Your kidneys aren’t very big—each is about the size of your fist—but they do important work. The consequences of not looking after them can be severe. This week is National Kidney Awareness Week, and ADSA spokesperson, Dr Zarina Ebrahim shares with us some easy tips for healthy eating for our kidneys.
Several health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, all of which are prevalent in South Africa, put the kidneys under serious strain. This can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and ultimately, renal failure.
Eat a variety of food – Keep your diet as natural as possible by limiting foods with additives such as processed and convenience foods, for example, pies, pastries, polonies, sausages like viennas, burgers, ready-packaged meals, take-away foods and packets of soups. Instead focus on a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, small amounts of healthy fats and lean protein.
Fibre is very important for kidney health – Fibre contributes to improving the gut microbiome profile. It increases the healthy gut bacteria and reduces the unhealthy bacteria. Every day aim for at least two to three fresh fruit servings (avoid fruit juices) and two to three vegetable servings. Increase your intake of legumes such as beans and lentils, as well as whole grains especially oats, wholegrain bread and cereals.
Reduce salt intake – Limit the addition of salt at the table and to food while cooking. Also avoid salty foods such as chips, biltong, packets of soup and other processed food products. Avoid using salty mixed spices such as BBQ and chicken spice. Rather use natural spices to add flavour to your food, such as cumin, coriander, pepper, turmeric, paprika, chilli powder, fresh garlic, ginger, lemon juice, parsley, celery and other herbs such as origanum, rosemary, thyme mint and basil.
Protein is important, but should be portion-controlled – If you want to prevent kidney disease, be careful not to regularly consume excessive amounts of protein. Choose low-fat protein options such as low-fat dairy, skinless chicken, fish and lean meats. Incorporate more plant-based proteins from beans, lentils, soya, nuts, peanut butter and chickpeas in your family diet.
Focus on food preparation – Avoid takeaway meals and ready-made foods that are high in fats and salt. Rather choose healthy cooking methods at home such as steaming, stir-frying, baking and boiling, and don’t fry foods.
Reduce excessive sugar intake – limit sugar and sugary foods in your diet especially coming from cold drinks, sweets and chocolates. These contribute to unnecessary energy in the diet and may lead to the progression of CKD.
What should you do if you are suffering from CKD?
Registered Dietitian, Zama Khumalo – spokesperson for ADSA, points out that people in any stage of CKD need specialised nutritional support to help them optimally manage their condition.
“Pay attention to the protein, potassium, phosphate and sodium content of the foods you eat. The aim is to support the kidneys by reducing toxins in the blood that can be caused by a high intake of these nutrients to slow the progression of the disease.
“However, it is important to note that patients across the stages of CKD need an individualised approach to their nutrition based on their health assessments, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.”
Generally, elements of the Mediterranean diet may be applied to people with CKD. The focus should be on reducing phosphate intake by avoiding processed foods which usually contain phosphate additives. Whole foods and fibre-rich foods should be increased, regardless of potassium content, unless the patient is hyperkalaemic, which means that you have higher than normal levels of potassium in your blood. In this instance, limit the intake of very high potassium foods.
By becoming salt aware and eating less processed foods, you can achieve naturally low sodium levels. Aim to eat the right amount and the right types of protein. Too much protein may lead to further damage to kidney function, but not eating enough protein can cause muscle loss and malnutrition. Those receiving dialysis may need a higher protein intake. Better protein sources include beans, lentils, soya, eggs, chicken, lean meat and dairy instead of highly processed meat products, but the appropriate portions will be guided by your dietitian.
Ultimately, people suffering from CKD should have a dietitian as part of their health team to help them optimally manage CKD and to prevent malnutrition which is associated with progressive kidney disease.
To find a dietitian in your area, visit www.adsa.org.za.
