Most people have two kidneys, which are organs shaped like kidney beans, each one about 10-15cms long, located either side of the spine, deep in the abdomen. However, it is possible to live a healthy and active life with only one functioning kidney. In rare instances, people can be born with three kidneys, and likewise remain healthy.
• Their main job is to cleanse the blood of toxins and transform the waste into urine.
• Each kidney weighs about 160 grams and gets rid of between one and one-and-a-half liters of urine per day. The two kidneys together filter 200 liters of fluid every 24 hours.
When the kidneys are not working properly, harmful toxins and excess fluids build up in the body, which may cause the symptoms of kidney failure. These symptoms can include high blood pressure, extreme tiredness or lethargy, persistent headaches, swelling in the face and ankles, fluid retention and / or lower back pain.
What do they do?
The kidneys are vital life-sustaining organs, performing many functions to keep the blood clean and chemically balanced. They have a number of important functions:
1. They filter the blood to get rid of waste products of metabolism 2. They keep the electrolytes (sodium and potassium being the most important) and water content of the body constant
3. They secrete a number of essential hormones.
7 Golden Rules of Kidney Disease Prevention
- Get regular check-ups. ...
- Control Blood Pressure. ...
- Manage Blood Sugar. ...
- Eat a Healthy Diet. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Quit Smoking. ...
- Do not overuse pain medicines.
Following foods should be avoided on a renal:-
1. Dark-colored soda
Dark-colored sodas should be avoided on a renal diet, as they contain phosphorus in its additive form, which is highly absorbable by the human body.
2. Avocados
Avocados are often touted for their many nutritious qualities, including their heart-healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
While avocados are usually a healthy addition to the diet, those with kidney disease may need to avoid them.
This is because avocados are a very rich source of potassium.
3. Canned foods
Canned foods such as soups, vegetables, and beans are often purchased because of their low cost and convenience.
However, most canned foods contain high amounts of sodium, as salt is added as a preservative to increase its shelf life.
Due to the amount of sodium found in canned goods, it’s often recommended that people with kidney disease avoid or limit their consumption.
4. Whole wheat bread
White bread is typically recommended over whole wheat bread on a renal diet due to its lower phosphorus and potassium levels. All bread contains sodium, so it’s best to compare food labels and choose a lower sodium variety.
5. Brown rice
Brown rice has a high content of phosphorus and potassium and will likely need to be portion-controlled or limited on a renal diet. White rice, bulgur, buckwheat, and couscous are all good alternatives.
6. Bananas
Bananas are known for their high potassium content.
While they’re naturally low in sodium, 1 medium banana provides 422 mg of potassium.
If you have been instructed to limit your potassium intake, it may be difficult to do so if a banana is a daily staple.
7. Dairy
Dairy products contain high amounts of phosphorus, potassium, and protein and should be limited on a renal diet. Despite milk’s high calcium content, its phosphorus content may weaken bones in those with kidney disease.
8. Oranges and orange juice
While oranges and orange juice are arguably most well known for their vitamin C content, they’re also rich sources of potassium.
But oranges and orange juice are high in potassium and should be limited on a renal diet. Try grapes, apples, cranberries, or their juices instead.
9. Processed meats
Processed meats have long been associated with chronic diseases and are generally considered unhealthy due to their preservative contents. Processed meats are meats that have been salted, dried, cured, or canned.
They are high in salt and protein and should be consumed in moderation on a renal diet.
10. Pickles, olives, and relish
Pickles, processed olives, and relish are high in sodium and should be limited on a renal diet.
11. Apricots
Apricots are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber.
They’re also high in potassium. One cup of fresh apricots provides 427 mg of potassium.
Furthermore, the potassium content is even more concentrated in dried apricots.
One cup of dried apricots provides over 1,500 mg of potassium.
This means that just 1 cup of dried apricots provides 75% of the 2,000-mg low potassium restriction.
It’s best to avoid apricots, and most importantly dried apricots, on a renal diet.
12. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another high potassium fruit that may not fit the guidelines of a renal diet.
They can be served raw or stewed and are often used to make sauces.
Choosing an alternative with lower potassium content depends largely on your taste preferences. However, swapping tomato sauce for a roasted red pepper sauce can be equally delicious and provide less potassium per serving.
What else can I do?
33% of adults in the U.S. are at risk for developing kidney disease.
A special note on kidney disease, COVID-19, and minority groups: People with kidney disease, transplant recipients, and people with other severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. People on dialysis can have weaker immune systems, making it harder to fight infections. However, it is important to know that kidney patients need to continue with their regularly scheduled dialysis treatments. People with a kidney transplant need to continue taking anti-rejection medicines (also known as immunosuppressive medicines). It is also important to wash hands, maintain good hygiene, and follow the recommendations from their healthcare team. In addition to experiencing health and healthcare disparities, some racial and ethnic minority groups are also at increased risk for both kidney disease and COVID-19 and are especially vulnerable.
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