Foods to Eat and Avoid with Kidney Shrinkage

Kidney shrinkage is more likely to indicate kidneys are unable to work properly, and a right diet plan can help slow down the progression of kidney problem. Therefore, it is necessary for patients with renal atrophy to find out what foods to eat and avoid.
The basic dietary principles for kidney shrinkage patients
Here, we firstly give out some general dietary suggestions. (If you want to get a diet plan suitable for yourself, you can send email to kidneyservice@hotmail.com, so I can reply you in 24 hours.)
- Follow a low-sodium diet
- Follow a low-protein diet with high-quality protein
- Add omega-3 fatty acid in your diet
- Take in correct amount of potassium and phosphorus
- Avoid purine-containing foods
Specific diet for patients with specific symptoms
-Patients with hyperkalemia
If patients have hyperkalemia or high potassium level, they should reduce the potassium intake. Potassium level of 6.5 or higher can lead to a cardiac arrest, so kidney shrinkage patients should keep a close eye on their potassium level, if their potassium levels are abnormal.
-Patients with bone disease
Kidney shrinkage patients' bone disease is usually due to high phosphorus level. High phosphorus levels decreases the level of calcium in the blood, leading to bone disease. Therefore, patients with bone disease should avoid phosphorus-containing foods and eat more high-calcium foods.
-Patients with swelling or high blood pressure
Severe swelling and high blood pressure have a close link with fluid and sodium retention. From this point, kidney shrinkage patients with these symptoms should control their intake of sodium and water, in order to ease these symptoms.

If you happen to have kidney shrinkage, hopefully the above information can guide you to develop a correct diet plan.

Herbal Teas to Lower High Creatinine Level in Blood

Herbal Teas to Lower High Creatinine Level

High creatinine level is more likely to indicate the decline of kidney function. In this case, it is necessary to choose correct herbal teas to drink, because it can do something for lowering high creatinine level in blood.
What herbal teas can help lower high creatinine level?
1. Nettle leaf tea
Drinking 1 to 2 cups of nettle leaf tea is a good choice to lower high creatinine level. It is a simple yet powerful kidney tonic that can improve renal function and reduce creatinine levels. However, nettle leaf tea is not suitable for all patients with CKD. You should consult your doctor before you start to drink this kind of tea.
2. Salvia tea
Researches have found that salvia can increase kidney filtration rate and creatinine excretion. What is more, it can improve the circulation in the kidneys.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile is another herb that may help lower creatinine levels in the body. In a 2005 study published in the "Journal of Agriculture Food Chemicals," researchers found that, compared to control samples, decreased levels of creatinine appeared in those drinking chamomile tea. This benefit lasted up to two weeks post-treatment, and may have been due to high levels of antioxidants present in chamomile.
In addition, some other herb teas that can help improve patients’ kidney function level or increase their GFR levels are also able to reduce high creatinine level in the blood. Try to use herbal teas suitable for yourself with doctor’s guidance.

A Healthy Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease

A Healthy Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition where your kidney function is tampered. This disease is usually measured in terms of stages, which indicate to what level your kidney function has been affected. If you have been diagnosed with stage 3 CKD, your physician will recommend a healthier diet to you.
Consume low protein
Protein is very important for daily growth, tissue repair and muscle building. Once your body processes the proteins that are taken in, the remaining waste is turned into urea, which is excreted by the kidneys. When renal disease is present, the kidneys are no longer able to rid the body of the amount of urea produced. It becomes necessary to make dietary changes to reduce the amount of protein taken in each day. Foods that are high in protein include: meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs, cheese. Many other foods also contain proteins but are little including other dairy products, starches, grains, and some fruits and vegetables.
Lower the intake of sodium
Limiting salt and high-sodium foods reduces high blood pressure, which is a common symptom at stage 3 CKD. The sodium recommendation for stage 3 CKD is 1,000-4,000 mg/day based on blood pressure, fluid balance and the presence of other diseases that may affect sodium requirements.
Limit the intake of phosphorus and potassium
This mineral may be limited because reduced kidney function causes phosphorus to build up in your blood. This can impact bone and heart health. A diet with no more than 800 mg phosphorus can help. Usually, potassium is not restricted in stage 3 CKD unless lab tests show potassium is too high. Then your doctor may make medication changes or prescribe a low-potassium diet.
Drink the correct amount of fluid
Fluid is not restricted in stage 3 CKD unless you experience fluid retention. Signs of fluid retention include sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet, hands and face, and high blood pressure. These symptoms may indicate a decline in kidney function and decreased urine output. Then you should dink a right amount of fluid.