The kidney is a vital organ especially when it comes to the functioning of the human body. Its work includes filtering extra water and wastes from the blood, a role that helps in controlling blood sugar and maintaining fluid balance throughout the entire body.

Because of such an arrangement, patients diagnosed with kidney problems cannot feed on all foods as they want and can only follow specific diets to prevent interfering with kidney function.

Limit salt intake and drink alot water

According to George Ruzigana, a doctor at Rwanda Military Hospital in Kanombe, people with kidney problems need to feed more on foods that have high water content.

"The work of the kidneys is to flash out toxins which requires individuals to feed on foods that have a lot of water. Foods such as pumpkins, watermelon are good choices because they help flash out most toxins from the body,” says Dr Ruzigana.

He points out that kidney patients also need to consume diets low in salt, because too much salt in food increases offsets in the osmotic potential.

"The more one takes diluted foods, the more the kidney function improves which establishes balance,” he explains.

Isaac Bikorimana, a nutritionist at Kibagabaga Hospital also advises that foods high in sodium and fats should be excluded from the diet for those grappling with kidney complications.

"Generally, people with kidney problems need foods low in sodium and fats to enhance the effective flow of blood. When you avoid such foods, there is a reduction in the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen which most times increase pressure,” explains Bikorimana.

The nutritionist further advises that intake of fiber rich foods that include fruits like oranges, vegetables, grains and legumes help in controlling of blood sugar, and cholesterol. This also helps in preventing constipation and improving digestion.

Low proteins and fats

Dr Charles Sindabimenya, a neurologist at Doctors Plaza in Kimironko points out that when one has a kidney failure; they should consume foods high in carbohydrates, salt free, low fat and low protein diet.

"Carbohydrates provide energy needed for such patients, while on the other hand, proteins after break down in the body, release toxins like nitrogen and urea which the kidney is unable to clear. The substance can produce uremic encephalopathy (mental changes), and even coma and death,” he says.

On a similar note, salt enhances deposition of fat in the blood vessels creating complications like heart problems and stroke. In addition, research shows that salt increases weight that is a risk factor for causing and aggravating kidney failure.

Dr Sindabimenya however warns that in case of total kidney failure, fluid intake should be restricted.

"Here, the kidney do not function properly, therefore salt and fluid from the body is not removed properly, hence there is accumulation of fluid, causing swelling over feet, abdomen and even over heart and lungs.”Low potassium, with less water

Dr Achille, a resident practitioner at University Teaching Hospital Kigali (CHUK), explains that patients with chronic kidney disease need low water and fluid intake as well as low protein and salt foods.

"Patients with chronic kidney disease are not in a position to eliminate water properly. The elimination is reduced, and adding more water would worsen an already overloaded patient. High potassium level also exposes the individual to other complicationssuch as heart arrhythmias,” he says.

Besides these foods being low in protein they should not be processed since this results into a higher level of albumin (principal protein that is available in the blood) as it would not be getting out normally in the kidney.

When dealing with kidney problems, it is important to maintain a balance between salt and water. These two are very crucial in maintaining the homeostatic system of the human body.

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