Mathea Ford's Blog, page 60

Can you have Coffee on a Renal Diet?

Coffee is a delightful morning beverage that is enjoyed by many Americans. According to Huffington Post, the U.S. drinks 400 million cups of coffee per day, making our country the world leader in coffee consumption.

If you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you may be wonder if you can still have your daily cup (or two) of Joe. There are some precautions to consider when continuing to drink coffee, but overall, most CKD patients can have keep up their morning routine of sitting coffee from a cute mug.

Nutritional Facts about Coffee

Coffee has long been consumed as a stimulant, with some stories of its origin dating back to 9th century Ethiopia. Over the last several years, there have been more studies done to determine the nutritional benefits of the coffee bean.

Coffee contains powerful antioxidants, which helps to reduce the risk of certain cancers as well as Alzheimer’s disease. Studies also show that coffee can help lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

An 8-ounce cup of black coffee contains only two calories and zero fat. Therefore, even if you are trying to lose weight you can enjoy a cup of two of coffee each day. You’ll want to be aware of the nutritional content of the additives you use such as milk and cream.

Coffee and your Renal Diet

Most doctors and studies have concluded that coffee is not a harmful beverage for those with chronic kidney disease. If you are only drinking a single cup a day, you probably won’t notice any ill effects of continuing the habit.

Drinking multiple cups of coffee per day may be harmful for some CKD patients that are following low-potassium diets. One cup of coffee contains 116 mg of potassium, so you will want to adjust your intake so you can enjoy your coffee without overdoing it.

It has been said that coffee can to elevate your blood pressure for a short period of time. If you suffer from hypertension along with CKD, you will want to limit your coffee consumption to 1-2 cups per day.

Also, you must remember that coffee counts as a fluid. If you have to monitor your fluid intake, you’ll want to adjust the amount of coffee you drink a day so you aren’t giving your kidneys too much work. Overall, however, coffee itself has not been found to accelerate kidney function decline in those with kidney disease.

Coffee Can Prolong your Life?

In an article published by Medical News Today in late 2017, researchers suggest that CKD patients can help prolong their lifespan simply by drinking coffee.

The study separated 2,328 patients who had CKD into four different groups, each having a specific coffee consumption guideline. At the end:

“Compared with subjects in the first quartile of caffeine consumption (less than 29.5 milligrams of caffeine a day), those in the fourth quartile (206.5 to 1,378.5 milligrams of caffeine a day) were 24 percent less likely to die…”

Though this study was simply observational and cannot prove the cause and effect of drinking coffee, the researchers do believe consuming a cup or two of coffee each day does pose significant health benefits for those with chronic kidney disease!

 

The post Can you have Coffee on a Renal Diet? appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

How Soda Affects Your Kidneys
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How is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?

Have you ever wondered exactly how kidney disease is diagnosed? Maybe you have begun having symptoms or know a loved one that is experiencing them. Note that it’s very common to experience zero symptoms of kidney disease until it has become well advanced.

With one in three Americans at risk for kidney disease (source), however, it is important that you understand how to find out if you have the medical condition.

Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

It’s a good idea to stay informed on what can put you more at risk for kidney disease. When you know what can cause you to experience issues with your kidneys, you can work toward reducing these risks.

Existing medical conditions can definitely increase your changes of developing kidney disease. With diabetes and high blood pressure being two of the primary causes of this ailment, your doctor will want to keep an eye on your kidneys if you have either (or both) of these.

There are also lifestyle factors that can increase your risk for kidney disease. Obesity and smoking are two commons factors that can increase your chances.

Sometimes, genetics plays a role in your risk for kidney disease. If a parent, grandparent, or sibling of yours suffered from kidney disease, your doctor should monitor your kidney function closely to notice even the most gradual decline. Also, being African-American, Native American or Asian-American may increase your risk for developing kidney disease.

Visiting your Family Doctor

To start the process of being tested for kidney disease, you will want to make an appointment with your general family doctor. Of course, you should be seeing your doctor once a year for a medical checkup, and this process can start at one of those routine appointments.

When your doctor discusses your family history, be sure that any history of kidney disease is mentioned. If you are an older adult, have diabetes, or suffer from hypertension or obesity, your doctor should already be monitoring your kidneys.

If he isn’t however, you can always mention any concerns you have to get the ball rolling on testing. Discuss with your doctor any changes in your urine color or output, if present. You can also talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking which may affect your kidney health.

Testing for Kidney Disease

There are few different procedures that can be done in order to check the health and function of your kidneys.

Urine test

A urine sample will be taken from you so it can be tested to determine the amount of a protein called albumin it contains. Protein should be contained in your blood rather than urine, since your kidneys have filters to keep the protein out. However, if your kidneys are not working properly, this test show increased levels of albumin in your urine – which can signify kidney disease.

Once your urine sample is collected the doctor’s office restroom, the doctor or a nurse will use a special strip of paper called a dipstick to test your sample. This paper will change colors when dipped into your urine sample if a detectable amount of albumin is present (known as a positive result).

If your urine test produces a positive result, you will have to retake the test for confirmation. If you have three positive results in a three-month period, you could very well be in the early stages of kidney disease. 

Those diagnosed with kidney disease regularly perform a urine test to monitor protein levels in the urine. When the amount decreases, it is a good sign that the treatment methods administered to the patient are working.

Blood test

Another way to diagnose kidney disease is by checking the level of creatinine in your blood. Since creatinine is a waste product that comes from muscles, your kidneys should filter it from your bloodstream. If your kidneys aren’t properly functioning, your creatinine will likely be higher than the norm.

Once your creatinine level is determined, it will be inserted into a mathematical formula used by doctors to determine your GFR, or glomerular filtration rate. This number shows how well your kidneys are working to filter wastes from the blood.

To learn more about GFR and the different levels doctors look at for diagnosing kidney disease, click on the Download button below.

Ultrasound

In some cases, your doctor may order an ultrasound be done on your kidneys. This imaging allows your doctor to check for any abnormalities in your kidneys’ structure and size.

Biopsy

Biopsies are typically not necessary in order to diagnose kidney disease. However, if your doctor thinks it’s warranted, you may be scheduled for a kidney biopsy.

The doctor will use local anesthesia and a long, thin needle that penetrates the skin and your kidney to collect a sample. This sample will then be sent to a lab for testing, which may not only tell you if you have kidney disease, but may determine exactly what is causing your issues with kidney function.

Early Detection of Kidney Disease is Best

It is always important to catch a medical condition as soon as possible, and kidney disease is no exception. The earlier you are diagnosed, the sooner a treatment plan can be established to slow the progress of kidney function decline. Kidney failure cannot be reversed, but you can slow the progression and may even continue leading a happy, relatively healthy life for years after an early diagnosis.

And since the earlier stages of kidney disease may not produce any symptoms, it’s essential that you be routinely tested for the condition. This is especially true if you have one or more of the risk factors for kidney disease.

Educating yourself on the process of a kidney disease diagnosis helps protect your own kidneys and your overall health. Understanding the procedures ensures that you stay on top of your kidney function to detect any early signs of the disease.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Suggested Reading:

The Doctor Has Diagnosed Me with Renal Disease, Now What?
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What Treatment Options Are There For Stage 1 and Stage 2 Kidney Disease?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic kidney disease at this time. However, if you have been diagnosed with CKD, you do have some options for treatment. Treating the condition early on, in stages 1 or 2, can help to reduce your symptoms as well as slow the progression of kidney failure.

Do You Have High Blood Pressure?

As a primary cause of chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure is also a grave concern that needs to be kept under control. Letting your blood pressure stay high not only supports the progression of kidney failure, but it can also increase your risk of other serious medical conditions including heart attack or stroke.

You will want to make sure your blood pressure stays at a normal level by checking it at home regularly with a BP monitor. You can also adjust your diet and get more active in order to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Eat More Fiber and Lose Weight

Fiber is important in a renal diet for CKD patients for a number of reasons. For one, it helps absorb water as it works its way through the digestive system. This means less fluid going to the kidneys.

Also, it helps your entire digestive tract work properly. By retaining water, fiber adds bulk to your stools so they will be softer and larger. This helps to prevent constipation as well as hemorrhoids.

Fiber gives you that full filling longer, so you will snack less – which helps keep your blood sugar in check. Not only that, but it can help you lose weight. If you are an overweight CKD patient, your doctor will likely recommend a renal diet to you that helps you to burn more calories and reduce your weight.

Follow A DASH Diet

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can be very helpful for those with chronic kidney disease. It is aptly named because it can help reduce high blood pressure. The diet also reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and other serious conditions.

Following the DASH diet means you will be consuming lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy, fish, seeds, and nuts. You will want to avoid salt and sugar, red meats, and fatty foods.

Talk To Your Doctor About Medications

It’s not uncommon to be placed on medications once you are diagnosed with CKD. Many use blood pressure medications to control that reading as well as to prevent hypertension. Cholesterol medications can help to remove the buildup of plaque in the bloodstream that could damage to the kidneys.

Just because you are prescribed a medication for a symptom of CKD doesn’t mean you’ll have to take it forever. Sometimes, it’s just a treatment option to help lower lipid levels or your blood pressure, then you can use proper diet and exercise to keep the normal levels maintained.

Along with medications, supplements can be added to your daily routine to ensure you are getting the fiber and other nutrients you need.

As you can see, there are a few different ways you can be proactive in staying healthy when you have Stage 1 or Stage 2 kidney disease. While there is no cure for CKD, it’s important that you treat the condition to reduce the progression of the kidney failure and to prevent any related medical issues from occurring.

The post What Treatment Options Are There For Stage 1 and Stage 2 Kidney Disease? appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Commonly Prescribed Medications for Chronic Kidney Disease
How Quickly Will My Chronic Kidney Disease Progress To Dialysis?
Dialysis Treatment Options

Can I Eat Tomatoes on a Renal Diet

There is a lot of information available for what you should and should not eat on a kidney disease diet, but much of that information is not specific enough. Certain foods require a bit more information to truly understand the risks and benefits of eating. Plus, some foods are so prevalent that it seems impossible to completely cut them out of your diet.

Tomatoes are one of those foods that you find everywhere and in all different forms. You can find tomatoes fresh, canned, stewed, and diced. Not to mention that there are about a million versions of tomato sauces, pastes, and more. While sodium information is typically easy to find and prominently listed on the nutrition facts, the potassium and phosphorus content is not always as easy to find.

Sodium is certainly one of the most important nutrition facts to keep up with on a renal diet, but potassium and phosphorus are extremely important as well. They both have adverse effects on your kidneys if you have chronic kidney disease.

Potassium

Potassium is an important mineral that has many functions in the body. Potassium helps to maintain a healthy heart rhythm, controls nerve and muscle function, and helps to balance your electrolyte and pH levels. Potassium comes solely from the foods that you eat.

The kidneys help to keep potassium levels exactly where they need to be. Low potassium can cause weakness, fatigue, and cramping. High potassium, which is what sometimes occurs in people with kidney failure, can also be harmful. High potassium can cause weakness, nausea, numbness, and a slowing of your pulse. It can put undue strain on your heart and cause unhealthy changes in your heart rhythm.

High potassium commonly occurs in cases of renal disease because failing kidneys are often not able to keep up with maintaining potassium levels as they are meant to, which causes a buildup. It is for this reason that watching the amount of potassium you eat is important with kidney disease.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another mineral found in the body that is important for proper function. Phosphorus is important for bone and tissue strength and development helps to produce important hormones, and helps convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into energy. Most of the phosphorus in your body comes from the foods you eat, and it is usually considered an important part of a healthy diet.

Many people get excess phosphorus because of the prevalence of processed foods, canned and bottled drinks, and other foods that have large amounts of added phosphorus. For many people, this excess phosphorus is not a problem because their kidneys help to filter out and remove any excess material. People who have renal disease are often not able to filter out excess phosphorus, which results in a buildup.

Too much phosphorus in the blood can lead to a lot of dangerous health issues, including hardened tissues and weakened bones, renal osteodystrophy, pain issues, and in some cases even death. This is why phosphorus will be on your list of restrictions when you have renal disease, and it is important to understand what foods phosphorus comes from and how much you should consume.

Unfortunately, potassium and phosphorus amounts are not often listed on nutrition facts. Tomatoes contain both potassium and phosphorus along with sodium, and they are such a common ingredient that it is sometimes nearly impossible to avoid. 

Some Information On Common Amounts Based Where The Product Came From Are Below: 

Fresh (1cup serving)

Sodium: less than 35mg

Potassium: 427mg

Phosphorus: 43mg

Fresh tomatoes are the best source of tomatoes, as they do not have any additives that can increase the sodium, potassium, or phosphorus content. Whenever you are able, you should stick to using fresh tomatoes in salads, sauces, and more.

Information for Canned Tomato Products

Diced (½ cup serving size)

Sodium: 250mg

Potassium: 226mg

Phosphorus: 23mg

Whole (8oz serving size)

Sodium: 290mg

Potassium: 426mg

Phosphorus: 43mg

Petite Cut (1/2 cup serving size)

Sodium: 250mg

Potassium: 226mg

Phosphorus: 23mg

No Salt Added Canned Diced (1/2 cup)

Sodium: 50mg

Potassium: 226mg

Phosphorus: 23mg

No Salt Added Canned Whole (1 cup)

Sodium: 24mg

Potassium: 451mg

Phosphorus: 46mg

Canned Stewed (1 cup serving)

Sodium: 563mg

Potassium: 528mg

Phosphorus: 51mg

Tomato Paste (2tbsp serving)

Sodium: 20mg

Potassium: 310mg

Phosphorus: 27mg

Tomato Sauce, Canned (1 cup serving)

Sodium: 1284mg

Potassium: 811mg

Phosphorus: 64mg

Tomato Juice (1 cup serving)

Sodium: 654mg

Potassium: 556mg

Phosphorus: 44mg

Juice, No Salt Added (1 cup serving)

Sodium: 25mg

Potassium: 556mg

Phosphorus: 44mg

Keep in mind that these amounts are approximated and different versions will have varying amounts of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. For the purposes of this list, Del Monte was the primary brand used. The information about exact potassium and phosphorus amounts can sometimes be found on a brand’s website along with other nutrition facts, or you can also call customer service to obtain information when needed.

 

Modifications

You can sometimes make modifications to certain products to lower the content of some ingredients. For example, whenever you are using canned products, you can usually lower the sodium content by draining and rinsing.

You can lower the amount of potassium and phosphorus in canned tomatoes as well. Drain all of the liquid out, and rinse thoroughly. This will help lower the amount of added phosphorus and potassium, but it will not completely omit them so you will still need to be careful about how much you eat.

You can also modify recipes to lower the amount of potassium, sodium, or phosphorus. You can do this by omitting certain ingredients, or by making substitutions.

Substitutions

Finding substitutes or alternatives to certain ingredients is a big part of any restrictive diet. Sometimes you need to replace the flavor, texture, or nutrition of a certain ingredient without actually using that ingredient.

The healthiest substitution for any canned, bottled, or otherwise processed tomato product is going to be to use fresh tomatoes instead. You can substitute roughly 2 cups of fresh tomatoes for each 14.5 ounce can of tomatoes, or cup for cup in most recipes. This is easiest when you are substituting diced tomatoes, but you can also substitute other versions by making your own. This certainly means more work, but the health benefits are certainly worth it.

Other times, you may want to try substituting tomatoes with other foods. This can be slightly more difficult because the taste and texture of tomatoes can be hard to imitate, but some substitutions can work well. For example, you can use roasted red peppers to make a delicious sauce that is a great replacement for tomato sauce that can be used on everything from pastas to pizza.

Aside from red peppers, you can also try using tomatillos to replace tomatoes in many of your recipes. They do have phosphorus and potassium, but contain a good bit less and are an easy substitution. Tomatillos are especially great raw or in salsa.

Kidney Friendly Marinara Sauce

Ingredients:

½ cup no salt added tomato sauce (or make your own)

½ cup roasted red peppers, pureed (or double this to omit tomatoes completely)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 small yellow onion, diced or minced

Dry Italian spices to taste

Heat up olive oil in a saucepan, cook onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add tomato sauce and/or red pepper puree. Season with dry Italian spices, and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Use this simple sauce on pasta or pizza, or on top of favorite dishes like chicken parmesan.

Tomato-Free Salsa

Ingredients:

½ cup chopped onion

1 (fresh) jalapeno pepper, diced

½ cup roasted tomatillos, chopped

2 roasted bell peppers, chopped

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! To make your own kidney safe tortilla chips, simply cut some flour tortillas into strips or wedges (however you like them shaped). Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Tomatoes can be one of the toughest foods to completely omit from your diet, and they can sometimes be difficult to properly substitute as well. Overall, however, it is more important that you follow your healthcare providers’ recommendations about your diet than anything else. At first, it may feel difficult or even disheartening to cut out or cut down on the foods you love, but in time you will learn how to make the right modifications and substitutions necessary, and you will be better able to enjoy your foods knowing that they are much safer to eat.

This information about tomatoes is a good starting point to learn how much and how often tomatoes are safe for you to eat. As long as you are staying within the confines of your doctor’s recommendations, you may still be able to enjoy these tasty fruits in moderation. Talk to your doctor about how modifications and substitutions might help with your dietary restrictions regarding tomatoes, and be sure that you have a good understanding of how much potassium and phosphorus is safe for you to consume.

You may find a list of common varieties of tomato products with their sodium, potassium and phosphorus content. Also listed are substitution ideas as well as ways to lessen the sodium, potassium, or phosphorus content of each. Just click on the Get More Info About Tomatoes button to find out more. 

The post Can I Eat Tomatoes on a Renal Diet appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

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Can you Eat Broccoli on a Renal Diet?

When you are put on a renal diet due to chronic kidney disease, you are no doubt given a list of restrictions as well as recommendations. Most patients will be encouraged to eat a variety of fresh vegetables for their nutritious benefits.

Broccoli is one of the vegetables on the highly recommend you eat list for CKD patients!

Nutritional Facts of Broccoli

Touted as a “super veggie,” eating broccoli comes with many health benefits. It is high in many nutrients, including vitamins C (almost 70% of the recommended daily intake in ½ cup of broccoli) and K, manganese, and iron. Its fiber content (at 2.3 grams per cup) makes it great for CKD patients who wish to regulate their digestive tract.

One cup of broccoli contains just 31 calories, making it a great fit for a renal diet designed for weight loss – or just general health.

Broccoli is also a good source of protein among vegetables. However, the water content is so high in the food that the protein content is still rather low compared to other sources.

Benefits of Broccoli for your Renal Diet

There are many ways that consuming broccoli is good for your renal diet, as well as your chronic kidney disease diagnosis. Let’s take a look just how powerful this vegetable can be for your health…

Broccoli is a low-phosphorus food, with its phosphorus content being some of the lowest among all vegetables. If your renal diet forces you to limit your phosphorus consumption, broccoli is still a good choice for your meals.
As it is also considered a “smart carb,” broccoli is great for CKD patients needing to lose weight. It helps you stay full longer, and broccoli’s fiber content will also help to prevent constipation and overeating.
Broccoli is an abundant source of chromium, which helps to keep your blood sugar levels stable. If you have diabetes along with CKD, broccoli is an excellent choice for snacking that will reduce the chance of insulin spikes.
The vitamin C found in broccoli can help improve your immune system. If you already have kidneys that are struggling to function, you do not want to contract other illnesses and conditions that will make them work harder, so it’s important to eat the right foods, such as broccoli, that help promote a healthy immune system.

Potassium Content in Broccoli

If your renal diet limits your intake of potassium, you may also need to limit your broccoli consumption. One cup of cooked broccoli contains 290 mg of potassium, which can be considered high for some CKD dietary restrictions.

Wrap Up

All in all, broccoli is an excellent food for the typical renal diet. The vegetable contains many nutritional benefits for those that have chronic kidney disease and dietary restrictions to follow. It benefits many CKD patients by providing abundant sources of vitamins and minerals that the body needs to stay healthy and reduce the progression of kidney function decline.

 

The post Can you Eat Broccoli on a Renal Diet? appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

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Renal Soft Diet

Living with a chronic medical condition often means needing to adhere to a special diet. This can be difficult enough, especially in the beginning, but there are times when people find themselves having to follow more than one specialized diet at once. A common example of this occurrence is chronic kidney disease patients who also need to follow a soft foods diet. A renal soft foods diet certainly limits the foods that you can eat, but there are still tasty and nutritious options available.

What is a renal diet?

A renal diet focuses on foods that are safe for chronic kidney disease. As kidneys fail, they are less able to process out excess waste and materials. The buildup of certain materials in the blood can lead to very serious problems. Three of the most common restrictions on a renal diet are sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Sodium: Excess sodium in the blood can cause moderate to severe swelling (also called edema), shortness of breath, and heart failure among other dangerous health issues. Sodium is typically the very first food restriction for anyone on a renal diet.


Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a mineral that is found in a lot of healthy foods, but can build up in your system and cause hardening of tissues, brittle bones, and many other painful conditions. While phosphorus is found in many healthy foods, it tends to be a lot more prevalent in canned, bottled, and processed foods because it is used as an additive.


Potassium: Potassium is another typically healthy mineral that helps build and control muscles and nerves, maintains pH and electrolyte levels, and also helps keep your heart at a healthy rhythm. Too much potassium can lead to weakness, nausea, numbness, and irregular heartbeat.

Each of these typical renal diet food restrictions will likely have varying levels of restrictiveness depending on the patient and the stage of kidney failure. Often in the beginning stages of renal disease phosphorus and potassium are not major restrictions, but they become more important in the later stages of the disease. In these later stages, factors like fluid and protein restrictions can even come into play, which means that the patient will need to limit protein and watch their fluid intake as well.

What is a soft diet?

A soft diet is a diet that requires soft foods only. There can be many reasons for needing a soft foods diet, varying from dental impairments to digestive problems and more. Typically people on a soft foods diet will rely on foods that can be mushed up or blended, soups, and smoothies. The hardest part of a soft foods diet can sometimes be getting enough calories, especially if the soft foods diet includes any other restrictions, such as a renal diet.

A renal soft diet combines the elements of all of these restrictions. Finding foods that are both soft and kidney-friendly can certainly seem daunting, but once you get started it is easier to understand what types of food you should eat. Here are a few basics:

Soups: Soup is an easy go-to for most people on a soft foods diet, but may or may not be appropriate for everyone on a renal safe soft foods diet. This is because people in the later stages of kidney disease may have to abide by fluid restrictions on top of their usual dietary restrictions. However, if the patient does not have any fluid restrictions, soups are an excellent soft foods diet solution as long as the renal diet restrictions are followed. A simple plan for making many soups is to simply puree some steamed or roasted vegetables with some milk or water, heat, and add spices for taste.


Blending: Many foods can be blended down so they are better able to be eaten with a spoon or even a straw. You may need to add some liquid to whatever food you are blending to get a consistency that can be blended, so again fluid restrictions may come into play. Some foods may need to be cooked a little extra to be able to be blended. Also, unless it is a flavor combination that is already known to be palatable for the patient, avoid blending too many foods together at once. Some flavors may taste overpowering when they are blended together.


Smoothies: The ultimate blended meal, almost everyone loves a smoothie. A typical kidney safe smoothie might include some low potassium fruit (like berries or peaches), whey protein powder if there are no protein restrictions, some ice cubes, and some water. Depending on your restrictions, you might also add some yogurt or use milk instead of water.


Mash: Most of the typical foods that come mashed are high potassium vegetables like potatoes, but there are a lot of other options that can be eaten on a kidney safe diet. Cauliflower, for example, can pass for mashed potatoes when it is steamed and mashed. Depending on how much potassium you can have, you also have the option to “leach” some of the potassium out of potatoes by double boiling them to make mashed potatoes. Most vegetables can be cooked enough to be mashed down.


“Over” Cook: Many foods can be cooked down until they are soft enough for someone on a soft foods diet to handle. Fruits, vegetables, and even some meats will soften enough if you cook them a little extra and add some extra moisture. Again, do make sure you are paying attention to fluid restrictions when necessary.

Many dietary restrictions can be tough to deal with at first, but as you learn you will pick up on what works for you or your patient. There may be some trial and error at first, but finding foods that can be eaten on a soft food renal diet is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. A little extra preparation can go a long way. Talk to your healthcare providers to get more information about a soft foods renal diet, or to get more ideas about what you can eat with your specific list of restrictions.

You can sign up for Renal Diet Tips by clicking on the Get Renal Soft Diet Info Sheet button. 

The post Renal Soft Diet appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

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How to Build Your Own Meal Plan for Chronic Kidney Disease

One of the very best tools for sticking to a new or restrictive diet is meal planning. Meal planning can help to take all the guesswork out of figuring out a new diet and starting healthy habits. With just a little bit of work put in at the beginning of each week, you can save time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.

Resolve

The first part of meal planning is making the decision to really give it a try. This seems obvious, but you really have to resolve to make your meal plan and actually go through with it. If you aren’t resolved to truly follow through, you could be setting yourself up for failure.

Take Time to Research

If you are starting a new diet, you may still be unsure about what foods you should eat, and therefore you likely don’t even know where to start to build a meal plan. A little bit of research can go a long way in this case. Research recipes that fit into your diet plan, but also aren’t too complicated. Start with simple recipes with few ingredients, and then move to more complicated recipes as you get more comfortable with your prescribed foods.

Make a List

Use your recipes to decide which meals you would like to eat for the next few days up to a week. Make sure you plan for all meals and snacks as well. Write your meal plan out on a calendar. Then, using your plan, write out a list of ingredients you need to prepare each of these meals.

Go Shopping

Use your list to do your grocery shopping. Having all of your ingredients and items needed will help you adhere to your plan.

Do Your Prep Work

Another simple task that can help make your meal plan easier to follow is to do as much prep work ahead of time as possible. This could mean chopping veggies, measuring out ingredients, or putting meats in the marinade. The goal is to make each meal as simple as possible. Some of this prep work can be done at the beginning of the week, and some may be best done the night before.

Stick To It

When you first begin a new diet or try anything new such as meal planning, it can be all too easy to fall back into old routines. Give yourself a trial period- such as two weeks to a month- to put real effort into this new meal planning routine. At first, it may seem tedious or even boring to have everything all planned out for you, but over a short amount of time you will notice how much easier it is to stick to your new diet, and also how much easier even the busiest of days can be.

Meal planning is an excellent way to get used to a new diet, especially one that is restrictive for health reasons. Simply follow the steps until it becomes second nature. You can share your meal plan with your nutritionist or health care provider if you have any questions about how your plan works for your health conditions.

 

The post How to Build Your Own Meal Plan for Chronic Kidney Disease appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

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Blood Pressure Friendly Grill Recipes

Grilling season is not over yet, which means there is plenty of time to make the most out of cooking outdoors. Food from the grill just seems to taste better, maybe because of the flavors, the grill gives or maybe it’s the novelty. What you might not realize is that some of the most delicious and healthiest meals can be made on the grill. Blood pressure friendly meals are especially easy. Here are a few favorite blood pressure friendly grill recipes:

Shrimp and Potato Packets

Cooking food on the grill in foil packets is a great way to infuse intense flavor and moist bites. This simple shrimp and potato packet recipe is so easy, you’ll be surprised how delicious it is.

According to how many people you are feeding, measure out sheets of foil that are about 10-12 inches long. In the center of the packets, place six large shrimp (peeled and deveined), two halves of a cob of corn, four or five small red baby potatoes, and a small drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt-free table seasoning such as Mrs. Dash Table Blend, or use any variety that you prefer (the Mrs. Dash Caribbean Citrus Blend is another good choice). If you like, you can also add in slices of bell peppers or onion.

Fold over the foil and close edges into a packet. Place on grill and cover, cook for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through.

Easy Grilled Wings

This recipe can use any of your favorite low-sodium marinades. A great store-bought marinade for these wings would be Mrs. Dash Spicy Teriyaki Marinade. Whichever marinade you choose, make sure to let your wings soak for a few hours, or overnight if possible. The longer they marinate, the better the flavor.

Place your marinated full wings on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 25 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with salad, rice, veggies, or steamed new potatoes.

Veggie Kabobs

Vegetables tend to not get enough credit or attention when it comes time to man the grill. All of the meats usually get all the glory, but the grill really brings out the most delicious flavors in so many of your favorite vegetables. In fact, there might even be a few vegetables that you might not consider your favorite that really take on a whole new flavor on the grill.

Really, just about any vegetable can be grilled. A few favorites are zucchini, asparagus, onion, mushrooms, tomato, bell peppers, and squash. All you have to do to make a great grilled veggie dinner is cut up your selection of veggies, stack them on skewers, and grill for a few minutes per side.

Grilled Fruit for Dessert

If you have never tried grilling fresh fruit for an easy and delicious dessert, you are in for a delicious surprise. The heat from the grill brings out all of the juices and sweetness, making a simple dish taste as decadent as a rich dessert.

Slice or split a selection of fresh fruits. Peaches and pineapple are the most common, but you can even make little fruit kabobs with cherries and apples and berries. Simply put them on the grill for a few minutes, turning them so there are grill marks on all sides. You can eat them by themselves, over frozen yogurt, or even with a dollop of whipped topping.

Try any and all of these delicious and really simple recipes the next time you decide to fire up the grill. Not only are they all easy and incredibly tasty, but they are great choices for your blood pressure friendly diet.

The post Blood Pressure Friendly Grill Recipes appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Ways to Keep your Blood Pressure Under Control with CKD
Monitoring Your Blood Pressure On A Renal Diet
Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 021 – High Blood Pressure and Exercise in CKD

Lifestyle Changes for People with Chronic Kidney Disease

 Chronic kidney disease is more than just a diagnosis, it is a condition that marks major changes. To live comfortably and maintain as much kidney function is possible, there are a lot of big lifestyle changes you will need to make. The idea of making lifestyle changes can feel daunting, but really the changes you need to make are similar to any general healthy lifestyle.

Diet

The biggest changes you will need to make are changes to your diet. Your diet has the biggest impact of all because everything you eat or drink is ultimately filtered through your kidneys. This means that eating a kidney disease safe diet can put less stress on your kidneys.

Diet is so important that you can actually change the outcome of your disease by making healthy choices. A stringent kidney safe diet can help you slow or even potentially stop the progression of chronic kidney disease. This means that you could potentially avoid end-stage renal disease.

Exercise

While exercise is relative to each person’s abilities, physical activity is important to any healthy lifestyle. Chronic kidney disease is no exception to this rule. Exercise can help with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, increasing energy, and strengthening your entire body including your very important heart muscle.

Consumption Habits

Smoking- Smoking slows blood flow to important organs in your body, including the kidneys. It can also cause high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of kidney disease and can lead to life-threatening issues.

Drinking- Drinking alcohol can put a lot of extra strain on your already ailing kidneys, especially if you have high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor and ask if it is safe for you to drink in moderation and what choices are best for you.

Fluid Restrictions

Not everyone will have fluid restrictions, but some people may have to limit their fluid intake. For some, this may mean just sipping beverages during meals, and some will need to go so far as to be very vigilant about the moisture in certain foods. It all depends on your specific case and the progression of your illness.

Medical Management

As with any chronic health condition, you will need to follow up regularly with your healthcare providers. You may have medications to take, and your doctor or nutritionist may ask you to keep a food journal. In some cases, you may have other related metabolic conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, to manage as well as chronic kidney disease. All of this is relative to the patient, so be sure to pay attention and follow up accordingly with your providers.

Chronic kidney disease is definitely a condition that will require some major changes. Your lifestyle and diet especially will need to become whatever keeps you the healthiest. Maintaining an appropriately healthy lifestyle is going to be key to longevity and maintaining your comfort. Talk to your healthcare provider about what lifestyle changes you need to make, and what changes you may face further down the road.

 

 

The post Lifestyle Changes for People with Chronic Kidney Disease appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

Chronic Kidney Disease Requires A Better Diet
Lifestyle Changes You Must Adopt for a Healthy Heart
Understanding the Risk of Heart Disease as a Chronic Kidney Disease Patient

Daily Meal Plan to Lower Cholesterol

Lowering your cholesterol can feel like a daunting task, especially at the beginning when you aren’t quite sure what not eat. Perhaps more importantly, you might be unsure about what you should be eating. There is a lot of information out there that can seem overwhelming, and there are more than a few advertisements that make claims which may or may not be true.

To get an idea of a healthy diet to help lower your cholesterol, here is a sample meal plan for one week:

Sunday

Breakfast- Egg white omelet with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and low-fat cheddar cheese.
Lunch- Tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat.
Dinner- Grilled shrimp and zucchini kabobs, served over brown and wild rice. Lemon wedges to season.
Snacks– Baby carrots with fat-free ranch dressing, a handful of almonds.

Monday

Breakfast- Hot bran cereal with fresh berries and honey.
Lunch- Green salad with carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and topped with leftover shrimp and veggies. The low-fat dressing of your choice.
Dinner- Baked salmon with Dijon topping, asparagus, and quinoa.
Snacks- Sliced apple with peanut butter, baby carrots.

Tuesday

Breakfast- Oatmeal with apples, pecans, and cinnamon.
Lunch- Spinach salad with leftover salmon and quinoa, strawberries, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Dinner- Grilled chicken served with steamed new potatoes and sautéed green beans.
Snacks- Handful of pecans, fresh fruit.

Wednesday

Breakfast- Whole wheat toast with peanut butter and sliced banana.
Lunch- Grilled chicken pita pocket with greens, shredded carrot, and relish.
Dinner- Turkey breast served with baked sweet potato and steamed broccoli.
Snacks- Raw broccoli with hummus, banana.

Thursday

Breakfast- Whole wheat English muffin with egg whites, a slice of cheddar cheese, and turkey bacon.
Lunch- A whole wheat tortilla with leftover turkey, sliced tomato, lettuce, turkey bacon, and avocado.
Dinner- Marinated chicken wings, grilled or broiled, served with sautéed squash and wild rice.
Snacks- Whole wheat crackers with nut butter, fresh fruit.

Friday

Breakfast- Oatmeal with raisins and walnuts.
Lunch- Chicken taco with black beans on the side.
Dinner- Lean steak, grilled or broiled, served with roasted asparagus and a baked potato with margarine and low-fat sour cream.
Snacks- Fresh fruit, a handful of nuts.

Saturday

Breakfast- Whole grain pancakes topped with fresh peaches and whipped topping.
Lunch- Pita sandwich with leftover steak, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Dinner- Grilled turkey burgers wrapped in big lettuce leaves with your favorite toppings, served with homemade baked fries.
Dessert- Grilled peaches and pineapple served with a scoop of fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt.
Snacks- Pretzels and hummus, baby carrots.

This meal plan can help you to understand what sort of foods you should eat to help lower your cholesterol. This is a diet that focuses on whole grains, plenty of fresh produce, and is low in saturated fats. You can use this meal plan to model your own and make changes accordingly. If you have questions about certain foods and which foods you should be eating for your specific health needs, talk to your doctor or ask your healthcare provider to recommend a nutritionist.

The post Daily Meal Plan to Lower Cholesterol appeared first on Renal Diet Menu Headquarters.

Suggested Reading:

The Perfect Meal Plan for Chronic Kidney Disease
I Need A Low Cholesterol, Diabetic, And Pre-Dialysis Diet – Help!
Successful Chronic Kidney Disease Meal Plans