The DASH Diet for Kidney Health

People who are worried that they are at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) often wonder what types of things they can do to take charge of their own health and reduce their risk of CKD progressing further. There are plenty of things one can do to improve kidney health (or at least prolong degradation). CKD is caused by other underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, so addressing those issues will go a long way in preserving kidney health. Things such as quitting smoking, frequent exercise, staying hydrated, cutting down on alcohol and eating healthy are all major contributors to slowing the progression of kidney disease. 

But one thing might be nagging you: you always hear about "eating healthy". But what exactly does that mean? And is there a way to eat healthier to reduce the risk of kidney disease? The answer to these questions is to integrate the DASH diet into your lifestyle.

Please note that those already on dialysis should not participate in the DASH diet. Dialysis patients consult with dieticians to receive custom-tailored regimens on a case-by-case basis.

What is the DASH Diet?

​DASH, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a way of eating that, well, puts a quash to hypertension. And since hypertension is a major source for CKD and the diet has so many additional health benefits, nutritionists recommend it for those that are at high risk of kidney disease. It encourages foods that are high in potassium -- fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy -- high in fiber, low in fat, with plenty of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which are beneficial to both heart and kidney health.

What Foods Can I Eat on the DASH Diet?

The word "diet" tends to deter people because often, the first things that comes to mind are temporary fads that are ultimately unsustainable in order to benefit in the short-term but offer no crucial health benefits in the long run. But don't automatically rule DASH out. It's not a fad diet -- it's a lifestyle changer. Those that participate in DASH are still able to eat the dishes that they know and love; there are just a few restrictions and modifiers to take into account. Plenty of cookbooks have been published to provide creative, delicious meals for those on the DASH diet. They also modify existing popular recipes to cater to those on DASH. Here are just a few examples of foods that can be created while adhering to DASH:

• Artichoke, spinach and white bean dip
  
• Coconut shrimp
  
• Marinated portobello mushrooms
  
• Pizza margherita
  
• Smoked trout
  
• Spaghetti with meat sauce (yes, lean beef is still permitted in DASH)
  
• Pork Chops with tomato curry
  
• Grilled salmon
  
• Shrimp orzo pasta salad
  

There are hundreds of delicious recipes that will satisfy both your appetite and the need to retain a healthy heart and kidneys. As you become accustomed to the various types of foods that are permitted within DASH, you can even start experimenting on your own to figure out what you most love!

The DASH diet has many health benefits aside from maintaining heart and kidney health. It assists in weight loss and will help to energize you throughout the day. So even if you're not suffering from CKD or hypertension, adopting elements of DASH into your everyday life can go a long way in your overall health.

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