As we move into the New Year, you may be eager to set resolutions that focus on improving our overall well-being. This year, consider making kidney health a priority. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and maintaining a healthy balance in our bodies. To start the year off right, here are five resolutions to promote kidney health and ensure a vibrant and thriving you.
Stay Hydrated
One of the simplest yet most effective resolutions for kidney health is to stay adequately hydrated. Water is essential for kidney function, as it helps flush out toxins and waste products. Make it a goal to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. The colour of our urine is a great indicator to see if we are drinking enough. You can carry a reusable water bottle with you to make it easier to track your intake and stay hydrated throughout the day. If you are looking for some of the best drinks for CKD, check out this post.
Make Plants A Resolution
Consider making changes to your diet that benefit your kidneys. Reduce your intake of processed and high-sodium foods, and focus on incorporating more kidney-friendly foods. Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, more plant-based proteins (like nuts, seeds, legumes, lentils, and beans), and healthy fats. Limit your intake of red meat and processed foods, as these can contribute to kidney stress. Consult with a registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.
Incorporate More Movement
Exercise is beneficial for overall health, including kidney health. Consider making this a focus for your resolutions. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, control blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular function – all of which contribute to kidney health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.
Get The Support You Need
Working with a renal dietitian can provide numerous benefits, especially if you have kidney-related health concerns. Every individual’s health and dietary needs are unique. A renal dietitian can assess your specific health status, medical history, lifestyle, and dietary preferences to create a personalized nutrition plan. This tailored approach ensures that your dietary recommendations align with your health goals and can be realistically incorporated into your daily life. Kidney disease can impact the body’s ability to balance essential nutrients such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein. A renal dietitian can help you manage these nutrient levels to prevent complications and promote optimal kidney function.
Mindset Matters With Resolutions
Yes there many be foods we need to be aware of with kidney disease because they contain nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and protein. But this does not mean we need to avoid all of our favourite foods. Mindfulness matters with kidney disease. As soon as we start avoiding our favourite foods, we end up wanting to eat more them.
Instead of cutting out all of your favourite foods, learn about their nutrient composition and how you can safely include these in your diet. For example, even if you have a high potassium there are strategies a renal dietitian can teach you how to still consume potatoes, avocado or bananas (and even daily still). Or perhaps you love a particular meal that may be higher in sodium, well a renal dietitian can help teach you how to include this too. Our mindset matters with food and how we perceive them. There is no one size fits all for CKD, so it is important that you personalize it to your needs and preferences.
As you embark on a new year
As you embark on a new year, let’s prioritize kidney health by adopting these resolutions. Small, sustainable changes can have a significant impact on overall well-being. Check out this post for some SMART goals for kidney health. Remember, it’s never too late to start caring for your kidneys. By incorporating these resolutions into your daily life, you’ll be taking proactive steps towards ensuring a healthier and happier you in the year ahead. Cheers to a New Year filled with kidney-friendly habits and vibrant well-being!
These are great 5 New Year’s resolutions! I’m already drinking 66 + oz a day! Also, I’m eating a kidney friendly plant based diet. I exercise 6 days a week plus more at work. However, I do need to see a renal dietitian again. I was not satisfied with the previous renal dietitian. I do need an individualized diet plan. I will keep my kidney health in mind at all times in addition to diabetes. If I avoid all of my favorite foods, it will backfire!
So glad you found this helpful and are already working on a few of these tasks. Let me know if you need help connecting with a dietitian.