March is just around the corner and with it come the first signs of Spring, the madness of the NCAA tournament, and kidney health awareness. The milder March weather also draws attention to our expanded waistlines. While you’re deciding the best way to lose those unwanted pounds, how about adopting a healthier approach to eating instead of the latest internet diet fad? It could improve your waistline and your kidney health.
Chronic kidney disease goes hand in hand with hypertension and diabetes. Consider choosing foods that reduce the risk of developing these conditions. A good place to start is by reducing your sodium intake. Too much salt strains kidney function by making it harder to filter toxins and remove fluid. Fluid buildup causes blood pressure to rise which strains the heart and increases the risk of developing heart failure.
Here are some common alternatives to salt:
Try tangy herbs like basil, black pepper, cayenne, cilantro, cinnamon, cumin, dill, ginger, oregano, paprika, lemon peel, onion powder, rubbed sage, thyme, and turmeric.
Add zesty splashes like citrus juice, vinegar, beer, and wine.
Introduce flavor enhancers in your favorite recipes like mushrooms, onion, shallots, garlic, and peppers.
Here are some common foods to include in your shopping cart to improve kidney health:
Red Bell Peppers
Cabbage and Cauliflower
Apples
Cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
Cherries and red grapes
Eggs
Fish
Olive Oil
Don’t forget, always choose baked over fried.
Partner with your referral network this March to share information about kidney health:
Join with your local grocer to sponsor a mini health fair. Provide blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.
Reach out to the elementary schools within your service area and offer to speak to students about nutrition and the value of making better food choices. Provide healthy snacks and fun giveaways. Call us here at TAG for ideas.
Supply patient education media to the medical internists, urologists, and nephrologists in your service are. Be sure to provide your patient outcome scores and tools to help increase referrals.
Visit tagwebstore.com to view stock brochures, flyers, and booklets for home health, private duty, and hospice marketing. We are a full-service print shop and we are happy to create custom pieces catered to your specifications, call us at 866-232-3477 x 2018 for more information.