Kidneys are fist-sized organs that are found on either side of the spine at the end of the rib cage. Their primary function is to remove toxins from the body, including waste products, impurities in the blood, and excess water. These toxins are stored in the bladder and are flushed out of the body during urination.

The kidneys also help regulate the levels of potassium, sodium, and salt. They produce a hormone that can monitor blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells. They even promote the production of a type of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium. Thus, the kidneys play a crucial role in our bodies and their proper functioning is a must for healthy living.

However, due to lifestyle changes and chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and more, the kidneys can get compromised. In fact, in America, about 26 million adults are affected by kidney disease and, hence, suffer problems like weak bones, malnutrition, and nerve damage. If proper care is not taken, the kidneys can stop functioning altogether, requiring people to go in for dialysis, which essentially means filtering and purifying the blood using a machine.

Thus, a strict diet is necessary. A good renal diet has less protein, sodium, and phosphorous and limits fluid intake. In addition, the renal diet focuses on the best form of protein. For some patients, even calcium and potassium intake need to be limited.

Because every individual's body is different, the renal diet is usually customized. Renal diet advice is based on many factors such as the stage of renal disease, the medical treatment being given, the presence of other medical issues, and laboratory results.

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