Diet Changes You Can Make if You Have a Chronic Disease
Chronic illnesses affect nearly 133 million Americans. Many of these diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, are incurable and ongoing. If you are one of the 6 in 10 Americans with a chronic disease, what are some of the ways you take control of your health and wellness? Diet is one of the first ways people can address their overall health and begin to feel better.
Heart Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 7 simple changes you can make today to start a heart-healthy diet.
Control your portion size
Using a small plate or bowl can help control your portions. Eating lower calorie and nutrient rich foods allows you to feel fuller. Also, eating smaller amounts of high-calorie and high-sodium foods helps balance your diet. Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals, low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Additionally, plants or plant-based foods contain substances that may help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Select whole grains
Increase the amount of whole grains in your diet by making simple substitutions for refined grain products. Whole grains provide a good source of fiber, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaques in your arteries, which can increase your risk of heart attack. Limit how much saturated and trans fat you eat to help reduce your cholesterol.
Choose low-fat protein
Low fat proteins include lean meat, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, and eggs. Legumes, such as beans, peas and lentils, are also good, low-fat sources of protein. Eating too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. By eating fresh foods and making your own soups and stews, you can reduce the amount of salt you eat. Create daily menus choosing lean protein sources, healthy fats, and limiting salty foods. Watch portion sizes and add variety to your menu options.
Diabetes
A diabetes diet is simply a healthy-eating plan that helps you control your blood sugar.
Number of meals
The foundation of a diabetes diet is eating three meals a day at regular times, which helps you better use the insulin that your body produces or that you get through medication. Healthy carbohydrates, fiber-rich foods, heart-healthy fish and good fats are all healthy choices on a diabetic diet.
Registered dietitians can help you put together a diet based on your health goals, tastes and lifestyle. They can also help you improve your eating habits. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important that you partner with your doctor and dietitian to create an eating plan that works for you.
Chronic Kidney Disease
There are some kidney diet basics that are different for earlier stages of kidney disease than they are for end stage renal disease (ESRD). Understanding the CKD stages and how nutrition affects your body can help you take the best care of your health.
Protein
While limiting protein intake in stages 1-4 of kidney disease is key to avoid stressing your kidneys, it’s important to increase protein amounts in your diet once you’re on dialysis. Additionally, dialysis requires a specific diet. Choosing recommended portions of kidney-friendly foods and drinks can help reduce the amount of wastes and fluids that build up in your blood between treatments. Some basics apply to everyone on dialysis, like increasing protein while cutting back on salt and phosphorus.
Limiting certain foods
People with kidney disease may need to limit their intake of:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Protein
- Fluids
Your dietitian is a go-to guide for eating well with kidney disease. They can help you understand the basics of nutrition and give you tips and tricks for healthy kidney disease diet planning or dialysis diet planning.
