Mathea Ford's Blog, page 72

New CKD Diagnosis: Important Information

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If you have recently been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you likely have a lot of questions. You might even be scared about your health and what the future holds. What do you do next? 

Information is your strongest tool. Understanding what chronic kidney disease is and what changes you need to make are the best way for you to live as comfortably and as healthily as possible. Use these common questions and answers to learn more about your new diagnosis:

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease is a condition that means your kidneys are progressively failing. There are stages of kidney disease, ranging from the very beginning where there might be no symptoms and the condition is only caught via regular screenings. It can progress to the latest stage five, also known as end-stage renal disease.

Is CKD Fatal?

Not anymore! Thanks to regular screenings and modern medicine, chronic kidney disease is very treatable. If or when a patient reaches the final stage of kidney disease, there are ways to replace the kidney functions that your body cannot live without. Dialysis and kidney transplant are how kidney function would be replaced to extend life once the end-stage renal disease is met.

Is There A Cure for Chronic Kidney Disease?

There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, nor can the damage that is done be healed. What can be done are major lifestyle changes that can help prevent any further damage to occur. 

How Does Diet Affect Chronic Kidney Disease?

Everything you eat or drink is eventually processed through your kidneys. Your kidneys act as a filtration system for your body, removing waste, excess material, and other byproducts from your system. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, you can help your body by not eating or drinking items that cause extra stress on your kidneys.

What Diet Changes Are Typically Recommended for CKD?

Dietary restrictions will typically vary depending on the stage of kidney disease. Almost all restrictions will ask you to avoid sodium because it has a big effect on your kidneys. Other common restrictions are potassium and phosphorus. 

Most dietary recommendations are going to ask you to simply eat a healthy balanced diet. Lots of produce and lean proteins are always on the menu for a healthy diet, and the same goes for chronic kidney disease. You will also be asked to avoid sodium, so try cooking without added salt and avoid canned goods and processed foods whenever possible. The later the stage of disease, the stricter your dietary changes will need to be.

How Quickly Does Kidney Disease Progress?

The progression of kidney disease will vary, and you can do a lot to help slow kidney damage down. Following your doctors’ recommendations and sticking to a strict kidney safe diet can actually help you slow or even halt the progression of your illness. 

This information can help arm you to make the best decisions for your health. Knowing what chronic kidney disease means for you can help you to know how to move forward and live the healthiest life you can. Talk to your doctor for more information.

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How To Leach Potassium out of Vegetables
Renal Diet Menu – Ways To Make Your Meals Better
The Importance of a Renal Diet Menu

What End Stage Renal Disease Means for You

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Through the stages of renal diseases, you have learned that chronic kidney disease means that you are losing function in your kidneys. Once you reach the last stage of chronic kidney disease, you are in what is referred to as an end-stage renal disease. This final stage of kidney disease means that there is little to no kidney function left, and action needs to be taken to replace that function. Usually, this means dialysis or transplant.

How CDK Progression is measured

The progression of chronic kidney disease is measured by a factor known as the Glomerular Filtration Rate, or GFR. The GFR is a measurement that takes into account common risk factors and blood creatinine results to create a number that indicates how much progressive the damage to the kidneys is. Once the GFR is calculated, you know what stage of progression the disease is in.

Stages of Kidney Disease

Stage 1: Little to no symptoms, usually only caught by routine checkups.

Stage 2: Few symptoms, usually urinary changes and elevated lab results. 

Stage 3: Symptoms become more apparent, diet and lifestyle changes are important.

Stage 4: CKD is more apparent, dietary recommendations are strict.

Stage 5: Kidney failure, end-stage renal disease. Dialysis or transplant are necessary.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a method of replacing the function of your kidneys with a machine. Especially considering the monumental task a dialysis machine is performing for you, it is truly a relatively easy and painless procedure. Typically you will have dialysis done a few times a week, and it takes a couple hours each session. 

To complete dialysis, you will have a port inserted into your body. Usually, the port is in your arm. When you arrive for dialysis, you will be hooked up to a machine through a tube connected to your port. The machine filters your blood through a filtration process much like how it would be filtered in your own body. The blood is filtered back into your body and the treatment is over. 

While the first time or two may seem strange and uncomfortable, most people get used to the process very quickly. You can read, nap, or even work on your laptop while you are having dialysis done.

This type of dialysis is known as hemodialysis. There is another type of dialysis called peritoneal dialysis that is less common but may still be a good option for you. This type of dialysis is done at home. Through a port in your stomach, you pour in a special fluid called dialysate into your abdomen. The solution absorbs the excess waste and byproducts and then you empty the fluid out and dispose of it. This treatment is typically done about four times a day and takes approximately half an hour to 45 minutes to complete. It can be done at home, at work, or anywhere you are.

End-stage renal disease is a serious health condition that requires regular treatment and strict dietary changes. By taking care of yourself and following through with recommended treatments, you can still have a good quality of life. Talk with your doctor about your dialysis options or transplant to get the answers that will help you.

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Suggested Reading:

Definition of ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease)
Common Questions about ESRD
Diet Changes by Stage of Chronic Kidney Disease

Easy Grilled Goodies for Chronic Kidney Disease

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The weather is warm and the summer holidays are upon you, it is time to bring out the grill if you haven’t already. One of the best parts of this time of the year is spending time outdoors, and that includes cooking and eating outside. Parties, picnics, potlucks, and more are abound and everyone should soak up every moment and enjoy all of the fun and delicious foods. 

Grilling is fun and produces some of the most delicious foods, but there is even more good news. Most meals made on the grill are much healthier than foods that you might cook on the stove or order from a restaurant. This is because grilling is a very clean and low fat way to cook. Not only that, but people are a lot less likely to add extra fats, like oil or butter, to their foods when grilling.

There are so many delicious and healthy, kidney friendly foods that you can make on the grill. Here are just a few ideas:

Parmesan Zucchini Logs

Ingredients:

Fresh zucchini, cut in half lengthwise

Fresh or dried parsley

Shredded parmesan cheese

Fresh cracked pepper

Turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Using a spoon, hollow out part of the zucchini. Sprinkle on a small amount of turkey bacon and parmesan cheese. Top with parsley or any of your other favorite fresh or dried herbs, and fresh cracked pepper. Lay skin side down on grill and close the lid. Cook until cheese is bubbly and zucchini is cooked through. Serve with rice.

Grilled Fish and Sweet Onions

Ingredients:

Fresh or fresh frozen (thawed) fish filets (Tilapia, Mahi, or Flounder are great choices)

Large sweet yellow onions, thickly sliced.

Fresh rosemary (or dried)

Lemon or lemon juice

Olive Oil

Garlic, crushed or minced

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, and garlic. Place thick slices of sweet onion down on grill and place fish filets on top of the onion. Brush tops of the fish with the olive oil mixture. Cook with top down until fish is cooked through. 

Chicken and Pepper Kabobs

Ingredients:

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts- cut into cubes

Onions

Bell Peppers (all colors)

Mushrooms

Zucchini

Marinade: equal parts olive oil and apple cider vinegar, generous amount of minced garlic, thyme, parsley, black pepper

Marinade chicken cubes for at least one hour. Cut all of your veggies into cubes. Skewer chicken and veggies onto kabobs and place directly on the grill. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice or pasta salad.

These are just three recipes in a long list of delicious possibilities. Talk to your doctor about recommended foods and restrictions, and then use that list to build simple and delicious meals on the grill. It is so easy, you barely need to know anything about cooking to pull off really great meals this summer because the grill basically does it all for you. 

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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters - Renal Diets That You Will Love!

Suggested Reading:

What Kind of Plan Should I Follow On A Stage 3 Kidney Diet?
The Importance of Diet for Stage 3 Kidney Disease
Follow A Diet for Kidney Failure for Success

Frozen Treats for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

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The weather is hot and everyone is looking for a cool treat. There is nothing better than a cold and refreshing frozen treat when it is hot outside. Unfortunately, ice cream and frozen margaritas aren’t the best option for everyone. Some people, such as those with diabetes or kidney disease, have to be a little more careful about what kind of treats they eat.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for people who are following a kidney safe diet. These healthier options are so delicious, everyone can enjoy them. 

Try these kidney safe frozen treats this summer:

Frozen Grapes: You will be surprised just how delicious a treat you can make by simply freezing grapes. They are so easy. All you have to do is separate the grapes from the stem, rinse and pat dry, and then put them in a resealable baggie or container. Freeze overnight, and then take them anywhere for a delicious cool treat. As they thaw they will get softer, but even straight out of the freezer they are great to just suck on the cool sweetness.

Peach Slush: Better even than ice cream, you can make a sweet slush with fresh fruit like peaches. Start by choosing ripe peaches, then peel and slice into thin pieces. Freeze for a few hours, and then put them in a food processor. That is all you have to do for a delicious and fruity frozen treat. 

Cranberry Ice: Do you love shaved ice? You can make a kidney friendly version right in your own home, and it is so easy too. Simply put some ice into a blender and push “crush” until the ice is just where you like it to be. Spoon it into a cup or bowl and then pour on a little cranberry juice.

Lemonade Freeze: Do you love the tartness of a margarita? Create your own non-alcoholic frozen drink by simply using lemonade. All you have to do is pour your favorite sugar free lemonade into ice cube trays, and then once it is frozen run it through the blender. You can also try this same thing with limeade for something closer to a margarita.

Icy Berry Bliss: If you are craving a deliciously sweet and tart frozen treat, try these simply berry ice pops. Simply puree your favorite berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. You can use blackberries also, but be aware that the seeds can create a different taste and consistency. Pour the puree into ice pop molds, freeze, and enjoy. 

These delicious frozen treats can help you enjoy your summer and stick to your kidney safe diet. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor about what foods are safe for your particular diet. You should also exercise caution and control, and maintain healthy portion sizes.

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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters - Renal Diets That You Will Love!

Suggested Reading:

Summer Snacking with Chronic Kidney Disease
Navigating Summer Events with Chronic Kidney Disease
How Quickly Will My Chronic Kidney Disease Progress To Dialysis?

Navigating Summer Events with Chronic Kidney Disease

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Summer is prime time for picnics, barbecues, camping, and outdoor parties. Living with a strict diet due to chronic kidney disease can put a damper on these festivities if you don’t know what you can safely eat in these situations. To help you navigate all of the upcoming summer events, here are some common foods that you should be able to enjoy:

Picnics

Pasta Salad: Pasta salads typically come in two varieties- mayonnaise based, and vinegar based. The vinegar based, such as those made with Italian dressing, is the type that is best for you to eat. A simple pasta salad, made with noodles, carrots and other veggies, and Italian dressing is delicious and kidney friendly.

Fried Chicken: Fried chicken is not usually something you should eat on a renal diet, but it is a staple at picnics. If there are no other options for you, remove the skin and just eat the meat. It will be less greasy and salty, and therefore less of a danger to you.

Fruits and Veggies: Most picnics always have vegetable trays or salads. Make use of these offerings and fill your plate with mostly fresh veggies and some fruit.

Barbecues

Pulled Pork: Pulled pork is generally considered safe for kidney disease patients, especially as an alternative to burgers or especially the sodium bombs known as hot dogs. Go easy on the sauce, especially if it is the sweeter tomato based kind. If it is available, vinegar based sauce is best.

Grilled Chicken: Most backyard barbecues typically offer burgers, hot dogs, and chicken from the grill. Between the three, grilled chicken is the healthiest option. If there is no option for fish or chicken, a small burger would be okay but avoid hot dogs at all costs.

Coleslaw: Many side dish options at barbecues are either potato based or drenched in cheese or sauce. Pasta salad, coleslaw, and salads are your best options for kidney safe side dishes. If your doctor has not restricted potassium, you can also eat potato salad.

Camping

Fish: If you are fishing and camping, you are in luck because fish is a great option for you to eat. It is lean and full of protein and nutrients, so you can safely enjoy your catch. There is nothing better than fire grilled, fresh caught fish with a little lemon juice.

Rice: Sides can be tricky when camping, but you can pretty easily bring along some rice to cook over the fire. Minute rice is usually pretty easy, and won’t be as bad for you as baked beans or other canned goods.

Hot Dogs: Hot dogs, as a general rule, should be avoided at all costs. However, they are a staple for campfire dinners. You can eat vegan hotdogs, which are nitrate free and made of meat alternatives. They actually taste pretty delicious too.

Pool Parties

Cool Drinks: Blend up some frozen sugar free lemonade or limeade for a frosty beverage that will keep you cool at a day at the pool.

Frozen Treats: When ice cream isn’t an option, get creative. Blend up some frozen berries or peaches in a food processor instead of ice cream, or pour some fruit puree into ice pop molds and freeze.

Of course, you should always talk to your doctor about your particular diet and which foods you should seek out or avoid. Every person is different, and so your specific dietary restrictions may be different. Always keep these factors in mind, and it will be easier to enjoy your summer events.

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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters - Renal Diets That You Will Love!

Suggested Reading:

How To Leach Potassium out of Vegetables
The Importance of Diet for Stage 3 Kidney Disease
Summer Snacking with Chronic Kidney Disease

Summer Snacking with Chronic Kidney Disease

renaldiet

 A vast majority of chronic health problems are greatly affected by what you eat. Chronic kidney disease is a strong example of how the foods you eat can improve or worsen your symptoms. This is because everything you ingest is ultimately processed through your kidneys. 

It is no wonder that many people who are living with chronic kidney disease have a hard time knowing what to eat. So while grabbing a summer snack may be no big deal to some, choosing the right options is important to people with renal disease. Here are some tips on choosing kidney friendly summer snacks: 

 Simple Snacking 

One key to making the healthiest choices for everyone, not just those with kidney disease, is to keep your foods simple. Foods that are good on their own, like fruits and vegetables especially, are going to be your best choices.  

 Foods that come in packages and have lots of ingredients, specifically ingredients you can’t pronounce, should be avoided. These are the foods that typically are full of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and tons of excess sugar and sodium that no one needs. 

 Grilled Goodies 

 Summer time is the best time to make the most of the warm weather and break out the grill. There are so many delicious and healthy meals and snacks that you can make on the grill, each more delicious than the last. Grilling is a delicious, healthy, and insanely easy way to cook food. 

Grilled Peaches: Simply peel and halve a small peach and remove the pit. Grill on all sides, for around a minute each. The heat makes the peach taste even sweeter and the grill gives the peach a smoky flavor that is out of this world. 


Baked Apples on the Grill: Peel, halve, and core a small apple of your choice. Red delicious are great apples to use for this, or Granny Smith apples are great to use if you like more tartness. Stick a few cloves into the apple halves, and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. If you like the smoky flavor of the char marks, grill directly. Or you can fold the apples into sheets of aluminum foil. Cook until warmed through and slightly soft. 

Cool Comfort 

Nothing is better than a cool treat on a hot day. Many people find choosing healthy cold treats to be difficult, but these sweet alternatives with help you realize that you still have plenty of delicious and refreshing options to snack on this summer. 

Frozen Fruit: Frozen berries are cool, refreshing, and taste like candy. Wash, separate, and pat dry some grapes, raspberries, and blueberries. Put them in a baggie or other sealed container and freeze overnight. Bring this portable snack with you anywhere, from the park to the pool. 


Sugar Free Shivers: Ice cream might not be the best option for you, and that can be a letdown during the summer months, but there is an alternative that is cool and delicious. Make your own low sugar, dairy free cool treats with a few simple ingredients.  

Here is a recipe you can try:

 Ingredients: 

1 Cup Egg Beaters  
1/2 Cup Sugar 
2 Cups Liquid Non-dairy Creamer Any Flavor 
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract 

 Rock Salt and Ice (if needed for ice cream machine) 

 Directions: 

Using a 1-quart, microwavable bowl, beat egg product and sugar until well blended. 

Stir in non-dairy creamer and microwave for 1 minute, or until mixture thickens. 

Remove from heat. When cool, stir in vanilla. Pour mixture into center container of the ice cream machine. Layer ice and rock salt around container, alternating layers until bucket is full. 

Then process according to manufacturer’s instructions for your particular ice cream machine.  

During the summer, you can find inexpensive ice cream machines just about everywhere. If you do not have an ice cream machine, you can turn this cool treat into a fun activity as well, and make ice cream using freezer bags. 

 

It can be difficult to know what to eat when you are living with chronic kidney disease, especially at first. Once you get used to eating healthier, however, it will become second nature. It is good to know that you can still enjoy some delicious summer treats as part of your healthy kidney friendly diet.  

 

Need more help learning what to eat and not to eat? Click here.  

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Renal Diet Menu Headquarters - Renal Diets That You Will Love!

Suggested Reading:

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Renal Diet Headquarters Podcast 027 – Grocery List Snacking Ideas for Chronic Kidney Disease
Summer Barbecues with Chronic Kidney Disease

What Not To Eat and Drink with Renal Disease

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Food and drink restrictions are not fun to talk about, but they are an important part of living as healthily as possible when you have chronic health conditions. Health issues such as renal disease are so greatly affected by what you eat that dietary changes are the number one treatment plan.

Diet is so important to renal disease that you can actually slow or stop the progression of kidney failure simply by maintaining a strict diet. You can ultimately avoid dialysis or ever needing a kidney transplant. In order to maintain the best diet, however, you must be very aware of your dietary restrictions.

Your diet may or may not have the same necessary restrictions, so it is important to talk to your doctor about your specific condition. For example, you might not have any protein restrictions, which is typically only an issue for very late stage kidney failure patients. Everyone is different, and therefore dietary needs may be different as well.

Sodium — Sodium is one of the most dangerous food ingredients, especially for renal disease patients. Because your kidneys are not able to filter out excess waste, sodium can build up in your system and cause a lot of problems. Swelling, edema, high blood pressure, and many more serious issues can all arise due to excess sodium in your body. So it is very important that you are strict about sodium restrictions in your diet.


Sugar — Kidney disease and diabetes are highly connected health conditions. This is because kidney disease can cause insulin resistance. Too much sugar in your blood is not only difficult for kidneys to process, but high blood sugar is a whole list of other complications and dangers. If you have kidney disease but do not have diabetes, you should still be very careful about your sugar intake.


Meat — Diets that are high in high protein animal products, specifically meats, are more likely to cause kidney problems. Meat has a lot of byproducts that can be difficult for lower functioning kidneys to process. For this reason, it is recommended that kidney disease patients should eat a diet that is primarily plant based with only lean proteins.


Dairy — Similar to meat products, dairy creates excess byproducts that are hard to your body to process. Dairy especially is known to create an increase in calcium production, which is not good for renal disease patients. Excess calcium can create problems such as kidney stones.


Soda – Soda Pop is probably one of the worst things anyone can consume, even if they are perfectly healthy. Soda is full of sugar, artificial sweeteners, chemicals, and preservatives. There is nothing about soda that is good for you, and it should be avoided at all costs if you have kidney disease.

These are all foods that should be only eaten in moderation for people with normal diets, so it is understandable why they would be on a restricted list for renal disease patients. This list might seem very restrictive and you might be wondering what you can eat, but be sure that there are plenty of foods and beverages you can enjoy on a renal friendly diet. Eating a healthy diet can help you to avoid dialysis and live a longer, healthier, more comfortable life.

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Suggested Reading:

Top Foods to Avoid for Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease Requires A Better Diet
How Much Does Diet Affect Renal Disease?

How Soda Affects Your Kidneys

Mathea Ford

Soda, Pop, Coke, Cola… Whatever you call it, it has a big impact on your health. Drinking soda can cause you to gain weight, retain fluid, and put you at risk for major health problems. Obesity, diabetes, and many other major health problems are associated with drinking soda regularly.

Your kidneys are especially affected by drinking soda. It is no wonder, considering that every drop of everything you eat and drink eventually gets processed through your kidneys. Especially because they taste delicious and seem so innocent, most people do not realize just how dangerous soda can be.

It Doesn’t Take Much

You don’t have to drink a whole two liter of soda a day to reap the consequences. Unfortunately, just one or two sodas a day can wreak havoc on your kidneys. Regular consumption, even if it isn’t every day, can hurt you.

Keep this in mind as you realize just how much soda the average American drinks on a daily basis. Everywhere you turn there is a soda fountain with huge, cheap cups and unlimited refills. People don’t just drink a soda because they like the taste every now and then, they are addicted and drinking it like they should water. It is no wonder that a huge population of people in the United States are living with major health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease.

Regular soda consumption is a factor that can lead to kidney disease. There are many ingredients that affect your kidneys in different ways; all of them working together are like a perfect storm:

Dangerous Addiction

Fructose: Most sodas use fructose as a sweetener, but it could go by many names. It can be just plain sugar, glucose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup… There are literally over fifty different names for sugar that are used in sodas and other foods that you eat every day. Manufacturers try to be sneaky about their labeling so you won’t realize just how much sugar you are consuming. Just one soda puts you well above the recommended daily sugar intake.

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease and failure. High blood sugar leads to decreased kidney function and the altered production of insulin is closely tied with kidney function as well. Too much sugar in the blood makes it harder for the already over-taxed kidneys to do their job and filter out the excess waste.

Phosphoric Acid: Most sodas get their caramel color from phosphoric acid. This ingredient has been known to create an overproduction of kidney stones. Clear sodas typically have citric acid instead of phosphoric acid and it is not known to create as many problems, but there is no evidence to suggest that is necessarily much healthier.

Diet Sweeteners: Even the no sugar sodas are dangerous for your health. In fact, most studies show that they are actually worse on your kidneys than regular sugared soda. When sugar free diet sodas came on the market, kidney problems doubled when compared with regular soda.

Caffeine: Perhaps one of the biggest draws to drinking soda is the same reason that many people drink coffee. Caffeine is a highly addictive “pick me up” that many people enjoy convenient access to during the day. However, caffeine can contribute to kidney stones as well as increased blood pressure.

Soda has a huge effect on the body as a whole, but especially the kidneys. It is a huge contributing factor to the rising number of people with diabetes and kidney failure. Although most studies talk about constant use of sodas, one or two a day, you should know that there is no safe amount of soda to drink. Especially if you have diabetes or kidney disease, you should keep your soda consumption to a minimum or cut it out of your diet completely. For other tips on your renal diet, click here.

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Suggested Reading:

How Kidney Disease Affects Daily Life
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Commonly Asked Questions about CKD Diet

Mathea Ford

Especially at the beginning of a new diet and lifestyle journey, many people have a lot of questions before they can get started. Knowledge is power, and knowing what you are getting into and how your decisions can affect your health will better able you to make the best choices and live the healthiest lifestyle possible.

How important is diet for chronic kidney disease?

Diet changes are perhaps the most important part of your treatment plan for chronic kidney disease. In fact, diet changes alone can contribute to your possibility of slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease or even stopping it completely. This is because your kidneys are responsible for filtering the byproducts of everything you eat and drink.

Who needs to make dietary changes for CKD?

Any person that has been diagnosed with any stage of chronic kidney disease should start making dietary changes immediately. The sooner you make changes and start living a healthy lifestyle, the better your overall health and well-being will be. In fact, the earlier you start the easier it is to stop or slow the progression of kidney failure. You could effectively stop your illness in its tracks and avoid end stage renal disease by acting now.

What are the most important dietary restrictions for a CKD diet?

Sodium is the most important dietary restriction for chronic kidney patients. This simple nutrient makes so much of an impact on the entire body, especially the kidneys. Excess sodium can be hard to filter through failing kidneys, and a buildup of sodium can lead to devastating consequences. Phosphorus and potassium are also on the list of restrictions for many kidney patients, depending on what level of failure you are at.

What are the best foods for a CKD diet?

The best foods for a renal disease diet are foods that are low in sodium and high in vitamins and nutrients that can help your body rather than hurt it. Onions, garlic, bell peppers, red berries, and apples are all great examples of foods that you want to include in your daily diet for chronic kidney disease.

What are the worst foods for a CKD diet?

Salty snacks like chips and crackers are of course on list of foods you should avoid with chronic kidney disease. Canned foods are often packed with extra sodium and so they should be avoided whenever possible. Highly processed foods like boxed dinners are notorious for packing in excess sodium, sugar, and tons of hidden ingredients and chemicals that can be harmful to anyone, especially anyone with kidney disease.

A little knowledge can go a long way in the fight to live a healthy life with chronic health conditions. If you have more questions about chronic kidney disease and what foods you should be eating or avoiding, talk to your doctor or nutritionist right away. Your dietary changes could mean the difference in a life of discomfort and avoiding end stage renal disease. For more information on questions about chronic kidney disease diet click here.

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Suggested Reading:

Commonly Asked Questions about Chronic Kidney Disease
Commonly Asked Questions about Dialysis
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Weaning Yourself from Processed Foods

Mathea Ford

Processed foods have become so commonplace in Western society that many people truly do not understand the affect they can have on your health. Especially for people with chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, eating a diet full of processed foods can do a lot of damage.

Likely because they are so prevalent, most people do not even realize how unhealthily they are eating. You might know truly know which foods are considered processed and unhealthy, especially if their labels indicate otherwise. On top of that, most people just simply do not know what changes to make in their diets to cut these foods out. Most of all, many people do not realize until it is too late how addicted your body can become to all of the added sugars, sodium, and hidden ingredients in processed foods.

Identifying Processed Foods

Most foods are processed in some way, whether they are pre-cooked, ground up, or mixed with other foods. The types of processed foods to look out for are different that simple processes during the cooking process. These foods have long lists of ingredients, most of which are difficult to pronounce or identify. A good rule of thumb is to always read the nutrition label thoroughly, and avoid any products with a laundry list of ingredients that you don’t recognize.

Most processed foods can be found on the inside aisles of the grocery store. These foods are cookies and crackers, cereals, and boxed meals and sides. Other than dried goods like plain pasta, rice, and beans, you are better off avoiding most foods that come in a box or bag.

Don’t be fooled by clever labeling, either. Just because a box advertises that something is “all natural” or high in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients does not actually mean it is healthy. The hidden ingredients and high sugar and sodium content, not to mention all the chemicals in these foods, often negate any of the healthy benefits touted.

Why Processed Foods are Addictive

It can be very difficult to overcome food addictions, especially when it comes to processed foods.. There are many reasons why people have a hard time kicking the habit of eating these products.

First of all, they are easy. They are easy to find, easy to store, and easy to prepare. They are also exceptionally cheap. Many people find it easier and cheaper to eat ramen and boxed meals for every meal.

More than any of that, however, are the actual physical ramifications of eating these foods. There have been many studies published recently that compare your brain’s reaction to eating highly processed foods to that of hard drugs. So not only is everything cheap and easy, but your brain and body are literally addicted to the sugar, sodium, and chemicals in processed foods.

Kicking the Habit

Unfortunately, like any addiction, you will have to go through the discomfort of weaning yourself from your addiction. There are a few things you can do to make it easier for yourself:

Clean out your pantry of all processed food items so you will not be tempted.

Drink lots of water to help flush your body of toxins, if your diet allows it.

Exercise regularly, both to help flush toxins from your system, and also to help take your mind off of your addiction.

Eat a whole foods diet. Fill your plates with fresh produce, real whole grains, beans, and lots of delicious, real food.

Give it time. You are unlikely to kick the habit of any addiction in one day. It will be hard and you may even experience withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, headaches, and near uncontrollable cravings. Just remember that if you can hold out through the worst of the withdrawal, you can be free of your need for addictive processed foods and on your way to a healthier you.

Processed foods are an addiction much like any other, except that the majority of people do not realize they are addicted. The chemicals, high sugar and sodium content, and other hidden ingredients truly do act like a drug to your system. To live the healthiest life possible, and to help treat your chronic health conditions, it is best for you to wean these products from your system and enjoy a whole foods lifestyle. For more information on processed foods, click here.

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Suggested Reading:

How Processed Foods Affect Chronic Kidney Disease
Top Foods to Avoid for Chronic Kidney Disease
Foods for All Stages of CKD