Kidney Health Tips

Did you know kidney disease affects about 850 million people worldwide? Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and death. With appropriate access to basic diagnostics and early treatment, kidney disease can be prevented and progression to end-stage kidney disease can be delayed.

Tips to help manage high blood pressure and protect your kidneys

1. Take blood pressure medications as prescribed.
2. Aim for a healthy weight.
3. Choose heart-healthy foods and beverages.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
6. Manage stress.
7. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

Your kidneys are your body’s natural filtration system. They filter about 45 gallons of blood per day. It’s important to keep your kidneys healthy so they can perform this vital task. In consultation with your doctor or dietitian, eating the right foods and snacks can support kidney health.

Below are two snack recipes created by dietitians in our Division of Nephrology.

Recipes

Smart and Sweet Popcorn

Contributed by Liz Coover, RD, and Elisha Pavlick, RD

A serving of popcorn is 3 cups and contains 95 mg of sodium, 105 mg of phosphorus, and 159 mg of potassium.

What you’ll need:

• 12 cups low-fat, low-sodium microwave popcorn, or 12 cups air-popped popcorn
• Butter-flavored cooking spray
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Let’s cook!

1. Preheat oven to 250.
2. Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl or large resealable plastic bag.
3. Lightly spray the popcorn with cooking spray.
4. Combine cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
5. Sprinkle spices over popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
6. Mix Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
7. Sprinkle mixture over popcorn and toss.
8. Spread popcorn evenly in large baking pan.
9. Bake for 10 minutes.

Very Veggie Dip

Contributed by Liz Coover, RD, and Elisha Pavlick, RD

Serve with carrots, celery or any of your favorite vegetables. A serving of veggie dip is 2 tablespoons and contains 260 mg of sodium, 49 mg of phosphorus, and 91 mg of potassium.

What you’ll need:

• One 8-ounce package light cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red peppers, diced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Let’s cook!

1. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder and parmesan.
2. Add chives, peppers and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly.
3. Cover and chill in refrigerator.

Learn more about the Division of Nephrology.

Recipes Disclaimer

The information and recipes presented here are intended only to provide general information and may need to be adapted for each specific patient based on the professional judgment of the patient’s healthcare practitioner, consideration of any unique circumstances, the needs of each patient and their family, and other factors. The information and recipes are not intended to constitute medical advice or treatment, nor should they be relied upon as such. They are also not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship between CHOP and you or your child. If you have questions or concerns about your (or your child’s) health, diet or nutrition, please contact your (or your child’s) healthcare professional. By using these recipes, you agree to the terms and conditions of the Recipes Disclaimer.