7 Early Warning Signs of Kidney Disease and 11 Foods to Avoid

The kidneys are crucial organs in the human body, and any deviations from their normal function can be detected through careful observation. The primary roles of the kidneys include waste removal, electrolyte balance maintenance, blood pressure regulation, red blood cell production, and activation of Vitamin D.

7 Early Warning Signs of Kidney Disease and 11 Foods to Avoid

The body signals when its functions are impaired. Here are 7 early warning signs of kidney disease:

1. Blood in Urine and Increased Urination:

A compromised kidney's filtration system is impaired, leading to frequent urination urges.

Red blood cells may also be present as they can leak from damaged filters. This could indicate a UTI, kidney stones, or an enlarged prostate.

2. Swollen Ankles and Feet: 

Impaired kidney function can cause sodium retention, leading to swelling in the ankles and feet, which may be associated with kidney, heart, or liver disease.

3. Low Back Pain and Muscle Cramping:

Lower back pain can also be a sign of kidney disease. Since the kidneys are located at the sides of the spine, the pain often manifests in that area and may spread to the bladder or genital regions.

An imbalance in essential body minerals, which are crucial for muscle contraction and relaxation, can lead to muscle cramping.

4. Fatigue and Trouble Sleeping:

This may result from an accumulation of toxins in the body or from anemia, both of which can cause tiredness, lethargy, and fatigue.

Research supports a connection between chronic kidney disease and sleep apnea.

5. Puffiness Around Eyes:

Protein leakage into the urine during kidney disease can cause puffiness around the eyes, indicating significant protein loss.

6. Itchy Skin:

Itchy, dry skin can signal advanced kidney disease, often due to mineral imbalances and nutrient deficiencies in the blood.

7. Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss:

A buildup of toxins can suppress appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss.

What causes kidney problems?

Kidney disease can stem from various causes, including:

• Immune system diseases
• Viral infections
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Inflammation
• Certain medications, such as NSAIDs and naproxen
• Direct kidney damage
• Dehydration
• Muscle breakdown
• Inadequate blood supply to the kidneys

Foods to Avoid with Kidney Disease:

Diet plays a crucial role in exacerbating the symptoms of existing diseases. Here are some foods that individuals with kidney issues should avoid:

1. Avocados:

Although avocados are part of a healthy diet and are rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, they should be avoided due to their high potassium content.

2. Whole-wheat bread:

Rich in phosphorus and potassium, it's recommended to opt for white bread instead. Choose bread with lower sodium levels or monitor the amount you consume.

3. Brown Rice:

Brown rice contains more phosphorus and potassium than white rice. Alternatives like bulgur, buckwheat, pearled barley, and couscous are better options.

4. Bananas:

They are rich in potassium and low in sodium, and their consumption should be monitored by individuals with kidney problems.

5. Processed meats:

These include salted, dried, cured, or canned meats, which are high in salt used as a preservative and flavor enhancer.

Individuals with kidney disease should monitor their protein and salt intake.

6. Pickled foods:

Processed olives, relish, and other foods undergo pickling, which adds sodium. A single teaspoon of pickled food can contain up to 125 mg of sodium.

Those with kidney issues or high blood pressure should refrain from consuming pickled foods.

Food manufacturers are introducing low-sodium variants of pickled foods; however, they are still high in sodium content.

7. Apricots:

A cup of fresh apricots contains approximately 450 mg of potassium. They are also a good source of ascorbic acid, fiber, and vitamin A.

Dried apricots contain three times more potassium than fresh ones. It is advisable to avoid apricots when following a renal diet.

8. Potatoes and Sweet potatoes:

Another vegetable high in potassium, which can be detrimental to kidney health, is the good news: potassium levels can be reduced through methods like "potassium leaching" or the "double cook method."

Potassium content can be lowered by soaking, baking, or boiling. By cutting the vegetable into small pieces and soaking it in water for 4 hours or boiling for 10 minutes, the potassium content is significantly reduced.

9. Tomatoes:

A commonly utilized vegetable, tomatoes are high in potassium. They can be eaten raw or stewed and are often added to dishes to enhance flavor. A single cup of tomato sauce may contain as much as 1000 mg of potassium.

Individuals with kidney issues should seek alternatives, as high potassium levels can be detrimental to kidney function.

10. Processed or Canned Foods:

Packaged and instant foods are sodium-rich and heavily processed. These foods lack nutritional value and are harmful to kidney health.

11. Spinach and Beet Greens:

These vegetables are rich in minerals like potassium. The mineral content in raw spinach or beet greens remains the same when cooked. Consumption of these vegetables should be moderate.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Do’s:

• Stay hydrated.
• Choose foods low in sodium and potassium.
• Engage in regular exercise.
• Take Vitamin C supplements to help maintain pH levels.
• Incorporate mint, ginger, and turmeric into your diet as they are excellent for detoxification and reducing infection and inflammation.
• Rinse canned foods to remove excess sodium.
• Read nutritional labels for sodium and potassium content.

Don’ts:

• Limit sugar and salt intake.
• Avoid processed foods.
• Refrain from alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking.
• Avoid dark-colored sodas.
• Reduce dairy product consumption.

Kidneys play a crucial role in removing toxins and maintaining the body's electrolyte balance. Impaired kidney function can result from damage, infection, or pre-existing conditions.

Common symptoms of kidney disease include swollen limbs, puffy eyes, fatigue, weakness, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite.

A renal diet should avoid foods high in minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Always check food labels for these contents and monitor your mineral intake carefully.

Source: righthomeremedies.com