Lemon can boost hydration, prevent the formation of kidney stones, create an alkaline atmosphere in the body, and is rich in antioxidants which are responsible to protect against cellular damage. Overall lemon can be consumed by a kidney disease patient in reasonable quantity without any problems.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice also filters blood and flushes out wastes and other toxins. Daily intake of diluted lemon juice reduces the rate of kidney stone formation and dissolves calcium oxalate crystals, which is the most common constituent of kidney stones.
Drinking lemon water or lemon juice cannot worsen the condition of chronic kidney disease patients. Though when consumed in excess, it can cause some other health issues. Too much lemon water can cause nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.
Helps prevent kidney stones
Lemon water helps prevent painful stones in those deficient in urinary citrate (a form of citric acid). More importantly, increased fluids help prevent dehydration — a common cause of kidney stones.
Sodas. According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.
Lemon water can worsen heartburn and GERD symptoms. Its acidity can irritate the esophagus, causing pain. People look to it for health benefits, but those with these conditions need to beware. Symptoms of heartburn and GERD include chest burning, acid regurgitation, swallowing difficulty, and chronic cough.
Cucumber is also rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene which help the cells of the kidneys by protecting them from cellular damage. Including cucumbers in the diet can also benefit people suffering from kidney stones. Staying hydrated is an absolute must in preventing kidney stones.
Citrate, a salt in citric acid, binds to calcium and helps block stone formation. "Studies have shown that drinking 1/2 cup of lemon juice concentrate diluted in water each day, or the juice of two lemons, can increase urine citrate and likely reduce kidney stone risk," says Dr. Eisner.
When kidneys are failing, the increased concentration and accumulation of substances in urine lead to a darker color which may be brown, red or purple. The color change is due to abnormal protein or sugar, high levels of red and white blood cells, and high numbers of tube-shaped particles called cellular casts.
Consuming large amounts of lemon water daily can damage the stomach. Due to its acidity, it can cause heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. One of the downsides of drinking lemon water daily is that it can trigger the development of ulcers. The acid in lemons can harm the stomach and intestinal linings, leading to ulcers.
Some foods to cleanse the liver are apple, beetroot, broccoli, brown rice, cabbage, carrot, onion, spinach, tomato, walnut, herbs and spices such as turmeric and cinnamon. Foods to cleanse the kidney are spirulina, banana, cucumber, legumes and seeds, papaya, parsley, pumpkin and watermelon.
Eating Processed Foods
Processed foods are significant sources of sodium and phosphorus. Many people who have kidney disease need to limit phosphorus in their diets. Some studies have shown that high phosphorus intake from processed foods in people without kidney disease may be harmful to their kidneys and bones.
Acute kidney failure requires immediate treatment. The good news is that acute kidney failure can often be reversed. The kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the underlying cause has been treated. Dialysis is needed until then.
Healthy urine is directly related to healthy kidneys. Healthy urine is based on color, consistency, and frequency. When kidney damage has occurred, changes to the urine can include a foamy consistently or blood in the urine.
When your kidneys are not healthy, you need to limit certain foods such as nuts, tomatoes and chocolate that are high in potassium. You may feel some weakness, numbness and tingling if your potassium is at a high level.
Healthy options for kidney disease are protein, egg whites, fish, unsaturated fats, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, apple juice, grape and cranberry juice, light colored soda. The amount of protein intake per day varies depending on the stage of kidney disease.
While it's not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down. Taking prescribed medicine, being physically active, and eating well will help. You'll also feel better and improve your overall well-being.