Scientific Prevention and Treatment of Kidney Disease

 

The kidneys are very important organs that act as water purifiers for our bodies. They are essential for life support, such as filtering waste products in the body, balancing body fluids, and maintaining blood pressure. However, kidney disease is also called the "silent organ" because it has few initial symptoms.

In this article, I will find out the cause of kidney disease scientifically and teach you how to protect kidney health through diet management that can be easily practiced by anyone.

1. Kidney disease, why does it happen?

Kidney disease is not just a problem caused by drinking less water. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), in which kidney function is gradually impaired, is mainly caused by high blood pressure and diabetes.

Diabetes raises the concentration of glucose in the blood, which damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. High blood pressure increases the pressure in the kidneys, destroying the **glomerulus**, which acts as a filter. In addition, various causes such as glomerulitis, genetic factors, and drug abuse can lead to decreased kidney function.

When the kidneys are damaged, toxins accumulate in the body due to the inability to properly filter out waste, and complications such as swelling, anemia, and high blood pressure appear.

2. The Scientific Relationship Between Kidney Disease and Diet

Since damaged kidneys cannot properly handle waste, it is very important to manage a diet that does not burden the kidneys. Control of intake of protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus is key, especially for patients with kidney disease. 

 * Protein: Overpaid

   Protein is an essential nutrient for our body, but nitrogenous wastes such as **urea**, which are generated when proteins are broken down, are released through the kidneys. Consuming excessive protein while kidney function is poor puts more pressure on the kidneys. Therefore, it is important to consult with your specialist to eat the appropriate amount of protein.

 * Sodium: Main culprits of swelling

   Sodium attracts water from the body and increases the amount of blood. It can increase blood pressure and increase pressure in the kidneys, which can accelerate kidney damage. Also, excessive sodium intake will intensify swelling of the body. Therefore, you should reduce your intake of processed salt-rich foods, soup dishes, kimchi, and pickles.

 * Potassium: Dangerous Minerals for the Heart

   Healthy kidneys release potassium effectively, but decreased kidney function increases the concentration of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can have a devastating effect on the heart, such as muscle weakness and arrhythmia. Therefore, vegetables that are high in potassium (spinach, potatoes, mushrooms, etc.) and fruits (bananas, kiwis, oranges, etc.) should be consumed by limiting their intake or by changing the recipe. For example, potassium can be removed in the process of immersing or blanching vegetables in water.

 * Phosphorus: the enemy of bone health

   When kidney function declines, it becomes difficult to release phosphorus and increases the blood phosphorus concentration. Excessive phosphorus promotes the secretion of parathyroid hormones and removes calcium from bones, making bones weak. Foods high in phosphorus, such as milk, dairy products, nuts, and mixed-grain rice, should be controlled.

3. How to Practice 'Scientific Diet' for Kidney Health

Diets for prevention and management of kidney disease should focus on balancing nutrition beyond just limiting. 

 * Making a habit of eating bland: Use natural spices such as herbs, pepper, garlic, and onions to taste instead of salt. It is recommended to use fresh ingredients rather than processed foods and to eat mainly dry ingredients rather than soups.

 * Improving Protein Quality: Not all proteins are equal. It is recommended to eat the right amount of high-quality protein (fish, eggs, lean meat), which is rich in essential amino acids, and to make good use of plant-based protein such as beans and tofu.

 * Vegetables, Fruits, and Recipes Important: To control your potassium intake, it is effective to chop vegetables and soak them in water for at least two hours, or blanch them in boiling water. These recipes can remove a significant amount of water-soluble potassium.

 * Water Intake, Consultation with a Specialist: Sufficient water intake helps prevent kidney stones in the early stages of a kidney disease, but in patients with end-stage renal failure, the kidneys fail to properly drain water, which can lead to edema or pulmonary edema. Therefore, the proper amount of water intake should be adjusted according to the individual's kidney function status.

4. Diet Management, the Most Powerful Weapon to Protect Your Kidney Health

Kidney disease is often difficult to reverse once it is damaged. That's why prevention and early management are paramount.

Diet for kidney health is a fundamental solution that goes beyond just treating diseases, optimizing the body's metabolic process and reducing the unnecessary burden on the kidneys.

Of course, not all problems can be solved by diet management alone, but if you continue to manage your diet along with regular checkups, it will greatly help slow down the decline in kidney function and improve your quality of life. From today on, keep a healthy life by practicing healthy eating habits that are good for your kidneys.