If you want your kidneys to keep functioning properly, then there are several ways that you may need to change your diet. Making each of these small changes helps ensure that your kidneys function the way that they were meant to work. Here are five healthy changes to your diet that you will want to make to protect your kidneys.
Limit Your Sodium
Eating too much sodium can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket making it harder for your kidneys to function. While you will want to stop adding salt to every food that you eat, also watch for hidden sources of sodium. Yeast bread, pizza, prepared sandwiches, burritos and tacos are all hidden sources of sodium. Learn to read nutrition labels to keep your sodium levels below six grams a day.
Drink Water
Ask your doctor if you are on a Baxter dialysis machine how much water you should drink every day. Otherwise, you need to drink 64 ounces of water every day. If you cannot stand the taste of water, consider staying hydrated by eating strawberries and watermelon as they are made up of about 92 percent water, Consider having them as a smoothie the next time you are thirsty.
Limit Proteins
Eating a diet high in protein can make your kidneys work harder. Limit the amount of red meat, chicken, fish and eggs as they are all high in protein. While you may enjoy eating a hamburger steak or a chicken breast, remember that the serving size of most meats is about the same size as a pack of playing cards.
Eat Red Bell Pepper
Crunching down on a red pepper strip is a great way to curb the munchies. You can also cut them up and include them in an omelet or roast them to put on your favorite salad. Red bell peppers are a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and many B vitamins along with being low in potassium. Eating a diet high in potassium can make your kidneys work harder.
Limit Potassium
You may need to limit potassium if you suspect or know that you have kidney problems. While you will want to follow your doctor’s recommendations, there are some surprising foods that you will want to avoid like bananas, melons, prunes, avocados and oranges as they are naturally high in potassium. Instead, try eating white bread, white rice, cauliflower and apples.
Use this list to help you eat a diet that is healthy for your kidneys. As always, follow the recommendations of your doctor as they have your best interest at heart. The information in this article should only be consulted for general advice.