A nephrologist gave 4 key tips that will keep your kidneys healthy

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According to a new study conducted by an international group of scientists, eating certain foods may help reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.

At least 700 million people worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that increases the risk of kidney failure and death.

Animal studies have linked omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to supporting kidney function. The researchers assessed the risk of chronic kidney disease by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how well the kidneys remove waste and excess fluid from the blood.

Seafood consumption linked to reduced risk of kidney disease

The results showed that seafood helped reduce the risk of kidney disease by at least eight percent. On the other hand, omega-3s in plant foods were linked to a reduced risk of chronic kidney disease.

The researchers said the study results are only observational and cannot directly link the omega-3 content of seafood to improved kidney health.

Tips for creating a kidney-friendly diet

Make sure you're getting the right amount and types of protein

Not getting enough protein can lead to weak skin, hair, and nails. On the other hand, consuming too much protein can put strain on your kidneys, which can lead to further damage.

“This is because when the body uses protein, it produces waste products that the kidneys have to filter out. To ensure overall health, you may need to adjust the amount of protein you consume.”

The amount of protein you need depends on your activity level, body size, and health status. Consult your doctor or dietitian to see if you need to limit protein or change the type of protein you eat.

Choose the right types of fat

Fat gives you energy and helps you use some of the vitamins you get from food.

However, too much fat can cause weight gain and heart disease.

“Limit the amount of fat in your diet and choose healthier fats, such as olive oil, when cooking.”

Choose whole-grain carbohydrates

Eating too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain. If you have kidney disease, it's best to eat whole grains and healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables. Unhealthy carbohydrates include candy, honey, sugar, soda, and other sugary drinks.

Choose and prepare foods with less salt

Sodium (salt) is a mineral found in almost all foods and plays a crucial role in various body functions.

The amount of sodium naturally found in foods is enough to maintain a healthy level in the body, but eating packaged foods and adding salt to your food can lead to consuming too much sodium.

Too much sodium can make you thirsty and cause your body to retain water, which leads to swelling and high blood pressure.

Too much sodium can cause further kidney damage and make your heart work harder. If you have kidney disease, limiting your sodium intake may help.

“As a general rule, you should consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. You can limit sodium by avoiding salt and using more herbs and spices to season your dishes when you cook. Use fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned vegetables when possible. If you only have canned vegetables, drain and rinse them to remove excess salt.

When eating out, ask the waiter to tell the chef not to add salt to your food.

“Eat a balanced diet and eat seafood rich in nutrients like omega-3s to improve kidney health.”