Real Life Wellness With Joy

Feeling fine does not always tell you how your kidneys are doing

Meet Your Kidneys: Protecting Kidney Health
— Part 2

5. Choose balanced meals and be mindful of salt.
A helpful starting point is a varied, balanced way of eating, with less excess salt and fewer heavily processed foods. Check labels when you can, because sodium can add up in packaged foods.

If you have kidney disease, your food and fluid needs may be different. Potassium, phosphorus, protein, and fluids may need individual guidance—so don’t cut out whole food groups or take supplements based on general advice online. Ask your healthcare provider or a kidney dietitian what fits your situation.

6. Don’t wait for symptoms to ask about testing.
Early kidney disease often has no obvious symptoms. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure can ask their healthcare provider whether kidney testing is appropriate and how often to have it. Testing may include blood and urine tests.

Managing health conditions, reviewing medicines, making practical food choices, and getting recommended checkups are all part of caring for your health.

In a later lesson, we’ll talk about dialysis: what kidney function has been lost, what dialysis can replace, and what it cannot fully replace.

Real Life Wellness With Joy 🤎
Not perfect, just intentional.

💚👉🏾Lemongrass smells like lemon—but it’s actually a grass, not a citrus fruit!

Lemongrass is a tropical grass with a fresh, lemony aroma. Different culinary varieties come from parts of tropical Asia, and it has a long history in Southeast Asian cooking.

Nutritionally, lemongrass contains plant compounds, including citral, which gives it that recognizable citrus scent. But because we usually use a small amount to flavor food or tea, it’s best thought of as a flavorful herb—not a major source of vitamins or minerals, and not a medicine.

The tender lower stalk can add flavor to soups, stews, curries, fish, chicken, and tea. Bruise or cut the stalk to release its aroma while cooking; the tougher stalk is often removed before serving.

You don’t have to use lemongrass, but it’s a lovely way to bring bright, citrusy flavor into your kitchen.

Real Life Wellness With Joy 🤎
Not perfect, just intentional.
Education before extreme.

3 SIMPLE FOODS FOR A KIDNEY-HEALTHY PLATE

Supporting your kidneys doesn’t require expensive cleanses or supplements. 🤎

🫑 Red bell pepper — adds color, vitamin C and antioxidants.
🧄 Garlic — builds flavor so you can rely less on added salt.
🫐 Berries — provide fiber and antioxidants.

Simple food choices can be part of a balanced eating pattern. Use garlic, herbs and spices for flavor, choose colorful fruits and vegetables, and remember: the overall eating pattern matters more than one “superfood.”

Real Life Wellness With Joy 🤎
Not perfect, just intentional.

Quick kidney question: do alcohol and smoking help or harm your kidneys?

What do you think? Smoking can harm kidney health, and drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and put strain on the kidneys. What’s your answer?

Real Life Wellness With Joy 🤎
Not perfect, just intentional.

Education before extreme

Kidney care starts with everyday habits—and kidney problems may not give an obvious warning early on.

👉🏾💥Meet Your Kidneys:

Part 1 —Protecting Kidney Health

Here are some practical ways to care for your kidney health:

1. Keep an eye on blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, follow the plan you made with your healthcare provider. Take prescribed medicine as directed, and ask how often you should check your blood pressure.

2. Manage blood glucose if you have diabetes.
Ask your care team what your personal blood sugar goals are and how often to check. Keeping up with appointments and treatment can help protect your overall health, including your kidneys.

3. Stay hydrated in a way that fits your needs.
Drink regularly, but don’t force extra water because of a “kidney cleanse” or a one-size-fits-all rule. If you have kidney or heart problems, your care team may give you specific fluid guidance.

4. Check before using medicines or supplements.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some common pain medicines, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can harm the kidneys in some situations. Don’t stop a prescribed medicine on your own—ask your care team what is right for you.

Kidney wellness is built through regular care and informed choices. Education before extreme.

Real Life Wellness With Joy 🤎 Not perfect, just intentional.

🩸 YOUR KIDNEYS HELP SUPPORT YOUR BLOOD — BUT WHAT DOES FOOD HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

Your kidneys do more than filter waste.

They produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which signals your bone marrow to make red blood cells.

But here’s the nutrition connection: your body still needs the right nutrients to build healthy red blood cells.

🥩 Iron helps your body make hemoglobin.
🥚 Protein provides building blocks your body needs.
🥬 Folate supports red blood cell formation.
🐟 Vitamin B12 is important for making healthy red blood cells.
🍋 Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plant foods.

That’s why foods like beans, lentils, leafy greens, fish, eggs, lean meats, seeds and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables can be valuable parts of a balanced diet.

Your kidneys send the signal — nutrition provides the building materials. ❤️

Real Life Wellness With Joy 🤎
Not perfect, just intentional.