### How a Healthy Diet Can Help Prevent or Manage Diabetes, Hypertension, and Chronic Kidney Disease More than 1 in 7 American adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), but most don’t know they’re affected until the condition is already advanced. Late-stage kidney disease can cause a buildup of waste in your body and lead to other health conditions like gout, bone disease, and heart disease. Therefore, it’s important to protect your kidney health even if you haven’t been diagnosed with CKD. #### Impact of Diet on Kidney Health The kidneys filter waste and extra water from your blood. If you have CKD, your kidneys can’t filter blood as well, causing waste to build up. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney disease. High blood sugar levels and high blood pressure can damage kidney blood vessels, impairing their function. #### Diet Tips for Kidney Health A kidney-friendly diet should limit sodium, cholesterol, and fat, and focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats. Here are some tips: 1. **Follow the MyPlate Method**: Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits, one-quarter with lean protein, and one-quarter with whole grains. 2. **Limit Sodium**: Aim for 2,300 milligrams per day. Follow a low-sodium diet like the DASH eating plan. 3. **Manage Protein Intake**: Too much protein can cause waste buildup. People with CKD should limit protein to 0.6 to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. 4. **Choose Healthy Carbs**: Opt for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils. Limit sweets and foods with added sugars. 5. **Limit Unhealthy Fats**: Avoid saturated and trans fats. Choose unsaturated fats like those in fatty fish, avocados, and nuts. 6. **Limit Alcohol**: Drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day. Alcohol can harm your kidneys and increase blood pressure. 7. **Monitor Phosphorus and Potassium**: High levels can cause problems. Limit foods high in these minerals if you have CKD. Making dietary changes can be challenging. A registered dietitian can help you develop a meal plan tailored to your needs.