How to Improve the Kidney Function?

One of the best ways to improve renal function is to maintain a healthy diet, as suggested by a physician or licensed nutritionist. Patients should notice their daily lifestyle.

Increase the amount of water you consume unless you are on dialysis. Trade other drinks, such as soda, for water. Also refrain from drinking more than one small alcoholic beverage a day if you are a woman and two small alcoholic beverages daily if you are a man. Determine your best daily intake for fluid with your doctor. Limit your fluid intake instead of increasing it if you are on dialysis based on your doctor’s recommendation.

Limit the amount of sodium you consume. When your kidney health is poor, extra sodium and fluid will build up in your body. Substitute spices and herbs for table salt. Swap salty snacks like pretzels and potato chips for unsalted popcorn. Choose fresh meats instead of cured meats. Choose prepackaged foods that are low in sodium. Check food labels on processed, canned and frozen foods. This strategy is important whether or not you are on dialysis. Sodium also raises risk for high blood pressure which can lead to kidney disease.

Reduce the amount of fatty and high-calorie food you consume. For example, choose lean meat instead of fatty cuts. Cut back on the amount of oil, margarine, butter, shortening and salad dressings you use. Pick low-fat dairy products. High-caloric, fatty foods raise your risk for high blood pressure and obesity, which in turn are risk factors for worsening your kidney disease. Choose mono- and polyunsaturated fats most often.

Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you consume. Also eat whole grain foods like whole-wheat pasta and bread instead of products like white bread that are made of refined grains. Such foods boost your general health and help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn helps your kidneys health.

Consult your doctor to determine whether you need a low-protein diet or a high-protein diet. If you have not started dialysis, your health care provider may recommend eating only 1 g of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight daily. If you are on dialysis, consume 8 to 10 oz. of protein daily, or the amount recommended by your health care provider, according to MedlinePlus.