Most chronic health conditions are severely affected by the foods you eat. Everything from diabetes to blood pressure issues are all affected by the foods you put into your body. Renal disease is not only no exception to this rule, but it is a strong example. Renal disease is greatly affected by your diet.

What is renal disease?

Renal disease, also known as chronic kidney disease, is a chronic condition that is marked by the loss of kidney function. There are multiple stages of renal disease, starting with a largely asymptomatic stage one, up through four stages, ending with kidney failure. This is also called “end stage renal disease”. Renal disease can be diagnosed at any stage, although treatment is much more effective in the earlier stages. Often, because stage one can be completely asymptomatic, renal disease is not caught until stage two or three. For this reason, it is very important to have regular checkups with your doctor. Early stage renal disease is typically diagnosed through routine blood work. The earlier renal disease is diagnosed, the better the outcome and life of the kidneys themselves.

How does diet affect renal disease?

A strict diet is often the number one prescription for renal disease, especially in the earlier stages of the condition. This is because a healthy, kidney friendly diet is one of the very best treatments for renal disease due to just how much diet affects your kidney health.

Everything that you put in your mouth is eventually processed through the kidneys, which is why diet affects renal disease so much. As your kidneys lose function, it becomes more and more difficult for them to process and filter out the excess waste and other byproducts and to perform their many other duties. Controlling your diet can make it easier for your kidneys to function at their highest level for as long as possible.

To give you an idea of just how important diet is for renal disease patients, consider this: Strictly following the right kidney safe diet and doctor's orders has the potential to stop the progression of renal disease. Once kidney function is lost, it cannot be regained, but through the right diet and treatment, you can preserve whatever function you have remaining. This means that you have the potential to avoid end stage renal disease, and therefore avoid dialysis or transplant.

What is the best way to control my diet for renal disease?

First of all, you should talk to your doctor and/or nutritionist regarding your specific case. Everyone is a little different, and depending on your level of renal disease, your dietary restrictions will vary. They should be able to give you a list of foods to eat and to avoid, as well as give you some other educational materials so you can learn more about your condition.

Next, do your research to learn more about your dietary restrictions. Do not just focus on what you cannot eat, focus on what you can. Research recipes that fit into your diet plan, and start learning how to shop and cook for your new diet. Build a meal plan to follow so your meals and snacks are all planned out so you do not stray from the path.

Everything you eat gets processed through your kidneys at some point. This means that your diet directly affects your kidney health, and therefore has a huge impact on renal disease. Talk to your doctor, learn more about your condition and the diet you should follow, and then build a meal plan so you can keep up with this new information. If you are diligent, you can prolong the health of your kidneys. For a free three day meal plan click here.