Kidney is a vital organ of the human body. The importance of proper kidney functioning for good health cannot be understated. A healthy kidney is significant for maintaining the proper balance of fluids in the body and helping excrete toxins and wastes. “Kidney is the main filtration unit of the body. A healthy kidney allows for most diseases to remain in check as it helps in detoxification,” says Ms Delnaaz T. Chanduwadia – Chief Dietitian, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre. Kidney diseases are becoming increasingly common in the recent years. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects one in 10 people worldwide and involves a progressive loss of kidney function over a prolonged period. There are currently 850 million people living with chronic kidney disease, with over two million receiving treatment with dialysis or transplant. World Kidney Day 2021 is being celebrated on 11th March with an aim to raise awareness about kidney health.

_{World Kidney Day: The importance of kidneys cannot be understated.} 

World Kidney Day 2021 Theme

In 2021, the theme of the day as stated on the official website is ‘Living Well with Kidney Disease’, which implies an emphasis on management and curing the non-communicable disease. The idea behind the theme is to bring about a change in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, making the patients’ role equally important in the process.

Diet For Kidney Health | Expert Diet Tips For Better Kidney Health

There are several diet tips to keep in mind to prevent the onset of chronic kidney disease and for better overall kidney health. Macrobiotic Health Coach and Nutritionist Shilpa Arora ND suggests sodium intake can be curbed for efficient kidneys. “Limit salt intake in the diet as much as possible. Less processed items should be had as they are very high on sodium and trans fats, for example, diet namkeen etc.” Further, diseased kidneys have problems in filtering out phosphorous, so lesser quantities of this mineral are recommended for a kidney-friendly diet.

It is, however, a good idea to consult a qualified clinical nutritionist or a doctor before making any major diet changes. “Kidney patients require a highly specialised diet calculated depending on the electrolytes, creatinine level, and the renal profile. It differs from patient-to-patient. It is best to consult a doctor for the ideal diet,” says Sweedal Trindade, Senior Officer Dietetics (HOD) at Hinduja hospital. As for the preventive diet for kidney disease, Trindade suggests, “For a normal person, keep your health up to the mark and eat a balanced diet. Maintain the ideal body weight. Also, drink adequate water.”

(Also Read: Can A Healthy Diet Boost Kidney Health? Your Genetics Will Decide)

_{World Kidney Day: Drink plenty of water for good kidney health.} 

Dr. Manisha Sahay, HOD of Nephrology at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad also agrees, “It is advisable to avoid eating salty foods like papads, pickles and too many chutneys. Additionally, cut down on oil intake to 1/2 litre person per month.. Cutting down on fatty food will also be beneficial.”

Here are a few more diet tips from Delnaaz T. Chanduwadia, Chief Dietitian at Jaslok Hospital to help keep kidneys healthy.

1. Optimum protein intake is priority. Excess protein can damage the kidney.

2. It is also important to maintain a healthy blood pressure. This is possible by avoiding processed and fried foods, following a fitness-oriented lifestyle and consuming a good proportion of fruits and vegetables.

3. Table salt or sprinkling salt on top is your worst enemy. Total requirement of salt through the day is 1 tsp. Very unknowingly, we end up consuming more than this.

4. Maintaining glycemic control is also important. High quantities of sugars damage the kidney.

5. Don’t forget to hydrate. Drink 2-3 litres of water daily

6. Avoid taking over-the-counter drugs as much as possible. Try home remedies from the kitchen for day to day issues. Small issues can also be prevented by following a fitness regime.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.