Today’s video is in response to a question we see a lot, “Are low carbohydrate diets okay for diabetic kidney disease?”
What is diabetic kidney disease?
Diabetic kidney disease is a decrease in kidney function that occurs in some people who have diabetes. It means that your kidneys are working at a reduced function to get rid of waste products and excess fluid from your body. These wastes can build up in your body and cause damage to other organs.
When diabetic kidney disease sufferers shift to a low-carb diet, their protein intake tends to go up. High amounts of protein in a renal diet can put more stress on the kidneys but a low carb diet can better manage blood sugar levels which reduces the stress on the kidneys.
Robert recommends people with diabetic kidney disease follow a low carbohydrate diet in the earlier stages of kidney disease as the main issue is high blood sugar levels. You can try it out for 60 to 90 days and be sure to compare your bloodwork before and after the transition. Occasionally monitoring the protein in your urine can provide a better insight into your diet.
To properly follow a low-carb diet with diabetic kidney disease, try to stick to the same amount of protein you’re having and start adding in some low GI fruits and vegetables into your diet. Healthy sources of fat like olive oil, avocado oil, and unsalted butter in your cooking can keep you full for a longer time. Always be sure to double-check with your doctor if you have any cholesterol problems.
To find out which are the right food options to incorporate into your diet, check out a Glycemic Index Chart to learn about the right food options. A GI is a rating given to foods on how much they raise blood sugar. It’s always recommended to stick to low GI foods with diabetic kidney disease.
Foods with a high glycemic index rating are quickly digested and absorbed, causing a spike in blood sugar. Replacing carbs with low GI fruits and vegetables is one great way to manage diabetic kidney disease.
The Consequences Of Not Including Fruits & Vegetables Into Your Renal Diet!
For more tips to improve your kidney health, be sure to check out our YouTube Channel
