Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not the same as chronic renal failure, but it does put patients at increased risk of chronic renal failure or other chronic health conditions. While there are foods to avoid with chronic kidney disease, there are also many wonderful foods that can promote better overall health and help prevent chronic renal failure. Some of the best foods to include in your diet are leafy greens (e.g., kale, spinach), berries, beans (e.g., black beans) and tomatoes.
Kale
Kale is an excellent source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A, folic acid, magnesium, Vitamin C, iron, calcium and Vitamin K. Iron deficiency can lead to chronic fatigue which often makes it harder to maintain healthy lifestyle choices like healthy diets. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale also provide lutein and zeaxanthin which play an important role in promoting eye health. In addition, kale is a good source of potassium, copper and manganese. The copper found in kale helps the body absorb iron, while manganese is important for bone health and metabolism.
Beans
In addition to chronic fatigue, chronic kidney disease may also be associated with chronic inflammation which can exacerbate chronic renal failure symptoms. Legumes like beans are a great source of dietary fiber which helps combat chronic inflammation by binding with bile acids that promote chronic inflammation. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a smart choice for individuals who have switched from an animal-based diet to a plant-based one. In fact, studies suggest that eating legumes regularly may help you maintain weight during your transition. They are also a good source of potassium, magnesium and iron.
Tomatoes
Like kale, tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C and K which promote eye health. Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant that may help fight chronic inflammation. The lycopene found in tomatoes has been linked to lowering chronic kidney disease risk. Lycopene can be especially helpful if you have chronic renal failure since it plays a role in protecting your kidneys against damage. To get the most lycopene out of your tomato-based foods, opt for cooked or processed tomatoes like tomato paste or canned/jarred tomato sauce or soup. Healthy diets usually contain about 2 cups (500mL) of low-sodium vegetable juice per day; this can also count toward your 5-a-day goal.
Choosing the best foods for chronic kidney disease helps you create a chronic renal failure diet that can minimize symptoms and help you feel your best. In addition to following a chronic renal failure diet, chronic kidney disease patients should also make chronic inflammation a focus of their lifestyle choices by incorporating regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking. If you need help choosing the best foods to promote your overall chronic renal failure health, visit the Texas Kidney Institute. They offer chronic renal failure counseling, education and treatments to help you get back to feeling your best. For more info, visit www.texaskidneyinstitute.com today!