Our kidney is the main excretory organ of the body. The bean-shaped organ perform many bodily functions.
It makes use of nephron to filter the blood in order to eliminate waste products.
Besides, removal of waste via urine, maintaining electrolyte balance, it synthesize vital hormone required in the body.
If these primary functions are defeated, fluid and waste products accumulate in the blood, causing serious damages to the body.
You could be at high risk of kidney disease, if you have high blood pressure as well as unmanaged diabetes.
Other factors that can predispose you to kidney disease, include heart disease, HIV, hepatitis C, excessive intake of alcohol, among others.
In the medical practice, limiting intake of certain foods may help reduce formation of waste products in the blood, boost its activities even stop further complications.
Ghanaian food You should Avoid for kidney disease
1. Organ meat
To effectively manage a renal patient, health practitioner, dietitians may restrict incooperation of organ meat in the food plan of the patient. Organ meat is a rich source of phosphate, an element that can promote complications of kidney disease. It is important to note that abnormal levels of phosphate in the body can enhance symptoms linked to kidney disease particularly, those suffering kidney problems.
2. Whole wheat flour
Even though many people like to eat whole wheat flour daily, does not make it free from phosphate. Whole wheat flour is packed with phosphate. It is among the electrolyte that most be in a balance state for the body to function optimally. You may scientifically advised not to over consume whole wheat flour so as to keep your phosphate level normal. Always consult a dietitians when you are experiencing imbalance of phosphate.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate is among the food that may worsen your health status as it contains phosphate. Consuming high amount of this food can technically rise symptoms associated with kidney disease. In the medical community, intake of chocolate is often under the supervision of a dietitian or doctor to prevent further damages of the kidney. As high serum level of phosphate can affect proper functions of the kidney.
4. Milk product
One of the primary functions of the kidney is removal of waste products after thorough filtration. This can only be done appropriately when your kidney is healthy. Sadly, inability of the kidney to move extra serum phosphate out of the blood lead to accumulation of phosphate in the blood which may leave you with other diseas like calcium deficiency. Milk product and diary product are excellent source of phosphate.
5.Nuts
Consumption of nuts especially those diagnosed to have kidney disease is said to increase serum phosphate level. Thus leading to malfunction of the kidney [1].
Recent studies have shown that consumption of diet rich in phosphate can technically impede sufficient functions of the kidney.
6. High Sodium food
Sodium is obtained from common salt, electrolyte which is an integral part of electrolyte, that helps in fluid balance. Excessive intake of of sodium rich foods increases fluid retention, a symptoms of kidney disease. Often time dietitians recommends low sodium intake for kidney failure patients.
7.Fruits
Fruit houses a substantial amount of potassium, an electrolyte which may adversely affect kidney especially when consumed in excess.
Several studies conducted revealed that high serum level of potassium may cause electrolyte imbalance in human body.
Abnormal serum levels of potassium triggers symptoms attributed to kidney disease.
Despite the fact that fruits are good sources of potassium, little consumption may not sufficiently enhance your serum level of potassium.
Importantly, high levels of potassium is associated with symptoms linked to kidney disease.
8. Vegetables
Another source of potassium is vegetables. Daily consumption of vegetables may precipitate in the blood and causes dangerous harm to the kidney as it can not adequately filters out waste products.
Consult a dietitians for expert purposes, if you’re struggling with your kidney.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) state that the standard amount of potassium in the blood typically ranges from 3.6 to 5.0 millimoles per literTrusted (2).
Recent study have proven that having too much potassium or too little can have a dangerous effects on the kidneys.
Micronutrients supplements
There are lots of nutrients you may be recommended to supplement when you have chronic kidney disease.
During dialysis a good numbers of nutrients are lost including, Vitamin C, folic acid, iron, calcium and vitamin D. They play an important role at keeping you healthy.
Consequently, deficiency of these nutrients are believed to promote numerous diseases in the body; whereas their presence in appropriate amount helps in general well-being of the body.
Conclusion
The role of kidney is very essential as it responsible at filtration, removal of waste products[3].
Making a good food choice is helpful in optimizing your health status.
Ghanaian Food you should avoid for kidney disease includes vegetables, organ meat, chocolate, milk product