Diet and lifestyle changes for healthy kidneys

Lifestyle changes:

• Normal blood pressure = less work for the kidneys.
• Normal blood glucose = health cardiovascular system = healthy kidneys.
• Normal blood cholesterol = less work for the kidneys.
• Physical activity = good blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels = healthy kidneys.
• Normal weight = less work for the kidneys.
• No smoking = healthy cardiovascular system = healthy kidneys.

Nutrition guidelines:

• Less salt and sodium = normal blood pressure = less work for the kidneys.
• Less protein foods = less work for the kidneys.
• Animal-protein Foods:
• Chicken
• Fish
• Meat
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Plant-protein Foods:
• Beans
• Nuts
• Grains
• Less phosphorus = less work for the kidneys.
• Foods Lower in Phosphorus:
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Breads, pasta, rice
• Rice milk (not enriched)
• Corn and rice cereals
• Foods Higher in Phosphorus:
• Meat, poultry, fish
• Bran cereals and oatmeal
• Dairy foods
• Beans, lentils, nuts
• Colas
• Good potassium = less work for the kidneys.
• Foods Higher in Potassium
• Oranges, bananas
• Potatoes, tomatoes
• Brown and wild rice
• Bran cereals
• Dairy foods
• Whole wheat bread and pasta
• Beans and nuts
• Foods Lower in Potassium:
• Apples, peaches
• Carrots, green beans
• White bread and pasta
• White rice
• Rice milk
• Cooked rice and wheat cereals, grits
• Right amount of water = less work for your kidneys.
• Do not drink more or less than you normally do - listen to your body.
• Healthy heart = less work for your kidneys.
• Grill, broil, bake, roast, or stir-fry foods, instead of deep frying.
• Cook with olive oil instead of butter.
• Trim fat from meat and remove skin from poultry before eating.
• Heart-healthy Foods:
• Lean cuts of meat, like loin or round
• Poultry without the skin
• Fish
• Beans
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese
• Less alcohol = healthier kidneys.

Source: National Kidney Disease Education Program