Kidney disease, or chronic kidney disease, is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. When kidney disease is present, damaged kidneys cannot properly filter blood. 

Risk factors for kidney disease include age-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity, smoking and genetics. People of African-American, Native American or Asian-American descent are also at increased risk of kidney disease. 

Unfortunately, there is no true cure for kidney disease, and as the condition worsens, treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required. For these reasons, the prevention of kidney disease is very important. Luckily, there is promising research showing that things like klotho therapy may be used to help prevent kidney disease. Klotho proteins occur naturally in humans and are involved in all sorts of vital biological processes. Kidney failure is believed to be associated with the body’s production of the klotho protein. In the future, klotho therapy may be able to revolutionize the treatment of age-related conditions like kidney failure. 

For those who have already been diagnosed with kidney disease, living a healthy lifestyle is key . Knowing which foods to eat and routines to keep can greatly impact the effects of the disease. The following foods are great choices for people with kidney disease because they are easier on your kidneys than their counterparts.

It is beneficial to speak with a healthcare provider about which type of renal diet is right for you. Here are some common foods included in these diets:  

Egg Whites

Eggs are a great source of nutrition, but egg yolks are high in phosphorus, a mineral that damaged kidneys cannot remove properly.

Egg whites are high in protein and very low in calories, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, without the phosphorus of the yolk. Your doctor can advise as to whether or not you need to be aware of your protein intake. 

Bulgur

Bulgur is a whole grain that is a great choice for people with kidney disease. Most traditional whole grains are high in phosphorus and potassium, which damaged kidneys have trouble processing. 

Bulgur is similar to couscous and quinoa, so there are many ways to enjoy it: as a cereal, as part of a composed salad, or served plain as a heart-healthy side dish.

Buckwheat is also an option, and there are many buckwheat pancake mixes on the market. Try making them with egg whites for a great way to start your morning. 

Garlic

If you have problems with your kidneys, you’ve probably been told to keep your sodium intake to a minimum. 

Adding garlic to your recipes can replace the flavor that is lost while cutting salt. 

Strawberries, Blueberries and Raspberries

While fruit is healthy, it’s often chock full of potassium, which damaged kidneys may have trouble processing. Fortunately, fruits like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are low in potassium. Adding them to your bulgur wheat cereal or your buckwheat pancakes is a tasty way to stick to a healthy renal-conscious diet. 

These are just a few of the foods recommended for people on renal diets. While kidney disease is a difficult reality for many, advances in klotho therapy research are encouraging. If you have kidney disease, use these foods as a part of a healthy renal diet.

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