It is estimated that 11.5% of adults over 20 have physiological evidence of chronic kidney disease and 15.7% of those under treatment die!

The kidneys, each about the size of a fist, play three major roles:

  • removing waste products from the body, keeping toxins from building up in the bloodstream
  • producing hormones that control other body functions (regulating blood pressure & producing red blood cells)
  • regulating the levels of minerals or electrolytes (e.g., sodium, calcium, and potassium) and fluid in the body

After the blood has circulated through the body, it passes into the kidneys. The kidneys filter waste products and excess salt and water out of the blood, and pass these out of the body as urine. The kidneys also make hormones that control blood pressure, as well as maintain bone metabolism and the production of red blood cells. It’s a serious problem when the kidneys stop working.

Living with Chronic Kidney Disease: There are some ways to prevent or slow down the progression of kidney disease.

Wellness is a state of physical, mental and social well-being. Factors that help achieve wellness include:

  • A well-balanced diet
  • Regular physical activity (ideally 45-60 minutes four to five times per week)
  • Good blood pressure control
  • Good blood glucose control if you have diabetes
  • Stopping smoking
  • Managing anemia (maintaining a normal blood count)
  • Weight control
  • Limiting daily alcohol to two drinks or less
  • Taking medications as prescribed

Healthy Foods for People with Kidney Disease: Red bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, onions, apples, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries and red grapes (for detailed info about each of these foods check out my book, Full Day Menus by Judy Fleming available at Hallelujah Acres Canada)

Here is a fabulous recipe to try with some of these great foods:

Cranberry Grape Pudding: Soak the dates for 1 hour then drain. Put the following Into your blender:

1 cup cranberries (raw or frozen)
½ cup red grapes
½ cup dates (soaked and drained)
½ cup ground flax seed
½ tsp of each: allspice, cloves, nutmeg

Blend until smooth then put aside. In a separate bowl put the following chopped fruits:
2 of each: pears & apples
1 cup pineapple
½ cup raisins or currants

Set this aside and make the nut crust below:

Almond Crumble: Soak the almonds overnight then drain. In food processor grind:
1 cup almonds
½ cup dates

Process until mixed well so that it is a crumble.

Layer the cranberry mixture, then the crumble, then the pear/apple mixture in a dessert glass.  Serve cold – this will keep overnight in the fridge.