Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Kidneys

Posted May 2021
2021-06
Smoked Salmon, Bocconcini, Basil, Pomegranate on Corn Thins slices

If you are wanting to live a long and healthy life having kidneys which function at their best is essential. Kidneys play many important functions in your body from removing waste products out of your blood, forming urine, and regulating your fluids and blood pressure. Conditions which put you at greater risk of developing kidney disease include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and dysbiosis which is an imbalance of more ‘bad’ bacteria over ‘good’ bacteria or probiotics in your gut.

There are many lifestyle habits you can take on to look after your kidneys and diet is one key factor impacting the health of your kidneys. The Mediterranean Diet or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) are two diets which are high in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, seafood, and extra virgin olive oil. Also, low in red and processed meats and refined carbohydrates. Whole grains and whole grain containing foods like Corn Thins slices are a key food group for optimal kidney health as it contains many nutrients which are critical for your kidney health. These include:

 

  1. Fibre

Whole grains provide more fibre than refined grain varieties. More fibre means that sugar will be released more slowly into your blood which is linked to better heart and kidney health.

 

  1. B6 and Vitamin E

These two vitamins and vitamin B12 which is found in animal-based foods and beverages work together to reduce your risk of acute or short-term kidney injury.

 

  1. Coenzyme Q10

This enzyme helps to lower your blood pressure as well as decrease haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). HbA1c can be used to diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar control. It reflects your average blood sugar levels over 3 months. Both high blood pressure and high levels of HbA1c put you at greater risk of kidney disease.

 

  1. Potassium

This mineral is needed to regulate your fluid balance and assists in lowering your blood pressure.

 

Take home message: While one single food cannot protect your kidneys, including whole grain containing foods like Corn Thins slices as a part of the Mediterranean or DASH diet is a smart choice. It is important to remember that food is there for enjoyment but also plays a critical role in keeping your body functioning at its best.

 

Ashleigh Felth…
Accredited Practising Dietitian
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    • Ashleigh Felth…