Renal Diet Principles: Three Elements and Two Substances

The kidney filters the waste and excess water from your body and removes it through urine. Wastes in your blood come from the food and liquid you consume. If the kidney function is compromised, the waste won't be cleaned out from your blood in time, then the electrolyte balance will be disrupted and the waste will poison your body. People with kidney disease need to follow a renal diet that controls the intake of sodium, protein and fluid. Depending on individual circumstances, the intake of potassium, phosphorus and other elements may also be limited.

Sodium

Sodium is one of the three major electrolytes in the human body (the other two are potassium and chloride). It contributes to controlling the acid-base balance of blood, blood pressure and nerve function. But too much sodium in your body will cause edema, high blood pressure and heart failure. Salt is a compound of sodium and chloride. Reducing salt intake is important for controlling kidney diseases. To limit your sodium intake, you should not eat any processed foods with high salt content, like bacon, hot dogs and canned soup. Before purchasing for your dinner, remember to read food labels. Find reduced-sodium versions, and don't eat too much. Self-cooking is a good choice. Just remember to add no salt or use other non-salt seasonings as alternatives.

Potassium

Potassium plays a significant role in regulating the heartbeat and muscle movement. It is also a necessary element for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in your bloodstream. An excess level of potassium may cause irregular heartbeat, slow pauses and heart attacks. Potassium is found mainly in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You’ll need to avoid certain fruits and vegetables and limit the amount of others. Avocados, bananas, potatoes and tomatoes are high in potassium. Eat low-potassium alternatives like apples and carrots. Drink soya milk or coconut milk as substitutes. Most importantly, you should talk with a renal dietitian about what you can eat and how much you can have.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a critical mineral in bone maintenance and development. It also assists in the development of organs and muscle movement. High phosphorus levels can pull calcium out of your bones and weaken them. It also leads to dangerous calcium deposits in the blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Dairy foods and meats are the major sources of phosphorus in the diet. Some vegetables like dried beans and broccoli also contain phosphorus. Regarding carbohydrates, whole grain products have a higher level of phosphorus than white bread and rice. Eat smaller portions when you are eating these foods. Ask your physician about using phosphate binders at mealtime if needed.

Protein

The process of protein digestion will create waste. More protein than you need makes your kidneys work harder and may make your problem worse. But too little isn't healthy either. Both animal and plant foods have protein. When you are choosing protein foods on your plate, pick more fresh meat instead of processed meat, and use special methods to remove excess elements in your food like peeling. Remember to ask your dietitian. He or she can help you figure out the right combination and amount of protein to eat.

Fluid

Fluid control is important for patients in the later stages of CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) because normal consumption may cause too much fluid in the body which could become dangerous. To control your fluid intake, you should drink the same amount of fluid as your doctor orders. And don't forget to count the fluid you use in cooking. Water is the best beverage, both tap water and bottled water. You can also drink a moderate amount of light-colored drinks, such as lemonade and Sprite. Dark-colored drinks usually have phosphorus in order to enhance flavor and prevent decoloration.

5 Risk Factors of Gout that You Should Know

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It will cause urate crystals to emerge and accumulate in your joint, causing inflammation and intense pain in a gout attack. Gout occurs when the level of uric acid in your body is too high. If your body makes too much or removes too little uric acid, urate levels will build up in your body, and you will face a potential risk of developing gout. There are 5 major risk factors of gout that you should know.

Diet

The human body produces uric acid in the process of breaking down purines. High-purine foods can exert extra pressure on your kidneys and increase the risk of developing gout. They are exemplified by certain meats, seafood and beverages.

• - Meat: red meat, organ meat, game meat.
• - Seafood: Anchovies, sardines, mackerel, scallops.
• - Beverage: Beer, distilled liquors, drinks rich in fructose (like fruit juices).

It's worth mentioning that diet doesn't cause gouts on its own. Metabolism is also an important factor, which is affected by several internal and external situations.

Age and Sex

Generally, gout strikes men more often than women. Women have lower uric acid levels because of the female hormone estrogen, which can increase the removal of uric acid by the kidneys. After menopause, women lose estrogen, and their uric acid levels will rise. That means their chances of getting gout are increased. Gouts tend to be more common after middle age. However, men are more likely to develop gouts earlier (usually between the ages of 30 and 50). Whereas women generally develop signs and symptoms of gouts after menopause.

Medications

Certain medications can increase the levels of uric acid in the body. If you notice any gout symptoms, ask your doctors and confirm whether you can have the medicine you are taking currently. This category includes:

• - Diuretics (or water pills): This kind of medicine helps your body eliminate excess fluid. Diuretics are used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and edema. However, they can also cause a side effect of too much uric acid in your body.
• - Aspirin: It can raise uric acid in your blood. Even low doses of aspirin can trigger gouts. Research shows that this effect of aspirin is more common in women than in men.
• - Niacin: It is a kind of vitamin. When taken in large amounts, it can cause an excess of uric acid in the blood.
• - Cyclosporine: It is an immunosuppressant for organ transplant accepters and is approved to treat some autoimmune diseases. Cyclosporine therapy may decrease renal urate clearance and cause hyperuricemia, which means high uric acid levels in your body.
• - Salicylates: Drugs containing salicylates can worsen the condition. It can also lessen the effects of some medicines used to treat gouts.

Health conditions

People with certain health conditions are more likely to develop gout, including:

• - Overweight or obesity.
• - Congestive heart failure.
• - Diabetes.
• - Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• - Kidney disease.
• - Blood cancer.

Besides, some special conditions may cause a high production of uric acid by the body. This includes inherited genetic metabolic disorders, leukemia, or chemotherapy for cancer.

Genetics

Genetic factors influence multiple complex processes in the human body. A family history of gout can increase a person’s risk of developing gouts. If your first degree relative, such as a sibling or a parent, has gouts, you're more likely to develop this disease. Ask a doctor to know if you should get genetically tested for gouts.

Foods You Should Be Eating Every Day

Maintaining a nutritious diet is a critical component of overall health. It's essential to ensure that you're providing your body with optimal nutrients to function effectively. The market offers a multitude of "superfoods" that are celebrated for their extensive health advantages, earning them the title "superfoods" due to their remarkable health properties.With a vast selection of these nutrient-rich foods available, identifying the most beneficial options can be challenging. We are here to assist you in navigating these choices. Our research has led us to curate a list of 19 exceptional foods that, when incorporated into your daily diet, can offer substantial health rewards. Prioritize including these items in your regular meal plan to enhance your well-being.

Flaxseeds

Incorporating flaxseeds into your diet is a simple strategy for significantly increasing your fiber intake. Available in the bulk section of most supermarkets, these seeds can be effortlessly added to a variety of dishes, including salads and seafood, enhancing both the nutritional value and texture of your meals. For context, just one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds can enrich your cereal, yogurt, or salad with approximately 2.8 grams of fiber.

Extensive medical research supports the health benefits of flaxseeds, also known as linseeds. Beyond fiber, they offer a wealth of micronutrients such as essential fatty acids (notably alpha-linolenic acid), vitamin B1, and manganese. These nutrients are critical, as they contribute to a diet rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and antioxidants. Regular consumption of flaxseeds may therefore help mitigate the risk of several chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and type II diabetes.

Beans

Beans are recognized not only as a nutritious staple but also for their remarkable health benefits. Rich in soluble fiber, these legumes play an essential role in cholesterol management by absorbing it and facilitating its elimination from the body, thereby protecting artery walls from cholesterol buildup. Additionally, beans are a powerhouse of antioxidants, making them an invaluable addition to a health-conscious diet.

Easily integrated into various dishes, beans can enhance the nutritional profile of meals without compromising on taste. From robust chili enriched with kidney beans to fresh bean salads or even discretely blended into casseroles and pasta sauces, beans adapt well, absorbing the flavors of accompanying spices and ingredients. Incorporating beans into your diet is a smart and delicious way to promote heart health and overall wellbeing.

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Blueberries

Blueberries stand out in the fruit category due to their exceptionally high antioxidant content, surpassing over 40 other fruits, including strawberries and raspberries. Not only are they a nutritious dietary choice, but they also offer the highest value in terms of antioxidant benefits. It’s recommended to incorporate blueberries into one’s diet by adding them to Greek yogurt or including them in a fresh fruit salad.

Research from Rutgers University highlights blueberries as a valuable ally for both internal and external health. Regular consumption of blueberries has been linked to the prevention of urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacteria adherence to bladder walls, further supporting their healing benefits. Additionally, their rich antioxidant properties contribute to the hydration and softening of the skin.

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Yogurt

A single serving of yogurt offers a substantial amount of daily calcium, boosting bone health effectively. Yogurt is also often enriched with probiotics, which support gastrointestinal health by safeguarding against harmful bacteria that may cause infections. Incorporating a bowl of yogurt into your morning routine, perhaps topped with blueberries, can significantly enhance your general wellbeing.

Published research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that a diet including regular consumption of yogurt may offer protection against various health issues, including asthma, infections, numerous gastrointestinal disorders, and potentially cancer. The inclusion of yogurt in one's diet is a proactive measure towards maintaining overall health.

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Oats

Starting your morning with yogurt? Enhance its health benefits by incorporating a serving of oats. This humble grain is scientifically validated to aid in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, offering a significant health advantage for adults focused on managing these concerns. A portion size of 1 ½ cups (375 mL) of cooked oatmeal or three packets of instant oatmeal contains the optimal level of beta-glucan—a soluble fiber known to decrease cholesterol by approximately 5% and heart attack risk by around 10%.

Scholarly research undertaken at the University of Manitoba, Canada, underscores the efficacy of beta-glucan-rich foods like oats in curtailing risk factors associated with heart disease. These studies, spanning a fortnight, involved subjects incorporating various beta-glucan sources—including oat bran, rolled oats, and oatmeal—into their diet, consumed through breakfast cereals, breads, muffins, powders, and muesli, demonstrating a tangible improvement in cardiovascular health indicators.

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Broccoli

Broccoli stands out among vegetables as an exemplary choice, akin to the prominence of blueberries among fruits. It contains sulfur compounds that activate genes to boost the production of detoxifying enzymes, mitigating the risk of cancerous developments. This versatile vegetable can be enjoyed raw with a low-fat dip, cooked as an accompaniment, tossed into salads, or incorporated into casseroles.

Extensive research by the American Cancer Society has established a link between the consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, radishes, kale, mustard greens, watercress, and turnips — all recognizable by their dense green flower clusters — and a decreased risk of colorectal and other cancers. These findings underscore the significant health benefits of regularly including such vegetables in one's diet.

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Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing sustained energy and reducing the urge to indulge in less healthy snacks. They contribute positively to ocular health, as well. A breakfast incorporating an egg or two, complemented by fresh fruit or whole grain toast, is a nourishing way to start the day with essential nutrients.

Eggs encapsulate a remarkable spectrum of vitamins and minerals, making them an integral component of a balanced diet. They provide vitamin D, A, and K, folate, calcium, zinc, B12, B2, B6, selenium, and phosphorus, in addition to protein, essential fatty acids, and an array of trace nutrients. Their rich nutrient profile establishes eggs as a formidable dietary choice for overall health maintenance.

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Spinach

Spinach is recognized for its plethora of health advantages, serving as an excellent source of essential nutrients including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E. Versatile in use, it can be consumed raw in salads, or cooked as a nutritious complement to dishes such as chicken breast. For those averse to its flavor, incorporating spinach into homemade smoothies is an effective way to benefit from its nutrients without altering the taste. Endorsed by healthcare professionals and studies, such as the 2002 research by Harvard Medical School, spinach has been linked to significant health improvements, including a 40-percent decrease in ovarian cancer risk among women with high intake of the flavonoid kaempferol, which spinach contains. This study observed the dietary patterns of 66,940 women, underlining the importance of flavonoid-rich diets for disease prevention.

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Mixed Nuts

Recent studies, including those conducted by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, point to the significant health benefits of consuming nuts. Regular consumption of nuts, which are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, has been associated with increased longevity—a potential extension of life expectancy by up to two years when compared to individuals who do not include nuts in their diet. Among the variety of nuts, walnuts and almonds are particularly recommended due to their nutritional profiles. The research, as noted by Charles Fuchs, underscores a growing body of evidence indicating that incorporating a serving (approximately 1 ounce) of nuts into one's daily diet contributes to a longer, healthier life.

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Oranges

Consuming a single large orange can fully satisfy the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. This flavorful citrus fruit is not only rich in essential nutrients, such as fiber and folate, but it is also considered a highly beneficial addition to a daily dietary regimen.

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Avocado

Avocados have a long-standing history and have recently gained popularity due to their nutritional value and versatility in culinary applications. Not only are they delicious, but they also serve as a healthy addition to various dishes, whether as guacamole, a toast topping, a supplement to meals, or an ingredient in smoothies. The significant health benefits associated with avocados are noteworthy.

According to Health.com, despite their high-fat content, avocados consist predominantly of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which are beneficial for health. Avocados are a rich source of MUFAs and provide an abundance of essential nutrients. They are particularly rich in fiber, vitamins such as vitamin E and B vitamins, and minerals like potassium, making them a wise choice for those seeking a nutritious food option.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a valuable addition to a balanced diet, though they often don't receive the recognition they deserve. Typically, individuals may consume a higher quantity of white potatoes, but sweet potatoes offer substantial benefits due to their nutrient content. The vibrant orange hue of sweet potatoes is attributed to their high levels of alpha and beta carotene, akin to the nutrients found in carrots. These compounds are converted by the body into vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight, bone strength, and a robust immune system. Moreover, sweet potatoes contain phytochemicals that function as antioxidants, combating free radicals that may contribute to disease formation, as per insights from Eating Well.

A modest serving of only half a cup, or one medium-sized sweet potato, provides an impressive array of nutrients including vitamins A, C, and B6, along with potassium, manganese, lutein, and zeaxanthin. This makes the sweet potato a nutrient-dense choice that can support a variety of health functions.

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Whole Grains

It is a common misconception that all carbohydrates are detrimental to one's health, leading many individuals to adopt low-carbohydrate diets or attempt to eliminate carbs altogether. This approach, however, is not always advisable. Although it is important to avoid excessive intake of any food, including carbohydrates, the substantial concern lies with the consumption of refined grains such as white bread, pasta, and rice. On the contrary, whole grains are beneficial and should be included in our daily diet. As noted by Health.com, whole grains are an essential source of fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, all of which are integral to maintaining good health.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are renowned for their nutrient density, despite their diminutive size. It is advisable to use them sparingly due to their calorific content when adding them to meals such as oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies. When consumed in appropriate amounts, chia seeds offer substantial health benefits, including a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. They promote satiety and can aid in reducing the urge for frequent snacking. Moreover, chia seeds have the ability to absorb water and expand, a property that contributes to a feeling of fullness when ingested, as noted by Reader's Digest. Research published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology highlights that chia seeds may contribute to the regulation of blood sugar levels, support digestive health, and foster cardiovascular well-being.

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Carrots

Carrots, akin to sweet potatoes, owe their vibrant orange hue to carotenoids. These fat-soluble compounds have been linked to a decreased incidence of various cancers and a lessened risk and intensity of inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, as reported by Huffington Post. For individuals who do not favor carrots, alternatives like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell peppers, and mangos also offer comparable health benefits. Incorporating ½ cup of these foods into one’s daily lunch provides a straightforward method to meet the daily recommended intake and can be enjoyed progressively over the day.

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Peanut Butter

Peanut butter offers a multitude of health benefits, including a rich supply of antioxidants such as arginine and resveratrol. It is, however, high in fat content, and thus should be consumed in moderation. A recommended serving is approximately one tablespoon per day. Bridget Swinney, a registered dietitian, endorses daily consumption of peanut butter for its nutritional value and presence of beneficial compounds.

When selecting a peanut butter brand, it is crucial to opt for all-natural varieties that refrain from incorporating excessive oils and added sugars, thereby maximizing its health potential. Peanut butter is not only a source of vital antioxidants but is also abundant in niacin, a B vitamin crucial for maintaining healthy skin and nerves, energy production, and may even contribute to reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This has been noted by Reader's Digest, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right product for optimal health advantages.

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Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a versatile and beneficial dietary choice, effortlessly integrated into a multitude of dishes such as salads, sauces, sandwiches, and pizzas, or simply grilled as a standalone snack. It is advisable to opt for red tomatoes, as they are particularly rich in the antioxidant lycopene, according to the Huffington Post. Consuming foods with lycopene can contribute to a lower risk of various cancers including those of the bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach, as well as promote heart health by decreasing the risk of coronary artery disease.

The advantages of tomato consumption may be even more pronounced for men; as Men's Journal cites a Harvard study indicating that men who enjoy tomato sauce multiple times weekly may experience up to a 35% reduction in prostate cancer risk. Tanya Zuckerbrot, M.S., R.D., recommends maintaining the healthfulness of tomatoes by serving them with steamed vegetables, eggs, or atop wholesome whole grain or homemade cauliflower pizza crust. For optimal benefit, the Huffington Post suggests incorporating approximately eight cherry tomatoes into your daily diet.

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Healthy Oils

Incorporating olive oil into one's diet can be beneficial for health; it doesn't necessitate consuming it by the spoonful. Instead, use it to enhance the flavor and nutritive value of vegetables, such as by roasting cruciferous greens or carrots in olive oil, or as a base in dressings for leafy salads such as spinach. Recognized for its heart-healthy properties, olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, which was heralded as the best overall diet for 2019 by the US News and World Report. Extra virgin olive oil is particularly valuable, rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which contribute to chronic disease prevention and better nutrient absorption, according to Registered Dietitian Elena Paravantes Hargitt.

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Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate might not be the obvious choice for a daily health food, but when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. The crucial factor here is the quality of the chocolate—only high-quality dark chocolate reaps the advertised health benefits. This is because cocoa contains a significant amount of antioxidants, which can contribute to improved heart health. As advised by Reader's Digest, a moderate intake of just two tablespoons of cocoa powder can be sufficient. Integrating this into your evening routine as a dessert, perhaps around four times a week, has the potential to lower blood pressure and enhance the function of blood vessels. Remarkably, this modest portion of cocoa powder can surpass a cup of green tea in antioxidant content. For additional insights and articles on healthy eating, consider exploring further resources.

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