Kidney Health Diet and Tips..?

emjustem06
emjustem06 Posts: 25 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Is anyone on here familiar with kidney repair through diet?

Long story short, my last two pregnancies had complications that involved my kidneys. My youngest just turned two and in the last two years I’ve had two kidney infections (with no symptoms… it’s just BAM flank pain and ER visit for antibiotics).

Ultimately, I’m fearful the pregnancies damaged my kidneys. I’ve read up a bit on foods that are good for your kidneys, juices, even certain yoga poses.. but I wanted to see if there was any first-hand advice from y’all on here.

I’m too young to be facing kidney disease.. I need to heal them. Talk about incentive, right..??

Replies

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I'm a certified yoga teacher and I've juiced, but in this case I'd ask your doctor for a referral to a kidney specialist and as one of many questions for that doctor, ask if you should also have a referral to a registered dietitian.
  • Rhumax67
    Rhumax67 Posts: 162 Member
    Simple blood & urine tests will tell you if you have anything to worry about. The doc will look for blood and especially protein in your urine. They will also check creatinine, BUN, and GFR in your blood work. In a few days, you'll know if you need to be concerned.

    Depending on what happened during your pregnancies, these are things you may need to keep an eye on. Beginning kidney disease doesn't have any symptoms to speak of but your GP should be able to help you decide if you need a nephrologist. Some GP's aren't really familiar with kidney disease so don't let anyone tell you "your blood work is only a little off." Example, normal GFR is 60 & above. If yours is 58, that indicates a problem. There shouldn't be any protein in your urine. Those are just examples.

    The CDC has great info: https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html

    Good luck & Be Well!
  • Courtscan2
    Courtscan2 Posts: 499 Member
    Kidney infections are often the result of just an untreated UTI - I'm prone to them, and they suck, but my kidneys are in good shape, I've had ultrasounds and blood tests to confirm. However definitely talk to your doctor rather than relying on the proverbial wisdom of randoms on the internet.
  • emjustem06
    emjustem06 Posts: 25 Member
    I’m not relying on the proverbial wisdom of randoms on the internet for a diagnosis. But thanks for that..

    I’m simply asking for advice and tips on eating a kidney friendly diet for healing purposes.

    I had loads of blood work and UAs done at postpartum appointments and they all showed good numbers.

    However, the two kidney infections since my last pregnancy concern me… No UTI symptoms at all. Just sudden kidney infections that’ve landed me in the ER.
  • musicfan68
    musicfan68 Posts: 1,143 Member
    edited September 2022
    emjustem06 wrote: »
    I’m not relying on the proverbial wisdom of randoms on the internet for a diagnosis. But thanks for that..

    I’m simply asking for advice and tips on eating a kidney friendly diet for healing purposes.

    I had loads of blood work and UAs done at postpartum appointments and they all showed good numbers.

    However, the two kidney infections since my last pregnancy concern me… No UTI symptoms at all. Just sudden kidney infections that’ve landed me in the ER.

    Kidney infections ARE UTIs. I've had many over the years, and have never been told I need to eat a certain diet. The only thing I started doing years ago is drinking more fluids to keep hydrated and keep urine flowing out to keep bacteria down. If you have only had 2 UTI's in your life, you are most likely just fine. I've had dozens of infections due to my disability, and I am fine. As long as they get treated quickly there is usually no serious lasting issues.
  • VegjoyP
    VegjoyP Posts: 2,772 Member
    A low protein diet is what I have seen for kidney health. I would do a valuablesearch for a certified dietician and look into low protein diets.
  • Vune
    Vune Posts: 674 Member
    Staying hydrated is the #1 thing you can do for kidney health if you're not in failure and don't have a specific diagnosis. I went on dialysis at 19 and have been transplanted for 22 years. If I was in your position, I'd want to find out why multiple infections have travelled up my ureters.
  • EliseTK1
    EliseTK1 Posts: 483 Member
    edited September 2022
    emjustem06 wrote: »
    Is anyone on here familiar with kidney repair through diet?

    Long story short, my last two pregnancies had complications that involved my kidneys. My youngest just turned two and in the last two years I’ve had two kidney infections (with no symptoms… it’s just BAM flank pain and ER visit for antibiotics).

    Ultimately, I’m fearful the pregnancies damaged my kidneys. I’ve read up a bit on foods that are good for your kidneys, juices, even certain yoga poses.. but I wanted to see if there was any first-hand advice from y’all on here.

    I’m too young to be facing kidney disease.. I need to heal them. Talk about incentive, right..??

    Hey there, I am a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition. (I work in dialysis.) The best things you can do for your kidneys are to get your labs done regularly to monitor your kidney function, drink plenty of water, avoid overdoing it on medications such as NSAIDS (like ibuprofen) and do the same things you would do in your diet/lifestyle that you would for heart health. That means lower salt, regular physical activity/exercise, avoid smoking, and stick to mostly “whole” foods such as fruits/veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, lean proteins, etc. If you’re diabetic or have high blood pressure, take your meds the way they’re prescribed and monitor to make sure your blood sugars and blood pressure stay under control.

    If you get to a point where you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) get yourself to a nephrologist and have them refer you to a Kidney Smart class and/or a Registered Dietitian who can give you more personalized information. Recommendations get more complicated with CKD and ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease, the point when dialysis or transplant are required.)

    There are no special foods, juices, or exercises that target the kidneys. What’s good for your body overall is good for your kidneys. I don’t know your entire medical history, but based on what you’ve said here, it sounds like you are going to be just fine. Sending you a hug!

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