Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that is characterized by the impairment of the kidney function and may lead to a complete kidney failure in case it is not managed. Patients with end-stage renal disease, i.e., those whose kidneys are no more able to perform their function, have to undergo renal transplantation or dialysis if they want to prolong their lives. End-stage renal disease is the final stop for patients with CKD, and it is much better to prevent the disease from transitioning to this stage rather than supporting patients’ renal function with expensive and complicated methods. Fortunately, there are many ways of helping patients with CKD to manage their chronic condition and avoid worsening of the illness. Two main preventive measures include exercise and an appropriate diet. This response will focus on the DASH diet, which is one of the best practices to promote kidney health because it is well-balanced and able to prevent CKD complications.
The DASH diet is recommended by the National Kidney Foundation as the right dietary choice for patients with CKD. DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension,” and, as is seen from its name, it addresses not only CKD but also hypertension (National Kidney Foundation [NKF], n.d., para. 1). This diet is reported to reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, and decrease the chance of kidney stone formation (NKF, n.d.). Patients adhering to the DASH diet should consume little salt, sodium, fat, sugar, and red meat, and eat more fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, poultry and fish, and low-fat dairy products instead (NKF, n.d.). It should be noted that patients with special dietary requirements should consult their dieticians before trying this diet.
I would recommend the DASH diet to my patients for several reasons. First of all, it is well-balanced because it provides the organism with all the necessary nutrients, including proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates, and vitamins. A well-balanced diet may help control weight in obese persons, and since obesity is one of the risk factors for CKD, this diet will be helpful for managing the disease (Banasik & Copstead, 2019). Banasik and Copstead (2019) also state that CKD is closely linked to hypertension because high blood pressure may be both the risk factor and the complication of CKD. Since the DASH diet has proven to decrease blood pressure, it will be effective in managing CKD and preventing its complications.
References
Banasik, J. L., & Copstead, L.-E. C. (2019). Pathophysiology (6th ed.). Elsevier.
National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). The DASH diet. Web.