World Kidney Day 2023: Eat A Balanced Diet & Avoid Salt

New Delhi: World Kidney Day is celebrated every year on March 9 to raise awareness about the importance of kidneys to our overall health. Kidneys perform a very crucial function of filtering out waste products from the blood and eliminating them from the body through urine. They also help balance electrolytes and other fluids. They are usually damaged by a condition called chronic kidney disease.

Kidney damage can also occur due to certain chronic diseases like diabetes, blood pressure among others. Managing these conditions well can go a long way in repairing and keeping the kidneys healthy. What we eat can also improve or deteriorate our kidney health. The right kind of foods can help improve kidney function.

Kidney-friendly food

Eating a balanced diet with the right mix of all the nutrients can help. Dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, berries, apples, fatty fish are all considered kidney-friendly.

What to avoid

Legumes, nuts, dairy products, packaged products, high-sugar, fruits, juices, dry fruits and those rich in phosphorous.

Salt is a big no

A kidney patient needs to keep a close check on the amount of salt and strictly stay away from packaged products that could unknowingly increase salt intake and further cause damage to the kidneys.

“Diet plays a vital role in prevention, treatment and maintenance of kidney health. The kidney is responsible for the excretion of salt and water, blood pressure maintenance and acid-base balance. Hence as kidney ailment steps in the above functioning get affected. A kidney-friendly diet will help protect your kidneys from further damage,” says Dr Ruchi Samdani, Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician at Bhatia Hospital Mumbai told Hindustan Times.

“As a doctor, I would like to emphasize that the kidneys are vital organs that play a crucial role in filtering and removing waste products from the body. When the kidneys are damaged or diseased, they can no longer function properly, which can lead to a build-up of toxins and waste products in the body. Therefore, it is important to consume foods that support kidney health and help repair any damage that may have occurred,” Dr Varun Mittal, Senior Consultant, Kidney Transplant, Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon told the publication.

“First of all, it is very important to consider the overall condition of the patient. In the case that the patient has high blood sugar or is at an early stage of CKD, there are several things to keep in mind, such as having adequate water, low salt intake, and avoiding sugar and artificial sweeteners as much as possible. Also, it is recommended to avoid carbs. Always try and have natural sweeteners like fruits and avoid juices and aerated drinks,” Dr Mittal was quoted as saying.

“As the kidney function declines, one should avoid food high in potassium (certain fruits, fruit juices, dry fruits, nuts) and phosphorous. Protein should also be consumed in limited quantity as kidney disease progresses. Keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar, potassium, water retention and inflammation under control will help repair acute kidney injury and maintain kidney health for all,” Dr Samdani was quoted as saying.