Chronic Kidney Disease: How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Working hard to filter out and prevent buildup of fluid and waste, your kidneys are your body’s lifeline to good health. Besides acting as a filtration system, your kidneys play a key role in bone and heart health, as well as in the balance of acid and alkaline in your body. What happens when they start to fall short at performing these important tasks? Once damaged, kidneys have a difficult time sweeping away the waste and fluid formed from digestion and tissue turnover, causing a buildup in the blood stream. This leads to complications such as high blood pressure, anemia, weakened bones, declined nutritional status, as well as possible nerve damage.
A gradual decline in kidney function is known as chronic kidney disease, and there are five stages depending on how well the kidneys are working. Because the kidneys are unable to filter out waste at full capacity, diet becomes extremely important. Those with chronic kidney disease may need to limit protein and fluids, in addition to restricting salt, phosphorus and potassium. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help in making these diet changes a success, especially if you have other health conditions to consider. By working with an RDN, you’ll learn how to get a balance of important nutrients in your diet.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENS AND WOMEN’S HEALTH
When it comes to making sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs, food is the best option. Many women can get the nutrients they need by choosing a healthy eating style, which includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free diary and lean protein foods. Dietary supplements may also be recommended if foods that provide important nutrients aren’t being consumed or in sufficient amounts, or when a vitamin or mineral deficiency has been diagnosed by a health care provider. So, what about all those ads for vitamins and minerals specially designed for the needs of women? Here’s the scoop:
Calcium- Calcium helps keep bones strong and may reduce the risk of certain diseases such as osteoporosis. Focus on getting the calcium you need from foods and beverages, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt.
Vitamin D- The sunshine vitamin, for our body’s ability to produce some vitamin D after being out in the sun. However, geographical location, time of year and use of sunscreen can all influence this natural source of vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D from foods such as eggs, fatty fish, fortified milk products and mushrooms that have been treated with ultraviolet light.
Vitamin B12- Vitamin B12 is found in animal products. Lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs and low-fat dairy foods are good sources of this vitamin. Vegetarians, vegans and others who avoid these foods can get vitamin B12 from fortified foods including some breakfast cereals and meat substitutes, but a supplement may also be needed.
Folate and Folic Acid- Your body needs folate to keep red blood cells working normally. Most women can get the folate they need by including a variety of food sources, such as dark green leafy vegetables, oranges, nuts, beans, seafood and dairy products in their eating patterns.
Magnesium- Sources of magnesium include: beans, nuts, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Focusing on food sources of magnesium is often preferable to magnesium supplements. Are you getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs? To find out if your eating style is providing you with the vitamins and minerals your body needs, meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist. An RDN can evaluate your nutritional intake.
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