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Foods to Eat With Chronic Kidney Disease

Foods to Eat With Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a health condition in which the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste from the blood, leading to an accumulation of toxins. If left untreated, it can cause serious health complications. While chronic kidney disease can be an onerous burden, it does not have to prevent the patient from living a fulfilling life. Many treatments help manage the symptoms and discomforts, and doctors also recommend a few nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Foods for managing chronic kidney disease
Healthy nutrition is an essential part of managing chronic kidney disease. Certain foods have nutrients that help improve overall kidney health and manage diseases that affect the organ. Below are a few such foods to consider adding to meals:

Low-sodium foods
Reducing salt and sodium intake is essential when dealing with chronic kidney disease. Cutting back on salt helps maintain healthy blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications that can arise with this condition. Eating fresh foods like greens, broccoli, and cauliflower is a great way to reduce sodium intake. Besides being low in salt, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are excellent sources of nutrients and protein. Another way to reduce sodium intake is to avoid canned foods, as they use salt as a preservative. If one cannot do without canned foods, they should drain and rinse them to reduce sodium before eating.

Avoiding salt in home-cooked meals can affect their taste. To avoid this problem, patients can use herbs and spices. Rosemary, basil, garlic, cumin, and oregano are excellent seasonings that are low in sodium but rich in flavor. While saying no to salt can be hard, it can help manage chronic kidney disease in the long run.

Foods with low potassium
Including low-potassium foods in the meal plan is another critical step in managing chronic kidney disease. It can help control the amount of minerals and waste in the body and regulate blood pressure. Some examples of low-potassium foods are cranberry juice, apples, grapes, peaches, cooked rice, wheat cereals, grits, white bread, and pasta.

When it comes to choosing low-potassium fruits, cranberry is a great option. Cranberry juice has plenty of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. When had in moderation, it can help keep the kidneys healthy and functioning correctly. Apple is another healthy fruit, rich in vitamin C and fiber and low in potassium. It can help reduce the risk of stroke and other heart-related diseases. Grapes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals and are relatively low in potassium. They can help reduce cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure. Peaches also have only a tiny amount of potassium and are excellent sources of vitamin C and fiber, suitable to lower cholesterol and inflammation.

Among grains, cooked rice and wheat cereals are suitable. Cooked rice is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates and has low potassium levels. If eaten regularly, it can help control blood sugar levels. Wheat cereals are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients and are low in potassium, making them healthy when managing chronic kidney disease. White bread, grits, and pasta are also great choices. They have high reserves of complex carbs with little potassium. However, white bread can raise blood sugar, so it is best had in moderation.

Heart-healthy foods
Chronic kidney disease makes the heart work harder, increasing the risk of cardiovascular conditions. Hence, it is advisable to add heart-healthy foods to meals. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while dairy products and whole grains provide protein. These foods can help reduce cholesterol and maintain a healthy blood pressure level.

Leafy greens are best for improving heart function. Spinach, kale, and collard greens are good sources of folate and vitamin K, which can help reduce inflammation. Other nutritious vegetables include sweet potatoes, squash, eggplant, and bell peppers. Apples, oranges, berries, and grapes are excellent picks among fruits. They are a great source of antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage in different body organs, including the heart. Besides fruits and veggies, experts recommend adding beans to meals. Lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are excellent sources of fiber, protein, and micronutrients like iron and zinc. These properties help lower cholesterol levels.

The role of milk and milk products in supporting heart health cannot be ignored. Milk is a source of calcium and protein. However, one must choose fat-free or low-fat milk over whole milk to prevent high cholesterol. Yogurt is packed with probiotics, which can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Cheese is also healthy, but individuals should choose low-fat varieties like cottage cheese and ricotta cheese.

Homemade iced tea
Iced tea is a refreshing and nutritious beverage that can help stay hydrated while managing chronic kidney disease. It contains beneficial antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which have several health benefits. For instance, these antioxidants can reduce inflammation and protect organs against oxidative damage. Homemade iced tea may also improve kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease.

When making homemade iced tea, it is essential to use fresh ingredients, natural sweeteners like honey or stevia, and purified water free from contaminants. One can add fresh herbs and spices to the tea for added flavor and health benefits.

Foods with less phosphorous
Studies suggest that high phosphorus levels can harm the kidneys and lead to a loss of kidney function. Therefore, people with chronic kidney disease should add low-phosphorus foods to meals. Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, lettuce, spinach, and carrots have less phosphorous and provide a range of other essential nutrients. Other low-phosphorous options include bread, pasta, rice, corn, and cereals. Besides being low in phosphorous, these foods are high in fiber, vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps slow digestion and promote regular bowel movements, reducing waste buildup.

One must consult a doctor or nutritionist before modifying their food habits. In severe cases, doctors may recommend treatments besides nutrition changes to manage the condition.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Managing Multiple Myeloma – Best and Worst Foods

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow and is associated with severe health complications. Many symptoms of multiple myeloma can go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to other parts of the body. So, recognizing uncommon signs of the condition can help one get an early diagnosis. Further, treatment options and lifestyle changes, including choosing the right foods, can help manage the condition.  Best foods Certain foods can help one manage multiple myeloma symptoms and maintain strength when undergoing treatment. Fruits and herbs: Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring compound in foods like apples, basil, rosemary, and cranberries. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, which can help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Apples are especially rich in ursolic acid, making them a great choice for those with multiple myeloma. Further, pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries, has been linked to potential anti-cancer benefits. Its antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Cruciferous vegetables: Isothiocyanates are natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. The compounds are derived from sulfur-containing chemicals that may inhibit cancer cell growth. Studies suggest that isothiocyanates can reduce the risk of multiple myeloma and other types of cancer. Additionally, isothiocyanates have been found to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Iron-rich foods: Iron is essential for a healthy immune system and helps the body make red blood cells. One can find the nutrient in beans, chickpeas, lentils, and nuts. Additionally, one should ensure they get enough vitamins and minerals from sources other than food. Turmeric: Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric, a spice widely used in several cuisines. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help relieve certain multiple myeloma symptoms. Foods with folate: Folate or vitamin B9 is essential for cell growth and health. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, like black-eyed peas, broccoli, lentils, and green leafy vegetables. Folate helps keep homocysteine levels in check, which is an amino acid linked to an increased risk of multiple myeloma. Sources of vitamin C, D, and B12: Vitamin C helps absorb iron from food, while vitamins D and B12 help the body make and utilize red blood cells. Vitamin C can be found in bell peppers, oranges, berries, and lemon juice. Oranges, yogurt, and milk are good sources of vitamin D, while dairy products, soy milk, almond milk, and flax milk contain B12. These foods can help those with multiple myeloma get the necessary nutrients to manage their symptoms. Worst foods Unpasteurized drinks: For those with multiple myeloma, unpasteurized drinks can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. These drinks have not been heated to the point of eliminating potentially harmful microorganisms. Examples of such drinks include raw milk, apple cider, and other fruit and vegetable juices. Raw meat or fish: People with the condition should avoid raw meats, as they can contain bacteria and viruses, such as Salmonella, that can cause food poisoning. Raw fish may also contain parasites that can lead to serious health issues. So, one should also avoid foods like sushi, which contains raw fish. Further, sushi is accompanied by sauces like high-sodium soy sauce, which can exacerbate high blood pressure and other issues associated with multiple myeloma. If one chooses to have raw meat or fish, the items should be stored at a safe temperature, cooked thoroughly, and consumed immediately. Additionally, surfaces that have come into contact with raw foods should be sanitized before use.  Raw sprouts: Raw sprouts have been linked to multiple foodborne illnesses, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. Due to their humid growing conditions, sprouts can quickly become contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These bacteria can cause serious illnesses, especially in people with weakened immune as observed with multiple myeloma.  Uncooked eggs: Raw or undercooked eggs contain bacteria like Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. People with multiple myeloma should avoid undercooked and raw eggs. When diagnosing the disease, doctors initially recommend tests such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or imaging studies to rule out other causes and initiate treatment. Some people undergoing treatment may experience little or no improvement and recurring signs of the disease. This is called relapsed refractory multiple myeloma, where cancer does not respond to the treatment or returns. Here, doctors may recommend other treatment options.  Unusual signs Here are a few uncommon signs to recognize to get early treatment and manage the condition better. Fatigue: Here, even after a good night’s rest, one may experience extreme tiredness and exhaustion when affected by multiple myeloma. Fatigue here affects energy levels even with minimal physical activity. It can cause other issues, such as difficulty concentrating and memory problems. One may feel so fatigued that it becomes difficult to carry out daily activities. Frequent infections: This is brought on by a weakened immune system due to abnormal plasma cells. Here, one may experience frequent infections in the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, or skin. These infections can become serious if left untreated, causing long-term health complications. Bruising or bleeding: Here, one may notice bleeding in the gums, nosebleeds, or unusually heavy periods. They may also bruise easily. Unexplained bleeding may indicate that the body is experiencing trouble forming blood clots due to a drop in the levels of platelets or other blood-clotting proteins affected by cancer cells.  Bone pain and fractures: Bone pain and fractures can be a sign of multiple myeloma, as the condition can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures. Bone pain with this condition is usually observed in the spine, ribs, or other bony areas. In more advanced cases, it may spread to other body parts. Fractures here may typically develop without any trauma or injury.  Numbness, tingling sensation, or weakness: These symptoms can result from myeloma cells damaging the nerves in the peripheral nervous system. One may experience a pins and needles sensation, numbness, weakness in the arms and legs, or even the face or torso. 

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