Renal carcinoma or cancer in the kidneys is one of the most common forms of cancer to affect adults. The kidneys are responsible for fluid balance, and malignant tumors, in the case of renal cancer, affect the removal of waste. A diet that controls sodium can help the body cope with the diminished function of the kidneys. It is ideal to avoid foods that are high in salt content as it results in high blood pressure, which leads to kidney and heart disease.
When the kidneys are affected by cancer, their functions are affected and they cannot eliminate the excess sodium content as waste. This high level of sodium and fluid in the tissues and blood increases blood pressure to uncomfortable levels. The high blood pressure further damages the kidneys, resulting in fluid and waste build up in the body.
The following good eating habits help manage renal cancer and maintain health:
1. Canned foods
Canned foods generally contain high amounts of sodium that is added for taste and as a preservative. Hence, canned products have more salt than what they would have if cooked fresh. Foods like these have to be replaced with low sodium alternatives.
2. Salty snacks
Foods like crisps are high in salt and low in nutrients. They tend to be eaten in large quantities as snacks. If they substitute good food options, the kidney’s health is further affected. Such foods are better avoided in the diet for kidney diseases.
3. Processed meats
Hot dogs, bacon, and sausages are highly processed and are generally considered unhealthy due to the preservatives in them. Besides, they are highly salted to be preserved.
4. Pickles, olives, and relish
They are made and cured with large amounts of salt. Pickles and relishes made with fruits and vegetables are fermented with lots of spices and salt that preserves them. Processed olives lose their bitterness because of the high salt in the fermenting process. Though these are tasty accompaniments, avoiding them is necessary for renal cancer as the kidneys cannot handle such a high concentration of sodium.
5. Junk food
Packaged and instant foods like pizza and noodles are processed foods that contain high amounts of sodium added as preservatives. It is a better option to eat home-cooked fresh food where the salt content can be limited.
6. Tips to limit sodium
Avoiding sodium can be challenging. In such times, a plan has to be made to manage sodium intake in your diet.
- Keep an accurate log of what you eat to help you calculate the sodium intake and nutrition
- Limit beverages that have high sodium content
- Eat home-cooked food rather than canned, instant, or convenience foods
- Check for weight gain or edema in the body and report it to the physician
- Avoid eating food with preservatives, fried foods, and soups while eating out