Nutrition and Kidney Health: A Vital Partnership

This month of July, the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is celebrating the 2024 National Nutrition Month under the theme, Role of Diet in Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease: Make Every Bite Count. Thus, this will be the focus of our content for the month of July.

Nutrition and Kidney Health: A Vital Partnership

We cannot live without them. These 2 bean-shaped organs, located on either side of the spine just below the ribcage are indispensable for life. The kidneys are responsible for performing many crucial functions such as removal of waste products and excess fluid from our bodies. Other functions include, maintaining a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in the blood. Without this balance, nerves, muscles, and other tissues in the body may not work normally. Our kidneys also make hormones that help control our blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep our bones strong and healthy.

Kidney function can be compromised by various factors, leading to the development of kidney disease. Some common kidney diseases are chronic kidney disease (CKD), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), and Kidney Stones. Let’s briefly elaborate on each of them.

Chronic Kidney Disease is a condition that gradually damages the kidneys over time, often due to underlying health issues like diabetes and hypertension.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) also known as acute renal failure involves a rapid onset of kidney damage, which can occur due to severe dehydration, major infections, burns, or medications. AKI can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in older adults or hospitalized patients.

Kidney Stones, another type of kidney disease involves the formation of hard mineral deposits (stones) in the kidneys or its associated organs such as ureters, or bladder, often causing severe pain.

Globally, kidney disease affects millions of people. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is particularly widespread, with an estimated 700 million people affected worldwide.

In Ghana, the prevalence of kidney disease is estimated at approximately 13.3% of the population. This high prevalence underscores the need for effective prevention and management strategies of kidney disease.

Several risk factors, encompassing both genetic and lifestyle elements may predispose a person to kidney disease. For instance, polycystic kidney disease is a common inherited kidney disease. However, lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking play significant roles in the development of kidney disease.  Notably also, diabetes and hypertension are leading causes of kidney disease. Diabetes damages the kidneys’ filtering capability and contributes to high blood pressure, further accelerating kidney damage. Hypertension itself is also a significant risk factor for kidney disease. Elevated blood pressure can damage the delicate filtering units within the kidneys, leading to further deterioration and eventual kidney failure.

Diet plays a critical role in both the development and progression of kidney disease. Consuming a balanced diet can help manage and potentially prevent kidney disease.

The foods we consume directly impact kidney function. Diets high in sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus can be particularly harmful to those with kidney disease. High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, while excessive protein can overburden the kidneys. Similarly, high levels of potassium and phosphorus can disrupt the delicate balance of minerals in the body, causing further kidney strain.

In conclusion, maintaining kidney health is a vital partnership between proper nutrition and overall wellness. Being mindful of diet and making informed choices can significantly impact kidney function and lower the risk of kidney disease.

Next week, we will delve more into specific foods that help or harm the kidneys.

If you have specific dietary requirements or health goals, you can consult a registered dietitian to provide personalized guidance.

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This article was compiled by the www.fullproofnutrition.com team and expertly reviewed by Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD).