Focus on eating whole grains, fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Try to steer clear of foods high in salt and sugar. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source A few good options include apples, plums, grapes, berries, cherries, turnips, onions, eggplant, cauliflower, eggs, lean meat (such as poultry and fish), pasta, unsalted crackers, white bread, bagels, and sandwich buns. [5] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Try adding leafy greens, tomatoes, blueberries, and herbs to your diet as well. [6] X Research source
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh varieties contain lower amounts of sodium than canned options. Read labels. Start scanning ingredient lists to make sure the foods you purchase do not have high sodium content. Canned soups are an obvious one to avoid. Compare products to make sure you buy the one with the lowest amounts of sodium. Look for products that are advertised as low-sodium.
Drinking juice is a great way to get nutrients if you aren’t a fan of eating fruits and veggies. Just be sure to choose juices without added sugars. However, if you have kidney disease or failure, or a condition like diabetes, juice might not be the best option for you. Speak to your doctor or dietician before adding juice to your diet. [8] X Research source
Dietary supplements are especially risky if you have kidney disease, or if you are taking other medication. [10] X Research source Even beneficial supplements such as vitamin C or cranberry tablets can be harmful if taken in large amounts. [11] X Research source To avoid contaminated products, look for supplements with a seal of approval from an independent organization, such as Consumer Lab, NSF International, or U. S. Pharmacopeia. [12] X Research source
Look for an activity that you enjoy. For example, if you like to walk, recruit a friend and schedule a standing date to explore your neighborhood. If you like to swim, look for a community pool in your area. If you’re new to exercise, consult your doctor before beginning any program.
Quitting smoking is hard, but there are many resources you can use. Ask your doctor about medication or nicotine cessation products such as gum or patches.
Over-the-counter pain killers (especially the NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Aleve, and Motrin) can also cause damage to the kidneys if taken on a regular basis. They are fine for occasional use, but talk to your doctor about alternatives if you need to treat chronic pain and have concerns about your kidney health. Acetaminophen is generally considered safer. [16] X Research source
Try to create habits that lead to good overall health. For example, try limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake. You’ll see multiple health benefits, and your kidneys will thank you.
Chronic kidney disease is typically caused by high blood pressure or diabetes. If you suffer from either condition, have a doctor test your kidney function at least once a year. Kidney stones are another common ailment. These are solid particles, frequently formed by minerals, and can be very painful. Symptoms include pain (sometimes extremely severe and stabbing) in the back, flank, and abdomen, as well as and difficulty and pain during urination.
