Increased obesity raises the likelihood of long-term kidney troubles
In the pursuit of weight loss, it's essential to consider the impact on overall health, particularly for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reducing body weight can lower the risk of developing several health conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and increased urine protein excretion - all of which reduce the risk for kidney disease. However, it's important to be aware of potential risks associated with certain weight-loss diets when managing kidney disease.
One such risk is entering a metabolic state called ketosis, which occurs when the body burns fat instead of glucose from carbohydrates. This metabolic shift can potentially cause kidney damage.
For individuals with CKD, a safe weight-loss plan should be designed with careful consideration. Here are some key principles to follow:
- Adopt a kidney-friendly diet: A kidney-friendly version of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is recommended. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and limited sodium and red meat.
- Prioritise alkaline foods: Opt for fruits and vegetables over high-acid meats to reduce kidney workload and the risk of failure.
- Choose kidney-safe protein sources: Lean and plant-based proteins, such as egg whites, cauliflower, and arugula, provide essential nutrients with lower kidney strain.
- Monitor and limit intake of potassium, phosphate, and fluids: Adjust these based on individual kidney function, ideally under the guidance of a kidney specialist or dietitian.
- Stay hydrated but manage fluid intake carefully: Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and dietary adjustments are crucial to ensure that weight loss does not harm kidney health.
Collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as nephrologists and clinical dietitians, is vital for tailoring dietary recommendations to balance nutrient needs, weight loss goals, and kidney protection.
It's also worth noting that losing weight can help prevent kidney disease in otherwise healthy individuals. Conversely, having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25 (overweight) or 30 (obesity) is a risk factor for kidney disease.
People with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors that increases the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, are more likely to develop kidney disease. Characteristics of metabolic syndrome include a large waist size, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar levels even without eating. In people with CKD, having metabolic syndrome increases the risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease.
In conclusion, trimming down might slow disease progression in people already diagnosed with CKD. It's important to consult a doctor and dietitian before starting a weight loss program if one has kidney disease, as some diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates can be harmful. By following a kidney-friendly diet and working closely with specialists, individuals with CKD can safely lose weight without advancing their disease.
- For individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), having a Health-and-wellness plan that focuses on a kidney-friendly diet, like the DASH diet, can help manage weight loss and reduce the risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease.
- Adopting a diet rich in alkaline foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and leaning towards kidney-safe protein sources, such as egg whites, cauliflower, and arugula, is essential for individuals with CKD to ensure proper Nutrition while pursuing weight loss.
- Regular monitoring of kidney function, Blood pressure, and fluid intake is crucial as Fitness-and-exercise and weight loss can potentially aggravate chronic kidney disease.
- Collaboration with medical-professionals, including nephrologists and clinical dietitians, is vital for designing a customized weight-loss plan that balances nutrient needs, weight loss goals, and kidney protection, particularly for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
