With processed foods so readily available in grocery stores and gas stations, many people eat them without a second thought. However, eating too many processed foods when you suffer from chronic kidney disease can have dire consequences.
It’s best to avoid processed foods altogether, especially as a CKD patient. Wondering why that is? Take a look at the benefits of foregoing processed foods!
Lower your Sodium and Sugar
Processed foods are made to last a long time on the shelf. Because of this, they are filled with unhealthy additives that increase your sodium and sugar. This is potentially dangerous for someone that is in the later stages of CKD, or who is also suffering from diabetes. By avoiding these foods, you can better manage the sodium and sugar you are consuming on a daily basis.
Opting for Real Foods Instead
When you skip the processed foods, you will be eating more whole foods. Creating meals and using recipes so you know exactly what you are putting into your body. This knowledge will help you stay healthy and decrease the risk of further complications or conditions due to a poor diet.
Plus, when you eat these healthy foods, you can prepare them in ways that won’t deplete them of their benefits. Processed foods, on the other hand, are cooked in ways that focus more on shelf life than they do nutrition. Just because you have fruits or vegetables in your processed foods doesn’t mean you are getting any of the good nutrients from them once they’ve had chemicals added.
Better Renal Diet Maintenance
Since your renal diet is very important when you suffer from CKD, avoiding all processed foods will help you maintain a healthy balance in the foods you eat. You will be avoiding the bad additives and staying within your goals for potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. You can ensure you are eating the more beneficial foods for your condition – and staying away from those that can be dangerous!
Avoiding the Addiction
There are many chemicals and preservatives in processed foods that can become downright addicting to some people. If you don’t find yourself craving the foods, you may just like the ease and convenience of foods that have been processed.
All of this makes it more difficult for you to make healthy choices of whole foods when you are hungry. By eliminating processed foods from your diet, you will also get rid of any addictions to these unhealthy items.
Kicking processed foods completely from your diet is extremely beneficial for those with chronic kidney disease. Choosing a diet full of fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables is much better for your health. It also helps you to avoid any harmful chemicals and additives.
With a processed free renal diet, you know just what you are consuming so you can stay within healthy ranges for sodium, sugar, and phosphorus that is difficult for your kidneys to break down.
Want to make things easier on yourself? Let us do the meal planning for you! Learn more here.
Also published on Medium.
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