Mathea Ford's Blog, page 59

Spicy Pineapple Pork Butt Roast – ZYD

You must try this delicious crockpot style Spicy Pork Butt made with Texas Twist Salt Free Seasoning. It’s guaranteed to be yummy and its easy to prepare.

Go to www.nickannyskitchen.com to download the recipe and purchase the spice or just click on the “Get Recipe” button below.

The post Spicy Pineapple Pork Butt Roast – ZYD appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Pork Chops with Savory Ranch Dressing Seasoning Rub Full Of Flavor For Kidney Disease Diets
Spicy Vegetarian Roasted Cauliflower With Parmesan Cheese Low Sodium Recipes

Healthy Changes for Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease

If you have recently been diagnosed with early stage renal disease, you might be surprised to learn just how lucky of a position you are in. While any diagnosis of a chronic health condition is certainly unfortunate and may feel scary or disheartening, your circumstances are so much better than you might realize. Most people that are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease do not get diagnosed until they are already having uncomfortable symptoms and are in the later stages.

An early diagnosis means you have more control over how your condition progresses because if you act now, you have the potential to slow or even halt the progression of your condition. Here is some of the action you can start taking now:

Diet

The number one thing you can do to help your chronic kidney disease is to make major changes to your diet. Ask your doctor or a nutritionist to help you learn what foods you should avoid and which foods you should focus on. For example, a kidney safe diet will cut out as much sodium as possible and concentrate on fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and lean protein. You will be recommended to avoid processed and canned foods and to focus on fresh or frozen instead.

Exercise

Exercise is healthy for any lifestyle, and there is no exception for chronic kidney disease. Exercise helps to strengthen your entire body, not just the muscles on the outside of your body, but the inside muscles as well. A strong heart can help with high blood pressure, which is one of the leading causes of kidney disease (or worsening of kidney disease).

Maintenance

While diet and exercise are two huge parts of a healthy lifestyle for chronic kidney disease, you also need to make sure you are maintaining proper follow-ups with your healthcare providers. Doctors, nephrologists, and even nutritionists are sometimes needed, so you may have regular visits to follow up with. There also may be regular blood work and medications to keep up with. Try keeping a journal to keep up with appointments. A journal can also help you keep up with what you are eating, not just to share with your providers but also to help make sure you are staying on track with your diet. Vigilance is key.

Making drastic changes to your diet and lifestyle can be difficult at first, but making these changes is so important to your health and wellbeing. Making these changes and being vigilant about maintaining your new kidney healthy diet and lifestyle can make such a difference. First, these changes can help you feel better and lessen or avoid uncomfortable symptoms. Second, you can actually slow or even halt the progression of kidney damage by making and sticking to strict changes. This means that you have the opportunity to potentially avoid end-stage renal disease.

Talk to your doctor about these and other healthy changes you can make for early stage chronic kidney disease. You may be feeling down about your diagnosis, but you can take advantage of the benefits of an early diagnosis.

 

The post Healthy Changes for Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Lifestyle Changes for People with Chronic Kidney Disease
Diagnosis and Prognosis for Chronic Kidney Disease
Avoiding End Stage Renal Disease

White Bean Dip Recipe with Seasoned Pita Chips – ZYD

 

This delectable White Bean Dip is made with salt free seasoning called Texas Twist Spice which is a blend of 4 peppers, garlic, onion and cumin. It is guaranteed to have no sugar, gluten free, zero preservatives, no GMO’s but totally delicious and healthy for you.

Go to www.nickannyskitchen.com to download the recipe and purchase the spice or just click on the “Get Recipe” button below.

The post White Bean Dip Recipe with Seasoned Pita Chips – ZYD appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Kidney Diet Recipes – Black-eyed Peas Renal Recipe For New Year’s Day
Renal Diet HQ Share – Recipe Share Quinoa with Apricots
Broccoli Bacon Salad Low Sodium Recipe For Kidney Disease – ZYD

Diet Restrictions through the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease typically means a lot of lifestyle changes. Your diet especially will need a complete overhaul to make sure that you are maintaining the healthiest diet for your condition. This is because diet is one of the most important factors in treating chronic kidney disease.

Dietary restrictions are often some of the most daunting changes to a person’s lifestyle. Many people are not sure what they should or should not eat to help themselves live their healthiest lives. Understanding dietary restrictions are of the utmost importance, however, as it makes a huge difference in the treatment and progression of chronic kidney disease.

Here is a basic breakdown of some of the dietary restrictions you may face through each stage of chronic kidney disease:

Stage 1

Except for people who are diagnosed during routine checkups, most people are not even aware that they have chronic kidney disease during the first stage. Most often, kidney disease is diagnosed in the second or third stage. If you are lucky enough to be diagnosed in the first stage, your doctor will likely recommend a healthy, low sodium diet but not too many other dietary restrictions.

  Stage 2

At stage 2, people are more likely to have been diagnosed through routine screening, although symptoms are not likely to be obvious yet. At this point, your healthcare provider is likely to put you on a more strict low sodium diet.

Stage 3

At the third stage of kidney disease, you are more likely to have symptoms such as urinary retention and fatigue. So it might help you to know that the strict restrictions your healthcare provider is likely to put on your diet are likely to help relieve many of those symptoms. Along with sodium restrictions, your healthcare provider may recommend potassium and/or phosphorus restrictions.

Stage 4

As chronic kidney disease progresses, so too can the symptoms and discomfort associated with the illness. During stage 4, your healthcare providers might ask you to start cutting down on your protein intake. This is because excess protein buildup in your body can cause even more work for your already taxed kidneys. Phosphorus becomes a common restriction at stage 4, and potassium restrictions are also more likely. Fluid restrictions can sometimes become necessary at this point as well.

Stage 5

Stage 5 chronic kidney disease is also often referred to as “end-stage renal disease”. At this point, most patients will need either dialysis or a transplant to replace kidney function. As you reach kidney failure, your kidneys can do less and less, so you need to help them by maintaining a lot of dietary restrictions. All of the restrictions up until this point become even more strict and important, and often fluid restrictions need to be maintained as well. At the same time, it is important to eat enough calories to keep up your current weight and muscle mass.

Dietary restrictions can be tough to deal with, but they are a very important part of your treatment for chronic kidney disease. Your diet is so important, in fact, that strictly adhering to dietary restrictions and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help you to slow the progression of kidney disease, and could even prevent you from ever reaching end-stage renal disease. Talk to your doctor about your dietary restrictions and how you can better maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle with chronic kidney disease.

The post Diet Restrictions through the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Diagnosis and Prognosis for Chronic Kidney Disease
Lesser Known Facts about Chronic Kidney Disease
Stages of Renal Disease Explained

When to Treat Kidney Disease

So, you have been diagnosed with kidney disease…now what? Treatment should begin right away to reduce symptoms and assist with slowing the progression of kidney function decline. The ways in which your kidney disease is treated will depend on the stage of the disease and your current kidney health.

Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Treated?

Some types of kidney disease, if detected early on, can be treated. Your kidneys may regain optimal function once the cause has been found and treatment has begun. An example of this would be stopping medication that could be harming your kidneys.

For chronic kidney disease, however, the decline in kidney health has progressed over years and has likely caused damage that cannot be reversed. Currently, there is no cure for CKD. Still, treatment is very important to help slow the progression of this condition.

How Do You Treat Chronic Kidney Disease?

Once you have been diagnosed with CKD through a medical evaluation and blood tests, your doctor will determine which stage of the disorder your current situation lives within. The treatment methods used will be based on the stage at which your kidney health has declined.

Medication is common for the earlier stages of CKD, as it helps to manage the symptoms of your condition. You may also have to take note of other medical ailments you have, and treat them accordingly to help prevent the progression of your CKD.

For example, high blood pressure and diabetes are common causes of chronic kidney disease. If you have either of these – or develop them after being diagnosed with CKD, you will want to make sure you are treating them effectively to prevent further harm to your kidneys.

Later stages may have to consider other interventions, including dialysis – where a machine filters acts as your kidneys to filter the excess fluid and wastes from your bloodstream. Peritoneal dialysis may also be an option, which is a home treatment option that uses your abdominal lining to clean the blood once the kidneys cannot effectively do so.

In extreme cases, CKD patients may undergo a kidney transplant to replace a diseased kidney with a healthier one from a living donor or one that has passed away.

How to Treat Chronic Kidney Disease Naturally

While you still need to be monitored by a doctor for your medical condition, there are some natural ways you can help your body with chronic kidney disease.

Proper Diet – Follow the renal diet restrictions and guidelines given to your by your doctor or dietician. Choose meals and snacks that are low in potassium, phosphorus, protein, and sodium to reduce the workload on your kidneys and their need to filter wastes from the blood.
Exercise – Staying active is a great way to keep your body healthy in spite of CKD. Regular exercise can help lower your blood pressure, lose unneeded weight, and reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke.
Stop Smoking – Smoking is harmful to your body in many ways, more so than just affecting your lungs. Smoking can narrow your arteries, which may increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. Since CKD itself can increase your risk of these medical conditions, you will want to stop smoking to avoid further damage to your body.

Wrap Up

It’s essential that you learn about how chronic kidney disease is treated in order to stay as healthy as you can after your diagnosis. Find out all you can about the different treatment options available to you and develop a plan for treatment with your doctor right away. Take your medication as directed to slow the disease’s progression.

Treating chronic kidney disease naturally is important too, since your lifestyle can lead to further complications with the condition or related ones. Follow the renal diet you will be given and stay active to keep your body healthy.

To get more information about Treating Kidney Disease just click on the Get Cheatsheet button below.

 

The post When to Treat Kidney Disease appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 038 – What Medications Are Used To Treat Anemia In Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease Management
Summer Snacking with Chronic Kidney Disease

When is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing kidney disease should be done as early as possible to slow the progression of kidney damage and increase your life expectancy. Early detection can also help reduce the risk of related medical conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.

How to Diagnose Kidney Disease

It is important that you know the warning signs of kidney disease if you want an early diagnosis. Usually, the diagnosis begins with a patient coming into the doctor’s office with one or more of the following common kidney disease symptoms:

Blood in your urine – When your kidneys have been damaged, they can’t filter just the wastes from the bloodstream as effectively. Blood in the urine is also a common sign for other ailments such as kidney stones, infection, or tumors.
Urge to urinate more frequently – You may feel that you have to go to the restroom more often if your kidneys are failing. This is even more prominent at night when kidney disease is present.
Foamy urine – An excessive amount of bubbles in the urine can indicate that protein is present. If you have to flush the toilet more than once to get these bubbles to disappear, you may want to have your kidneys checked.
Swelling in your ankles and feet – When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, it’s possible for your body to start retaining fluid. This excess usually goes down to your lower extremities to cause swelling.

Other signs that may be present if you have kidney disease include:

Muscle cramps
Poor appetite
Dry, itchy skin
Trouble sleeping
Unusual fatigue or lack of energy

Your doctor will perform a medical exam and likely ask questions about your symptoms to find out more about them. They may also administer imaging scans or blood tests to diagnose kidney disease for a more accurate picture of the situation.

With 1 in 3 adults in the USA at risk for kidney disease, it is vital that you take these warning signs seriously. Consult with your doctor about your kidney health and ask that tests be done to determine how well your kidneys are performing.

Tests to Diagnose Kidney Disease

There are two simple tests that your doctor can order which will reflect how well your kidneys are working. With these numbers, your doctor can determine whether or not you have kidney disease, as well as what stage you are in if you are to be diagnosed with the disease.

ACR Urine Test

When diagnosing kidney disease, your doctor will require a urine sample for the ACR test. ACR, which stands for albumin-to-creatinine ratio, will show if protein is present in your urine.

If you get a positive result, the ACR test will need to be repeated to confirm the presence of protein in the urine. Three positive tests within a 3-month timespan is one of the biggest signs of kidney disease.

Blood Test to Diagnose Kidney Disease

Similar to the ACR test, a sample of your blood will be drawn to check creatinine levels. The more creatinine present in the blood, the more likely you are to be suffering from kidney disease (since your kidneys aren’t effectively removing the creatinine from the blood).

The results of this blood test are used to determine your GFR, which is the glomerular filtration rate. Other factors are considered when calculating the GFR as well, including age, race, and gender. The end result can tell your doctor how well your kidneys are performing, and whether or not you are suffering from kidney disease.

Diagnosing the Stage of Kidney Disease

There is a GFR chart widely used in the medical profession that determines what stage of kidney disease you are in once you are diagnosed.

The numbers that go with each stage are:

Stage 1: 90+ GFR, 90-100% Kidney Function

Stage 2: 89-60 GFR, 89-60% Kidney Function

Stage 3: 59-30 GFR, 59-30% Kidney Function

Stage 4: 29-15 GFT, 20-15% Kidney Function

Stage 5: 15 or under GFR, Less than 15% Kidney Function

When your doctor has calculated your GFR, this chart is used to determine just how bad the kidney disease is. Your numbers will continue to drop as your kidney health declines over time.

Once you have landed into one of the above 5 stages, you are said to have chronic kidney disease. The damage done to the kidneys is typically not reversible, but you and your doctor can create a plan to help reduce the symptoms and slow down the progression of kidney failure.

Wrap Up

As you can see, it’s important to diagnose kidney disease as early as possible for the best prognosis. The sooner you are diagnosed, the faster your CKD and its symptoms can be managed. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of kidney disease and discuss any problems you are having related to the list with your doctor.

To get more information, don’t hesitate in clicking on the Get Cheatsheet button.

The post When is Kidney Disease Diagnosed? appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

How is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
The Doctor Has Diagnosed Me with Renal Disease, Now What?
Food Questions to Ask Your Doctor after Being Diagnosed With Chronic Kidney Disease

Can You Have Canned Tuna on a Renal Diet?

Many people enjoy a can of tuna as a high-protein lunch or snack option. It’s easy to prepare, since you just open the can and toss the fish between a couple slices of bread for a tasty sandwich or on top of a bed of lettuce for a salad.

However, is canned tuna safe for your renal diet? Can you continue to enjoy the convenience seafood once you’ve been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease?

Nutritional Benefits of Canned Tuna

Tuna is a quality protein for anyone to consume. Depending on your stage of CKD, you may be limited in the amount of protein you can consume on a daily basis. For dialysis patients, tuna is a great choice for the protein they need since some is lost during the dialysis process.

For those at a lesser CKD stage, you will most likely still benefit from consuming tuna as your source of protein…you will just want to make sure you don’t exceed your dietary restrictions when enjoying the fish.

Tuna is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies have also shown that omega-3’s can help reduce oxidative stress and improve cholesterol levels in patients with CKD.

A note-worthy study on the benefits of tuna for CKD patients with diabetes was discussed by WebMD in 2008. The study found that consuming at least two servings of fish per week helps to “decrease protein in the urine, increase glucose tolerance, decrease fats in the blood, and lower blood pressure.” All of these benefits are great for people dealing with both medical conditions.

Potential Dangers of Canned Tuna on your Renal Diet

Sodium is a common concern for those wishing to consume canned tuna when on a renal diet. Manufacturers often add salt to improve the fish’s flavor. Since sodium helps to retain fluid and make it harder on your kidneys, you must limit your intake and stay within renal diet guidelines.

To combat this, many brands offer a “low-sodium” or “no salt added” variety of their canned tuna products. Starkist, for example, has a low-sodium option that has only 120 mg of sodium per serving.

As mentioned earlier, protein intake is another concern for those consuming canned tuna. Make sure you don’t go over the limits for protein within your renal diet when enjoying tuna for lunch or a snack.

Nutritional Facts of Canned Tuna

Canned tuna nutrition facts may vary depending on the canning method and brand name. On average, a 3 oz. can of tuna contains the following:

70 calories
5 g. fat
320 mg. sodium
16 g. protein
190 mg. potassium

Conclusion

Fish is a great protein option for those following a renal diet. There are some things you should be aware of when consuming canned tuna, but for most CKD patients, it’s safe to have in moderation!

 

 

 

The post Can You Have Canned Tuna on a Renal Diet? appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Can you Eat Broccoli on a Renal Diet?
Can I Eat Corn On A Renal Diet?
VEGETARIAN RENAL DIET: WORTHY OR NOT?

What is Kidney Disease Stage 3?

If you have been a CKD patient for a while, you may be wondering, just what is kidney disease stage 3? If you reach this portion of the medical condition, you are said to have moderate kidney damage.

Because different patients may have different degrees of kidney function, CKD has been segregated into 5 stages. Each stage corresponds to a different glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is essentially a measurement of how well the kidneys are able to filter wastes from the blood.

Glomerular Filtration Rate in Kidney Disease Stage 3

A formula has been devised to get an accurate view of just how well a patient’s kidneys are functioning. This formula also takes age, gender, and other demographics into concern when finding the GFR of a particular patient.

Kidney disease stage 3 indicates kidney damage with a glomerular filtration rate of 30-59…compared to the stage 1 rate of 90 or above.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease Stage 3

Someone with chronic kidney disease may begin to notice more symptoms of the condition as they enter stage 3. These can include:

Fluid retention and swelling
Fatigue
Changes in urine (color and/or amount)
Lower back pain
Changes in appetite or food may taste funny
Trouble sleeping

Seeing the Doctor with Stage 3 Kidney Disease

You will likely be referred to a nephrologist, a specialist that treats kidney disorders, when it has been found that you are in the third stage of chronic kidney disease. This doctor will better determine how fast your kidneys are declining and what changes should be made for your overall health.

The doctor’s goal will be to slow the progression of your kidney failure once you reach stage 3. They will also look for underlying issues such as high blood pressure, anemia, and diabetes. Modifications may be made for pre-existing conditions if they are thought to be contributing to the decline of kidney function.

It’s likely that the monitoring of your renal function will increase once you have made it to the third stage. Your doctor must stay informed on how well your kidneys are working to help prevent any additional issues. Blood pressure will also be regularly monitored, since the advancement of CKD can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

In fact, more patients with stage 3 kidney disease die from cardiovascular issues than they do end-stage renal failure. It’s important that you eat healthy, exercise regularly and avoid tobacco and alcohol to reduce the risks for your heart.

Renal Diet for Kidney Disease Stage 3

For those that are in the third stage of CKD, you will likely be focusing on eating lots of protein to meet your daily goals. You may also have stricter limits on potassium, or increasing your potassium if your levels are too low.

Lowering your sodium intake can also help you slow down the CKD, and it may also help with the swelling or fluid retention you may start to experience in this stage.

Hopefully this answers the questions of “What is Kidney Disease Stage 3?” At this stage, there is moderate kidney damage but it can be slowed if caught in time – and if the doctor is able to change treatments or add new ones to reduce your risks of continuing decline, as well as any cardiovascular complications.

 

The post What is Kidney Disease Stage 3? appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

The Progression of Symptoms with Chronic Kidney Disease
Definition of ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease)
What End Stage Renal Disease Means for You 

Can You Have Milk on a Renal Diet?

We all know that milk is a very important part of a healthy diet for most people. It keeps the calcium and protein levels balanced in the body, and it also provides us with many other necessary nutrients. However, if you have chronic kidney disease, can you still enjoy dairy products as much as you did before?

Nutrition Information for Milk

The nutritional value of milk may different depending on the kind you consume. Whole milk, for example, offers 60 calories per ½ cup. For the same serving, you also get 3.2 grams of protein and 5.1 grams of sugar.

For those losing or maintaining weight, you may want to reduce your calories by switching to fat-free (skim) milk. For ½ cup of skim milk, you will only take in 45 calories but still get about 4 grams of protein.

The majority of the protein in milk is called casein, which in itself comes with many health benefits. It can help your body better absorb the calcium and phosphorus present in the milk. It can also help to reduce your blood pressure.

Milk is also high in many other nutrients, including Vitamin B12 ad Riboflavin. Sometimes, milk is fortified with Vitamin D to offer even more benefits of drinking the dairy product.

Renal Diet Restrictions on Milk

 Though milk can be very beneficial for the healthy person, those that suffer from chronic kidney disease may have to limit – or eliminate – milk and other dairy products from their renal diet. This is because there are too many ingredients in milk that the kidneys have to work hard to break down.

Protein is a perfect example of this. Milk is a beneficial source of the nutrient, though most renal diets limit protein intake. Phosphorus is another example of something most kidney disease patients have to limit in their diets.

Milk Alternatives for your Renal Diet

Thankfully, there are several non-dairy milk substitutes on the market today that will help CKD patients stay away from real milk. You will want to read nutrition labels for any of the alternative options you are considering.

Some may still have too many of specific minerals that you must limit as part of your renal diet. Generally, you will want to note the protein, potassium, calcium and phosphorus content of the substitute you choose.

Also, don’t get too comfortable buying the same product week after week. Product formulas can change over time, and a milk alternative currently low in phosphorus may be fortified with the mineral six months from now.

 The following list offers some options CKD patients have for non-dairy milk substitutes along with popular brands:

Soy milk (Edensoy)
Rice milk (Rice Dream)
Non-dairy creamer (Nestle Coffee, Rich’s Coffee)
Almond milk (Almond Breeze)

Hopefully this information helps you decide whether or not to continue including milk in your renal diet. If you must limit your consumption of dairy, consider trying a non-diary milk alternative.

The post Can You Have Milk on a Renal Diet? appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Dairy Products and the Pre-Dialysis Diet: Which Ones and How Much?
Can I Eat Peanut Butter on a Renal Diet?
Can I Eat Cranberries On A Renal Diet?

Renal Diet for Weight Loss Tips & Info

If you are overweight when you are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, your doctor will likely recommend hat you lose some weight. Weighing more than you should is never a healthy thing – and it can be downright dangerous when your kidneys are always struggling.

Why is Losing Weight Important for Kidney Disease Patients?

First, let’s look at the science behind being at a healthy weight if you have CKD.

A 2013 study published by the Oxford University Press suggests that intentionally losing weight can help reduce proteinuria (abnormally high protein levels in the urine which can damage the kidneys) and normalize a patient’s GFR (glomerular filtration rate, which measures how well your kidneys are functioning).

Another study conducted in 2013 at the University of Baltimore stated “Reductions in waist circumference and 24-hour urine phosphorus excretion may prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD) or slow its progression.”

Other Benefits of Losing Weight with CKD

Becoming more comfortable

Unhealthy eating and not following your renal diet if you have kidney disease can make you feel very uncomfortable. Stomach pain and bloating are common for those that cheat on their renal diet. By sticking to the guidelines given to you by the doctor, you will not only lose weight, but you will feel better too!

Improved quality of life

Losing weight can drastically improve the life you are currently living. You may be fit more comfortably in your clothing or even purchase new, smaller sizes. You may also notice more energy and a more optimistic outlook when you wake up in the mornings. Weight loss can have a positive effect on your moods and self-confidence, making it easier for you to cope with your CKD diagnosis and any related issues.

Reduce/Eliminate other health concerns

Patients with chronic kidney disease often have other medical issues to deal with, including high blood pressure, anemia, and diabetes. When you lead a healthy lifestyle and lose unneeded weight, you will notice that these related concerns are reduced.

Slowing your Kidney Function Decline

Being at a healthy weight can help to support healthy kidney function. Even if you have been diagnosed with CKD, following the renal diet and exercise tips, as well as taking all medications given by your doctor, could mean many more years of living a happy life!

How to Lose Weight on a Renal Diet

Losing weight with chronic kidney disease isn’t that different from weight loss any other time. Most of the foods you choose will be the same that a person with normal kidney function would choose. However, there are some restrictions you will need to heed when you make your healthy choices.

Always follow your doctor’s orders.

Whether your own doctor of a dietician gives you the dietary guidelines, be sure you follow the restrictions. Stay away from the foods that they tell you to, and limit others that need to be consumed in moderation.

Substitute as much as possible.

No one likes giving up their favorite foods – but what if it’s that or losing your kidney function?! Soften the blow by finding alternates for your favorite snacks or meals. Having a “plan B” when you are craving something lessens your chances of giving in and ruining your renal diet!

Be aware of mineral intake.

Those with chronic kidney disease need to limit the intake of certain nutrients to prevent their damaged kidneys from having to work harder than they should. These may include protein, potassium, or phosphorus.

Also, almost every CKD patients will be told to heavily limit sodium intake. Sodium can lead to fluid retention in the body, forcing your kidneys to work harder at removing the excess — therefore increasing the decline of your kidney function.

Plan ahead.

If you know you are going to away from home, pack a meal or snacks to keep you full. Running through a fast food drive-thru is one of the worst ways to mess up your renal diet! By being prepared you can still make healthy choices even on the go.

Exercise regularly.

One of the best ways to lose weight, or just get healthy, is to be physically active. No matter how sedentary you have been in the past, now is the time to get up and get moving. Consult with your doctor where you can start with your exercise. Most CKD patients can at least walk for 15 minutes at the beginning.

As you get stronger, be sure to add intensity and length of time to your workouts. Once you can handle walking a mile, push yourself to walk 1 ½ miles. If you’ve been swimming 10 laps for a while, bump it up to 12 laps.

The slow increase will not only keep your body working to burn fat and lose weight, but it will also help you to avoid injuries caused by straining your body too hard before it’s ready.

Find better ways to manage stress.

Many overweight people would likely confess that they eat when they are stressed. The act of comforting yourself with good-tasting foods is a very common habit, but it’s one you must break if you want to lose weight.

Find better ways to cope with your stress so that you won’t keep running to food and ruining your weight loss progress. Go for a walk when you are angry or upset. Talk it out with someone when you are worried. Relax in a warm bath every night to calm your mind and just enjoy life for a bit. Anything that reduces stress without leaving you running for the fridge is a good tactic!

The Right Foods for Weight Loss on a Renal Diet

You will want to choose low-calorie foods to eat when you are trying to lose weight with CKD. You must also make sure they follow any dietary restrictions you have been given by the doctor.

Don’t fear that you will have “NOTHING TO EAT” once you start your renal diet and make healthier choices. Even with a handful of restrictions you will be able to eat and stay full and satisfied. You just have to get creative and find new foods you enjoy!

We have Losing Weight with a Renal Diet Tip Sheet that you can download by clicking on the Download the Tipsheet button below. 

 

The post Renal Diet for Weight Loss Tips & Info appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Renal Diet HQ Share – Weight Loss and Diabetes
Renal Diet Grocery List Tips- Low Sodium Choices
Pre-Dialysis Diet – Tips For Eating On The Go