An estimated 26 million Americans — almost one in seven people —
have chronic kidney disease. The number of people diagnosed with CKD
has doubled in each of the past two decades, largely due to increases
in the incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of CKD, you are at a higher risk for CKD. African-Americans, native Americans and seniors are also at increased risk.
March is National Kidney Month as well as National Nutrition Month. As a registered dietitian counseling CKD patients at Mountain Kidney & Hypertension Associates, I work to help our patients make diet and lifestyle changes that will protect their kidneys and possibly avoid dialysis.
If you’re at risk for developing CKD, it is important that the disease is recognized early and given prompt treatment. If you already have CKD, there are measures you can take with diet that may help delay the progression of your disease and minimize complications.
Things to keep in mind:
• Diabetes
is the leading cause of CKD. If you already have diabetes, following a
sound diabetic diet and monitoring your blood sugars daily is
essential. A hemoglobin A1c level of 6.5% or less indicates good
diabetes control. For every 1 percent drop, the risk of kidney damage
drops 40%.
• High blood pressure
is
another major cause. Your blood pressure should be maintained at 120/80
or lower. Restricting your sodium intake to 2000 mg per day is
important; that’s less than a teaspoon of salt, most of which comes
from the food you eat, not the salt shaker. Try to limit your intake of
salt-cured meats and prepared foods. High blood pressure can also be
controlled by losing weight, exercising and — no surprise — not smoking.
• Studies also suggest a direct link between obesity
and CKD, due to the increased demands being overweight places on the
kidneys. Obesity worsens diabetes, high blood pressure and high
cholesterol, all of which damage the kidneys.
• People with weakened kidney function may also need a diet
that is low in protein, potassium or phosphorus. Your recommended diet
may change over time if your kidneys get worse, or if you go on
dialysis.
Chronic kidney disease affects almost all body systems. It progresses over the course of years. Early detection is key, with simple blood or urine tests done at your doctor's office. Ask your doctor about your renal function. If you do have CKD, diet changes can make a big difference. Contact a registered dietitian, take control of your diet, and take control of your life.
