Southern Food: Bad for Your Kidneys?
Southern Food & Kidney Disease
After years of research, a report was released recently which indicated that Southern food is deadly for individuals suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease. This is believed to be the result of kidney patients having a decreased ability to filter out the harmful fats, sugars and minerals contained in a typical Southern diet.
The Research
The research involved an estimated 4,000 people who suffered from stage 3 to stage 5 chronic kidney disease chronic kidney disease who had not started dialysis. Researchers analyzed the way these individuals regularly ate.
The study determined that those who mainly ate processed and fried foods, organ meats and sweetened beverages -- ingredients commonly seen in Southern diets -- had more than a 50 percent increase in their risk of death during the approximately six-year follow-up period.
Interestingly enough, the same study showed that although a healthy diet alone, containing whole foods, fruits and vegetables was associated with improved survival rates, there was no benefit when it came to the progression to kidney failure.
About Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) occurs when the kidney begins to decrease its ability to properly function over time. When this happens, your body does not get rid of wastes. Ultimately, you can develop conditions such as:
- High Blood Pressure
- Anemia
- Heart Disease
- Bone Problems
A Notes Few about Chronic Kidney Disease (National Kidney Foundation):
- 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
- African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk.
- Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease
Risk factors associated with CKD include:
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Age (Over 65)
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
Symptoms of CKD may include:
- Foamy urine
- Swollen or puffy eyes
- Swollen or puffy face, hands, abdomen, ankles or feet
- Itching, dry skin
- Restless leg syndrome
- Change in appetite
- Nausea, vomiting -just feeling sick overall
Taking Control of Your Health
The National Kidney Foundation says there are a few things that can be done to decrease the risks identified in this hub to include:
- Healthy Diet
- Control of Blood Pressure
- Management of Blood Sugar
- Regular Exercise
- Maintaining a Health Weight
These are things that can be done to not only slow the progression of chronic kidney disease but efforts that can be taken to maintain kidney health.
In Summary
In summary, it appears that a healthy diet comprised of whole foods, fruits and vegetables coupled with limited fats, sugars and/or processed foods can help to improve the overall outcome of some individuals who suffer from chronic kidney disease. It would appear that individuals who suffer from CKD that eat a diet mainly composed of the southern diet may need to make changes to their lifestyle.
© 2014 Mahogany Speaks
