Foods to Reverse Kidney Damage
The word kidney failure sounds scary, doesn’t it? People with diabetes can develop kidney problems, particularly when blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol remain uncontrolled for a long time. The right dietary approach and proper medical guidance can help support kidney health and slow the progression of kidney disease.
Diabetes and Kidney Damage
A common complication seen in people with diabetes is called diabetic nephropathy. It is a microvascular complication of diabetes. When blood sugar levels remain high, advanced glycation end products can develop and affect the blood vessels in the kidneys, gradually damaging kidney function. Kidney problems are more commonly seen in people who have had diabetes for many years, particularly when blood sugar levels are not well controlled. High blood pressure and cholesterol can further increase the risk of kidney damage.
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Risk Factors for Diabetic Kidney Disease
People with diabetes should pay attention to blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Smoking can also increase the risk of kidney damage, so people with diabetes are advised to quit smoking.
A family history of diabetes and kidney disease may also increase the risk. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and making appropriate dietary changes can help reduce the risk of kidney complications.
How Much Water Should Kidney Patients Drink?
The amount of water a person with kidney failure should drink depends on their urine output and whether they have swelling or other conditions such as heart failure.
For people with normal urine output, the 24-hour urine output can be measured and approximately 500 ml may be added to determine the daily fluid allowance, according to the guidance described in the content.
People with severely damaged kidneys and very low urine output may need to restrict their fluid intake further. The exact amount should be determined by a doctor.
Count All Fluids in Your Daily Intake
Water intake does not only include plain drinking water. Coffee, tea, milk, sambar, juice, and other liquids also contribute to total daily fluid intake.
Therefore, people with kidney failure who have been advised to restrict fluids should carefully measure all sources of fluid.
How to Prepare Vegetables for Kidney Patients
For people with kidney failure, the content recommends using a leaching method when preparing vegetables. Vegetables should be washed well, cut into thin pieces, boiled in water, and the water should then be discarded before cooking the vegetables.
Fruits to Limit or Avoid in Kidney Failure
Fruit juices, coconut water, and bananas are suggested to be avoided because they contain high amounts of potassium.
Fruits mentioned as options include guava, papaya, apple, and, for some people, pineapple. The appropriate fruit choices and portions should depend on individual kidney function and potassium levels.
Protein Intake for Kidney Patients
The content recommends approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for people with kidney failure.
For example, a person weighing 60 kg would consume approximately 45–50 grams of protein per day based on the guidance provided.
Non-Vegetarian Protein Sources
Chicken, fish, and mutton are protein-rich foods. Therefore, people with kidney failure are advised in the content to limit non-vegetarian foods.
If non-vegetarian food is consumed, the content suggests limiting it to approximately one or two days per week and around 100 grams on those days.
Vegetarian Protein Sources
Vegetarian sources of protein include lentils, black beans, chickpeas, rajma, green peas, and paneer.
Because these foods contain protein, the content recommends consuming them in limited quantities according to the individual’s kidney condition and dietary requirements.
Limit Salt Intake in Kidney Disease
One of the important dietary recommendations for people with kidney failure is limiting salt intake to approximately three to five grams per day.
Reducing salt can help support better blood pressure management, which is particularly important for protecting kidney function.
Foods High in Salt to Avoid
Pickles, appams, vadiyyas, and canned foods can contain high amounts of salt. People with kidney failure are advised to avoid or significantly limit these foods.
When preparing rice, chapati dough, or vegetables, reducing the amount of salt used during cooking can help control overall daily salt intake.
Control Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
To help slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease, it is important to keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.
Following appropriate dietary guidelines along with regular medical monitoring can help manage kidney disease and reduce the risk of progression.
