Cebu City - Wastes and excess fluid are removed from our body with the help of the kidneys. Additionally, our kidneys eliminate acid that is created by our body's cells and keep the levels of water, salts, and minerals in our blood—such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium—in a healthy range. Our body's neurons, muscles, and other tissues might not function properly if this equilibrium is lost. Our kidneys also produce beneficial hormones, control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep our bones strong and healthy.
Living healthily with kidney illness requires maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. If your kidney condition worsens over time, your nutritional requirements might also vary. For instance, those with kidney disease in stages 2 or 3 will require a totally different diet than those with renal failure who are receiving dialysis. Your specific dietary requirements depend on your weight, overall health, renal disease stage, other medical conditions, medications, and other factors. Discuss what is best for you with a nutritionist-dietitian or your healthcare professional. Here are the top 5 tips to reduce salt in your diet.
Fresh is your best bet. Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats rather than their packaged equivalents, which frequently contain more sodium. If in case you need to buy frozen, or canned vegetables, select those with no salt or sauce added. When possible, purchase fresh poultry, fish, pork, and lean meat, rather than cured, salted, smoked, and other processed meats. For fresh items, check to see whether saline or salt solution has been added - if so, choose another brand.
Avoid spices and seasonings that contain added sodium. For example, avoid garlic salt. Choose garlic powder instead.
Make reading food labels a habit. Food labels always include a sodium content statement. Choose packaged foods labeled “low sodium,” “reduced sodium,” or “no salt added” when available. It's important to read labels because some items, like cottage cheese, don't taste very salty yet have a lot of sodium.
When cooking, use alternatives to replace or reduce the amount of salt you use. Select citrus juice, salt-free seasonings, herbs, or spices. Reduce the use of sauces, mixes, and instant products, including flavored rice and ready-made pasta.
Be wary when dining out. Request for nutrition information before you order and choose a meal with lower salt content. Ask that no salt be added to your meal. Order vegetables with no salt added or fruit as a side item. Share a meal with a friend or family member. Minimize takeout and fast food orders.
Keep in mind that taking proper care of our kidneys, which play a crucial role in our survival, will be very beneficial. // DMO II Gabe Henriel P. Sucalit, RND
