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.
