Diet and Nutrition

Which diet and nutrition plan is best for me?

Adopting the right diet and nutrition plan is the best way to stay healthy and avoid crippling chronic diseases. If you have high blood pressure or kidney disease, eat or avoid certain foods to enhance kidney functioning. The experts at Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, have many years of experience helping patients improve their diet and nutrition habits. 

What are the benefits of proper diet and nutrition?

The main benefits of following a diet plan for kidney disease or hypertension include:

• Reduced waste buildup in your body
• More energy
• Reduced risk of complications
• Easier weight management
• Reduced need for kidney transplantation 
• Lower risk of heart attack and stroke
• Reduced chance of kidney failure 

Your Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC specialist works with you to develop a customized diet and nutrition plan that’s best suited for your unique needs. You might take medications or undergo dialysis to further reduce your chances of medical problems. 

Which diet and nutrition plan should I follow?

Your Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, expert might suggest the following diet and nutrition tips to lessen your chance of kidney failure, a heart attack, or a stroke:

Reduce sodium

If your kidneys cannot efficiently reduce excess sodium, your provider may suggest limiting high-sodium foods from your diet. Examples include salty snacks, processed meats and cheeses, and canned foods. Also, avoid using the salt shaker.

Limit high-potassium foods

Reducing your potassium intake means your kidneys have an easier job. Limit fresh fruits and vegetables high in potassium in favor of lower-potassium options like cabbage, apples, green beans, carrots, strawberries, and grapes.

Eat less protein

Eating less protein limits the amount of waste products within your bloodstream. Examples of high-protein foods include eggs, lean meats, poultry, fish, seafood, beans, and dairy. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, avocados, and plant-based oils are examples of lower-protein foods.

Which diet and nutrition plan is best for me?

To find out which type of diet and nutrition plan is best for you, your Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, provider checks your blood pressure and other vital signs. They review your medical history, medication regimen, and lifestyle habits before completing a physical exam.

You may also need urine testing, blood tests like glomerular filtration rate (GFR), imaging procedures, or a kidney biopsy to diagnose your specific condition and treat it properly. 

To learn more about diet and nutrition plans available at Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, call the office or use the online booking feature today.