Kidneys are an essential part of our body. The pair of kidneys perform various functions keeping a person healthy and alive. The function of kidneys is to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. They help to maintain the balance in the body in terms of the composition of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphates. You may sometimes wonder what not to eat with one kidney. Each kidney contains millions of tiny tubes called nephrons. These nephrons help to filter the waste and extra fluid from the blood. It, thereby, extracts the waste material and helps in the formation of urine. If you or anyone you know is going through underlying symptoms of kidney failure, kidney disease, or any kind of kidney issue, you may consider talking to the experts of Fortis Hospital Rajajinagar.
What can be the different conditions that may lead you to have one kidney?
People are born with a pair of kidneys on each side of the waist. Sometimes, many complications take place and it may hamper normal functioning. It may force you to live with one kidney. In such a condition, it is referred to as a solitary kidney. There can be three main reasons that a person may have a single kidney:
- Birth defect – This is one of the medical conditions with which some children are born. It is called renal agenesis. It allows a person to live/be born with only one kidney. In some other rare cases, people are born with two kidneys but only one of them works properly. This is called renal dysplasia.
- Surgical removal (nephrectomy) – Some people may have medical removal of one of their kidneys. This may result in the functioning of only one kidney out of two.
- Kidney donation – People may choose to donate one of their kidneys to any of their family members or any relative or friend. These are also some of the rare conditions.
What are the things you need to consider when you are living with one kidney?
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Diet
The majority of people with one kidney do not necessarily mean to stick to a particular diet. However, they should take a low-fat diet that may include green vegetables, grains, fruits, and juice. If you are a patient with high blood pressure, you should avoid taking high salt content. You should also try to cut out your caffeine, alcoholic content, and food that is high in protein. Kidneys work on the waste material and help to break down the protein food. Taking a protein-rich diet may put pressure on the kidneys. Eating a moderate amount of meal or food with a minimum amount of mix of all nutrients is necessary.
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Avoiding Injury
If you have only one kidney or have lost your other kidney, you may require to have regular dialysis or may even need a kidney transplant. You must be aware of your solitary kidney and the related conditions. This may help you with the immediate treatments in the time of need. If you are engaged in certain types of games or sports, try to avoid the risk of injury. Consult your healthcare provider, and discuss the situation with your colleagues, friends, family members, or even relatives. They may help you with the condition in your time of need. Do not engage yourself in such activities that may create a burden for your stomach area or the area where the kidney lies.
Single kidney- Is there any need to be extra cautious?
Before getting to know what not to eat with one kidney, try working on your complications. Understand your situation and try to cope with it. Your kidney may require extra protection. Single kidneys tend to grow faster and larger. For this reason, a single kidney may tend to get impacted by any injury. You may require the help of your healthcare service provider. Discuss all the things necessary for your situation.
If you have a transplanted kidney, you may tend to have less protection. This is because they lie in the pelvis area. So, if you are having one functioning kidney, it is advisable to avoid sports, like:
- Boxing
- Hockey
- Ice hockey
- Martial arts
- Wrestling, and other sports
If you are still participating in sports even after having kidney issues, try to be extra cautious. Seek medical help and try to discuss the situation with everyone in your group.
Sometimes single kidney can do the work of two –
Removing one kidney may have increased functioning for the remaining one. This function may tend to work 70% and may achieve the target of two. If you are naturally born with one kidney, you may tend to have normal functions than the one who has the deliberate removal.
What not to eat with one kidney?
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Dark-colored soda
Packed sodas consist of sugar, calories, and additive phosphorus. Many food beverages may require phosphorus during processing. They are added to increase the shelf-life and prevent discoloration. You should avoid them.
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Avocados
Avocados are known to have nutritive values. They are heart-healthy and consist of fiber and antioxidants. avocados are good for health but you should avoid them especially if you have kidney-related issues. This is because avocados are rich in potassium.
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Canned foods
Canned foods like soups, vegetables, and beans are low-cost and convenient to eat. But, they contain high sodium and preservatives. This increases their shelf value. These sodium and phosphorus-rich contents are not good for the kidney especially if you are living on a single kidney.
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Whole wheat bread and its varieties
For healthy people, whole wheat bread is good. It is nutritious and rich in fiber. It should be eaten over whole wheat varieties especially with kidney problems.
Conclusion –
Most people with a single kidney do not generally have any problems. You may require to work closely with your doctor especially if you were born with two kidneys and have had one removed. Children who have had one kidney removed may have an accumulation of protein in the urine. This may lead to abnormal adult life. Similarly, abnormalities may occur in case you are living with one kidney. There are greater chances of developing high blood pressure. But, you may tend to have a normal life span and mild body changes.
