What changes in the diet are necessary to avoid the risk of serious kidney diseases?

Nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin of Popular Diagnostic Center spoke to Channel 24 Online about the role of food in protecting the kidneys.

A small but very important organ of our body is the kidney, which silently filters the blood every day and keeps the body healthy. The kidney is called the body's 'filtration system'. The main function of the kidney is to filter out waste products and excess water from the blood. Therefore, proper diet protects the kidneys, while the wrong diet increases the risk of damage. Nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin of Popular Diagnostic Center spoke to Channel 24 Online about the role of food in protecting the kidneys.

Role of the kidney: The kidneys are constantly working to keep us healthy. Nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin said about the work of the kidney:

Keeping the blood clean: Filtering toxins and waste from the blood and creating urine.
Water-salt balance: Controls how much water is in the body.
Electrolyte balance: Controls various minerals including sodium and potassium.
Blood pressure control: Regulates blood pressure by releasing the hormone renin.
Hormone production: Activates vitamin D and also plays a role in the production of red blood cells.
Read more: Is eating raw onions good or bad for diabetics?

Why food is important in protecting the kidneys: When asked about how food directly affects kidney health, nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin said that if you look at the functions of the kidneys, it becomes clear that what we eat is broken down by the body to create energy, and the kidneys filter out that waste. Therefore, the type and amount of food can directly put pressure on the kidneys. Everyone should remember that the right food protects the kidneys, while the wrong food damages the kidneys. In addition, bringing up some points will make the matter clearer. For example:

Reduces waste in the blood: The right food produces less waste in the blood, which makes the work of the kidneys easier. Eating less processed food produces less toxins, which also reduces the pressure on the kidneys.
Electrolyte balance: Food controls the levels of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Excessive intake increases the risk of kidney damage.
Helps control blood pressure: Low-salt foods prevent high blood pressure and keep the kidneys safe.
Controls weight: Obesity puts extra pressure on the kidneys. A balanced diet reduces this pressure.
Maintains hydration: Drinking enough water helps toxins come out easily through urine.
Nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin said that when you look at the functions of the kidneys, it becomes clear that what we eat is broken down by the body to create energy, and the kidneys filter out that waste. Therefore, the type and amount of food can directly put pressure on the kidneys. Photo: Made with AI
Nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin said that when you look at the functions of the kidneys, it becomes clear that what we eat is broken down by the body to create energy, and the kidneys filter out that waste. Therefore, the type and amount of food can directly put pressure on the kidneys. Photo: Made with AI

Foods to keep kidneys healthy: Nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin has suggested eating some foods to keep the kidneys healthy. Among the foods that have a high water content, he suggests eating cucumber, gourd, bitter gourd, and papaya. Among the antioxidant-rich foods, apples, pears, and strawberries are very beneficial. Also, brown rice can be eaten to maintain the fiber level. You can eat olive oil or mustard oil as kidney-friendly fats. However, the issue of drinking enough water should be taken seriously to keep the kidneys healthy.

Nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin has suggested eating some foods to keep the kidneys healthy. Among the foods that have a high water content, he suggests eating cucumber, gourd, bitter gourd, and papaya. Among the antioxidant-rich foods, apples, pears, and strawberries are very beneficial. Photo: Made with AI
Nutritionist Mahmuda Afrin has suggested eating some foods to keep the kidneys healthy. Among the foods that have a high water content, he suggests eating cucumber, gourd, bitter gourd, and papaya. Among antioxidant-rich foods, apples, pears, and strawberries are very beneficial. Photo: Made with AI

Foods to avoid:

Excess salt,
Red meat and processed meat
Junk food
Protein diet
If you suffer from kidney disease, you should not eat bananas and coconut water because they contain excess potassium.
In simple terms, the kidneys are the body's filter, balancer, and hormone regulator. So to keep the kidneys healthy, you need to eat the right foods, less salt, enough water, and stay away from processed foods. Regular health checkups and a balanced diet are the key to keeping the kidneys healthy for a long time.