Sodium and Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidneys function in removing waste from your body as well. It helps you eliminate excess water and salt and maintain proper blood levels for healthy blood. CKD can cause serious kidney problems and you need proper care to keep them in check. Your medical professional may suggest eating more fruits or vegetables to reduce the amount of salt. Table salts (NaCl) are combined with the minerals chloride and sodium. In most people salt is a problem and can cause a lot of damage to the kidneys.

It’s important to limit sodium intake for those with CKD. Eating too much sodium can heighten blood pressure and reduce the function of the kidneys. This can lead to further medical complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Some ways to limit sodium intake include cooking your own meals using fresh ingredients rather than canned ones.

How can I reduce sodium in my diet?

Many herbs are useful for flavoring food rather than salt. Some foods contain higher levels of sodium and some are less. Listed are some of the ways in which sodium can reduce your weight. Salty snacks like canned (e.g. Cheese, 1-3 oz daily). Homemade soups, and canned meals.

What spices and herbs should I use instead of salt to add flavor?

Test the spice listed below in the Food List. Allspice: Use for meat, fish, vegetables, cabbage, carrots, apples, and fruits. Basil: Use with meat, poultry, vegetables, and whole-grain pasta. Bay leaf: Use in beef, pig, vegetable, and stews. Cilantro is sometimes used to serve meat or poultry. Caraway: Use as meat, chicken thighs, beans, cauliflower, cabbage, beet, and asparagus as well as a dip. Cardamom: Use for fruit as well as for baking products. Currys: Mix with chicken meat, fish, fried chicken, and fried vegetables, and in the marinade. Serve with beef or poultry, green beans, cabbage, carrot, or potato dips. Ginger: Use on chicken, beef beef, vegetables, broccoli, and eggplant.

Our top 5 Salt Substitutes

1. Garlic or onion powder

2. Lemon or lime juice

3. Herbs and spice such as basil, oregano, and thyme

4. Vinegar

5. Coconut aminos (a soy sauce alternative)

Some information about reading labels

Understanding the term sodium-free: Just a tiny amount. Low Sodium – 35mg per serving. Sodium is lower than 120 mg/serving. Reduced sodium - foods with sodium levels down 25%. Lights or Lites in Sodium - foods where sodium has been reduced to 50%. A rule of thumb: When salt appears at the top of all ingredients, this product might have too many calories and is too expensive. All foods are marked with nutritional facts and contain milliliters of sodium. Ensure that you know your daily intake of sodium and how it is used. Keep in mind that a milligram is 1000 grams.

It is important to also note that sodium and salt are not the same things. Salt can have added iodine, while sodium occurs naturally in foods. It is wise to check the ingredients list for “salt” rather than just sodium.

Additionally, look out for words like “broth” or “brine” as these can also mean high sodium content.

Incorporating more whole, fresh foods into your meals can help balance out any added salt or sodium. However, if you do choose to consume packaged foods, reading labels and being mindful of your daily intake can help maintain a healthy diet.

Our 9 high-sodium foods

1. Potato chips

Potato chips are a popular snack food that is high in salt. A single serving of potato chips (about 28 grams) contains 180 mg of sodium.

2. Pretzels

Pretzels are another popular snack food that is high in salt. A single serving of pretzels (about 28 grams) contains 210 mg of sodium.

3. Popcorn

Popcorn is a popular snack food that is also high in salt. A single serving of popcorn (about 28 grams) contains 120 mg of sodium.

4. Bacon

Bacon is a type of meat that is high in salt. A single slice of bacon (about 28 grams) contains 400 mg of sodium.

5. Ham

Ham is another type of meat that is high in salt. A single slice of ham (about 28 grams) contains 400 mg of sodium.

6. Salted peanuts

Peanuts are a type of nut that is often salted and thus high in sodium. A single serving of salted peanuts (about 28 grams) contains 210 mg of sodium.

7. Salted cashews

Cashews are another type of nut that is often salted and thus high in sodium. A single serving of salted cashews (about 28 grams) contains 190 mg of sodium.

8. Salted almonds

Almonds are another type of nut that is often salted and thus high in sodium. A single serving of salted almonds (about 28 grams) contains 170 mg of sodium.

9. Soy sauce

Soy sauce is a type of condiment that is high in salt. A single tablespoon of soy sauce (about 15 ml) contains 1,000 mg of sodium.

Low sodium diet for kidney disease

Low-silos diets are important in preventing most kidney disease symptoms. Chronic nephropathy, polycystic nephrotic diseases, FSGS, and kidney stones should not consume any salt at the same time. High-salt foods can increase heart and kidney damage and lead to kidney failure. The American Kidney Disease Association estimates it as being the second-most common chronic kidney disorder among Americans. A high salt diet also increases the swelling of the spleen and kidneys. The ideal daily sodium dose is about 1500-2,000 mg. A teaspoon contains approximately 2300 mg of sodium.

Tips to toss that salt

This is a way to reduce salt in your body: Cook roasted herbs or spices to enhance your taste instead of salt. Believe it or not, salt is the cheapest to consume, and it's more expensive to get it. Some people never miss that after a while. Please do not use food that contains sodium. Occasionally food tastes less salty but still contains many salts. Reduce convenience food by pre-packing and freezing meals. It's a salt center. Please check the label. Try not to consume quick food and take a break from the food. Choose unsalted nuts, nut butter, and popcorn.

Know your sodium limit

The daily recommended intake of sodium for adults is 2,300 milligrams or less per day. However, those who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease should consume 1,500 milligrams or less per day. Talk to your healthcare provider about your sodium intake.

Try to stay away from processed and canned foods as these contain high levels of sodium. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins instead.

Experiment with herb and spice to enhance the flavor of your meals without the need for added salt. Also, try to limit the use of condiments such as soy sauce,

Tips for keeping your sodium intake down

-Read food labels and choose products with lower sodium

- Use salt sparingly in cooking or at the table

- Choose fresh, whole foods instead of processed options

- Opt for herbs and spices to add flavor in place of salt

- Limit your intake of high-sodium convenience foods such as frozen dinners, canned soups, and deli meats.

Tips for cooking with herbs and spices

Buy small quantities of spices. If they remain on shelves for years they lose their taste. Use 1 cup dried spice for 1 kg meat. Add ground spices to food approximately 15 minutes before cooking time. Give the dish a full-flavored drink 1-2 hours prior if necessary before it is ready. Place herbs in a pan in hot oil or butter for 30 minutes and brush food onto the cooking pan. Mix dried herbs into food.

Can I use salt substitutes?

Please be careful! If it is recommended to limit potassium intake, avoid salt substitutes as most contain some kind of potassium like potassium phosphate. It is best to consult a physician about any dietary restrictions. If not, feel free to experiment with herbs and spices for an alternative flavor profile.

Can I use the same spice for different dishes?

Yes, you can use the same spice for different dishes, but keep in mind that some spice pair better with certain ingredients or cuisines. For example, cumin pairs well with Mexican and Indian dishes while rosemary pairs well with Italian dishes. It's always helpful to do some research or ask a culinary expert which spices go well with your dish. Happy cooking!

What are the effects of eating too much sodium?

If a kidney is damaged there will be excess salt and water in the body. This could lead to swelling of the ankles/feet/legs, heightened blood sugar, or a heightened respiratory system.

Why do I need to limit my sodium intake?

It's essential to have enough water to maintain the body's water levels. In other words, a low intake of sugar in a drink or beverage will cause kidney problems and kidney disease.

America: Land of the Super Saltshakers

The average American consumes 3,200 mg daily. A daily dose of 1000 mg per day can be used for a diabetic patient whose CKD is present; this ranges from 500 mg daily.

How can I spice up my cooking?

Putting off salt isn't necessarily a good thing. Try seasoning foods with spices and herbs. Have creative fun trying new tastes! There are also salt-free seasoning mixes available, such as Mrs. Dash or Spice Islands.

Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can also add flavor to meals without added sodium.

Overall, aim for a balanced diet with limited sodium intake for a healthy resp

Additionally, consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It's important to limit sodium intake and instead opt for flavorful alternatives such as spices and herbs. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can also contribute to a tasty and nutritious meal. Ultimately, aiming for a balanced diet with limited sodium is crucial for maintaining a healthy respiratory system and overall health.

In Conclusion,

It's important to limit sodium for overall health benefits. This can be done by incorporating different spices and herbs in cooking and avoiding the excessive use of salt shakers. Remember to always check nutrition labels when purchasing packaged foods and opt for fresh produce as much as possible. Your body will thank you in the long run! Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your diet and CKD. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and staying active can help manage and prevent the progression of CKD. Stay informed and stay healthy!

Citations

- "The Role of Diet in Managing CKD" National Kidney Foundation, https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/dietckd

- "7 tips for following a renal diet" National Institutes of Health, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/renal-diet/seven-tips

- "Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease" American Kidney Fund, https://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-health/nutrition-for-people-with-ckd.html