Every year, the second Thursday of March is observed as World Kidney Day. This year's theme is ‘Kidney Health for All’. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 850 million people worldwide and has caused 3.1 million deaths in 2019.
In India, accurate figures are hard to come by as CKD is a non-communicable disease and is thus overshadowed by the need to address communicable diseases. As it is a slow-progressing disease, medical help is often sought at a much later stage. Diabetes and hypertension account for 40-60 per cent of the cases of kidney ailments and both these causative factors are on the rise in the country.
Interview: Dr Anil Kumar BT HOD, Senior Consultant Nephrologist and Chief Transplant Physician at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru.
What are the key components of a kidney-friendly diet?
Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams sodium (equivalent to 5 grams salt/1 teaspoon) each day. Try to have less than 10 per cent of your daily calories come from added sugars. People with any stage of CKD who aren’t on dialysis should limit their protein intake to 0.6 to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight to reduce kidney disease progression. Hence foods which contain healthier proteins like lean meat, eggs and poultry may be ideal.
What about the intake of phosphorus and potassium?
Phosphorus and potassium are minerals that your body needs for certain processes. Phosphorus helps build strong bones, while potassium helps regulate your heartbeat and keeps your muscles working properly. If you have chronic kidney disease, however, these minerals can build up in your blood, causing problems throughout your body. High levels of phosphorus can pull calcium from your bones, making bones weak and more likely to break, and may cause itchy skin and bone and joint pain. You may need to limit foods high in phosphorus, such as animal protein, dairy, beans and nuts. High levels of potassium (found in certain fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy) can cause heart problems hence fruits and vegetables containing low potassium need to be consumed. (Eg. apples, cherries, plums, asparagus, carrots, eggplant etc.)
Is there a specific prescription for choosing foods good for kidney health?
Choose foods that are healthy for your entire body, thus also your kidneys. Have fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars.
What is the role of diabetes and hypertension in kidney disease?
The kidney is made up of millions of tiny filters called nephrons. Over time, high blood sugar from diabetes and hypertension can damage blood vessels in the kidneys as well as nephrons so they don’t work as well as they should.
What are your top tips for maintaining kidney health?
Keep your blood sugar levels in your target range as much as possible. The same holds for blood pressure which should be below 140/90 mm/Hg (or the target your doctor sets). Stay in your target cholesterol range; eat foods low in sodium; eat more fruits and vegetables; be physically active and take your medicines as directed.
What are some specific foods that we can add to our diet?
Cereals, beans, lentils, green vegetables, less sugary fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice and gram flour. If you are a non-vegetarian you can consume eggs, chicken (lean meat) and fish.
What are the foods that must be avoided?
Avoid cheese, cookies, cakes, and fast food, avoid foods with added sugars, avoid sugary beverages, soft drinks, and baked goods, Processed and refined foods should also be avoided, Reduce salt intake to 1.5 to 2 gms per day, avoid the use of extra salt in the food and foods high in saturated fat. Completely avoid red meat.