Kidney health isn’t usually a priority when preparing breakfast. Brain health and heart health?
Maybe. But does what you eat in the morning actually affect your kidneys that much? The truth is, this is the case, and it’s worth choosing foods that support it. The kidneys filter waste and impurities from the blood by producing urine, controlling blood pressure, and producing hormones that stimulate red blood cells. As we age and the likelihood of chronic illness increases, our kidneys have to work harder. That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to support your kidneys.
One way he accomplishes this is through a diet that includes starting his day with a kidney-supporting breakfast. Need some inspiration? Here, nephrologists reveal their favorite breakfasts for kidney health and provide further tips on kidney-healthy eating. Eating methods that take kidney health into consideration
If you want to prioritize kidney health through your diet, it’s important to minimize your salt intake and avoid processed foods, says Dr. Ndidi Nwamu-Laguerre, a nephrologist and esthetician at Dr. Delta Kidney & Hypertension. says. “Use herbs and spices to flavor your food instead of salt,” she suggests.
The reason why excess salt is bad for kidney health is that salt causes high blood pressure. This isn’t just bad for your heart. It also activates kidney function. High blood pressure is the most common cause of kidney failure. With this in mind, it is recommended that you keep your sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams per day.
Dr. Nwam Laguerre says a kidney-friendly diet is one rich in fruits and vegetables that contain a variety of nutrients that support the kidneys. This type of diet is important for preventing kidney problems, but it’s even more important for people who are already suffering from kidney problems. “If your kidneys weaken over time, changing your diet is one way to prevent them from worsening,” he explains. Nuwam Laguerre.
If you already have kidney problems, Dr. Nwam Laguerre says, it’s important to pay attention to your potassium and calcium intake. “Depending on your medical history and current kidney function, you may need to avoid certain electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphorus, and calcium,” she explains.
Dr. Trevor Hayes, nephrologist and regional medical director at Strive Health, agreed, saying, “It is recommended that patients with chronic kidney disease, especially stage 4, eat a diet low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.” ”It can be especially difficult for patients to know what to eat. It’s best to consult a registered dietitian for advice and to create a realistic meal plan.
In addition to what he eats, it’s also important for Nuwam Laguerre to drink plenty of water, according to Dr. Hydration is very important for kidney health. Without proper fluid intake, blood and nutrients cannot reach the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage. In other words, it’s not just what you eat that matters. What you drink is also important!
Breakfast for kidney health from a nephrologist
Dr. Hayes likes to start each day with a breakfast she knows supports her kidneys: oatmeal with almond milk. Meanwhile, Dr. Hayes says people with kidney disease should be aware of the phosphorus found in oatmeal, which is a kidney-supporting breakfast food for most people.
Scientific research shows that regularly consuming whole grains such as oatmeal is one of the most important ways to keep your kidneys healthy. A recent study showed that a diet high in whole grains is associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease.
Both Dr. Hayes and Dr. Nwam Laguerre say that by adding fruit to oatmeal, you can make this breakfast even more beneficial for your kidneys. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure, which, as mentioned earlier, is important for proper kidney function.
As you may have noticed, Dr. Hayes prefers using almond milk instead of cow’s milk in her oatmeal. Dr. Hayes says dairy products are healthy for most adults, but should be kept to a minimum for people with kidney problems, in which case dairy-free options like almond milk can be helpful in Mass. He explains that dairy products tend to be high in phosphorus and potassium and should be limited in patients with impaired kidney function.
As mentioned above, adequate hydration is also important for kidney health. For this reason, Dr. Nwam-Laguerre said it’s important to drink water with your morning meal. Both doctors like to drink coffee in the morning. Scientific research shows that drinking coffee reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease. Dr. Hayes says black tea is also a great drink, as long as it’s unsweetened.
It is important to remember that nutritional recommendations for people with chronic kidney disease are different from for adults with healthy kidneys. Therefore, if you have kidney disease, it is important to work with your doctor and dietitian to receive proper nutritional advice. But everyone can benefit from prioritizing kidney health through diet, and it starts with breakfast.
Source of information
Dr. Ndidi Nwamu-Laguerre, DO, nephrologist and physician esthetician at Delta Kidney & Hypertension
Dr. Trevor Hayes, DO, Nephrologist, Strive Health Regional Medical Director