: Prepare food by boiling or steaming as much as possible to maximize the retention of nutrients in the food while avoiding additional fat intake.
These daily diet management tips are not only for people with unhealthy kidneys, but also for everyone who is pursuing a healthy lifestyle. With the above methods, you can make kidney-healthy dietary choices in your daily life.