Foods that Harm
Foods that Heal
Foods to Limit
Who is Affected?
Kidney disease may be either a primary condition, such as kidney stones, or a consequence of other disorders, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, or diabetes - all of which can severely damage the organ's blood vessels. Older men are susceptible to kidney infections stemming from enlargement of the prostate. Pregnant women and people with diabetes are vulnerable to infections of the urinary tract. Side effects from drugs are common and preventable causes of serious kidney disorders.
Old School
"People with Kidney stones should cut down on calcium-rich foods."
New Wisdom
"Adequate calcium intake actually reduces the risk of calcium oxalate stones."
Kidney stones form when crystalline minerals and acid salts stick together and form clumps in the kidneys. This common condition occurs when your urine contains more of these substances than the fluids in the urine can dilute. Symptoms include intense pain in the side and back, below the ribs; pain when urinating; pink, red, or brown urine; or urinating more than usual.
Inflammation of the kidney - known medically as nephritis - may result from a bacterial infection or a number of other causes, including side effects of drugs. Kidney infections, like stones, require a doctor's intervention and must be treated with antibiotics.
10% of people ages 20 and older in the US have chronic kidney disease.
Kidney failure may be either a temporary response to acute shock or injury or a severe long-term state necessitating drastic treatment. Acute kidney failure may be caused by severe infection, burns, poisoning (including drug effects or interactions), surgery, or kidney injury. When the problem is resolved, the function usually returns to normal. Chronic kidney failure may be caused by untreated hypertension, poorly controlled diabetes, or an inborn condition. Severe chronic, or end-stage, kidney failure requires regular dialysis - in which a machine removes waste products from the blood - or where possible, a kidney transplant.
Nutrition Connection:
Diet is crucial in treating kidney problems. If you have a serious kidney disorder, your doctor will probably refer you to a clinical dietician for advice concerning changes to your diet. The allowable types and portions of food differ, depending upon the type and severity of the kidney disorder. Here are some basic guidelines:
Beyond the Diet:
In addition to dietary changes, the following considerations may be part of preventing or managing kidney disease: