Good Health?
Yesterday I received word of the death of someone I know, though not well, who was far too young! Not a child or young adult, but too young none the less. From something that could have been prevented. And that grinds my bones.
Why do things like this happen? Could it have been prevented? The family are aware that a different decision could have saved a husband and children from this grief.
So, being me, I needed to research this untimely death from KIDNEY DISEASE. – Yes, an illness that with following advice and the correct treatment this lovely person would now be playing with her children. And so, for those who could be at risk of this disease, here are a few observations I have found with my research.
1. Kidney disease cannot be reversed. So the best choice is to avoid getting the disease in the first place. 2. This is also connected to Diabetes, so try to avoid this disease also. 3, You can DO this. 4. One of the first things we are told is to be careful what we eat. Thankfully I really enjoy vegetables so eat plenty of them. Now that I am growing my own it is costing me a lot less than before. Also I have all the satisfaction of watching my seedlings grow into my favourites, Tomatoes, Courgettes, Spring Onions, Lettuce, Capsicum, to name just a few. 5. Drink plenty of water. I don’t mean 10 litres a day or anything silly like that, but DO keep hydrated as your kidneys need all the help they can get to avoid suffering the results of dehydration. 6. Exercise daily. Again, nothing silly, but keeping active also helps your body to stay healthy. I try to walk almost every day. I don’t always manage it, but don’t beat myself up over it. 7. Look for Kidney friendly food. I have a couple of recipes to share, I hope you give them a go. 8. If you are concerned that you might be at risk, see your doctor or medical professional, then work on it.
I have learned much through the years, but one thing in particular sticks in my mind. Try not to dictate to people, all you can really do is inform, advise and leave the rest to tem. A hard lesson to learn, particularly if you have family and friends you love and desperately want to help.
A year ago I suffered a bout of depression. SInce recovering both health and mind, I really want to do what I can to help others, even if only in a small way. The bonus is that I am really enjoying what I am doing these days. The research is fascinating and the possibilities for my future, if nothing else, are very interesting.
Now for those who’ve read my previous posts and first timers, here is the first of the recipes I’ve found. Two this time and the first one sounds so yummy, I will be trying that one tomorrow. Both from Northwest Kidney Centres site.
Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients
Based on 6 (1 1/2 cup each) servings per recipe.
- 2 large potatoes
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 cups skim milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 4 ounces, shredded reduce fat monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup fat free sour cream
- Preparation
- Bake potatoes at 400 degrees until fork tender.
- Let cool.
- Cut lengthwise and scoop out pulp.
- Place flour in large sauce pan. Gradually add milk, stirring until blended.
- Add potato pulp and pepper.
- Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly, stirring frequently.
- Add cheese, stir until cheese melts.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Nutrition Facts
per serving
| Calories | 216 |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 272 mg |
| Potassium | 594 mg |
| Phosphorus | 326 mg |
Sodium: These recipes are low in sodium because it is hard on kidneys and raises blood pressure. Most people should limit sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day.
Potassium: If you are on hemodialysis, limit potassium too, to 2,000 milligrams per day. If you are on peritoneal dialysis or short daily dialysis, limit potassium to 3,500 milligrams per day.
Phosphorus: If you are on dialysis, limit phosphorus to about 1,000 milligrams per day.
Protein: If you are not on dialysis but have kidney disease, you might benefit from a diet lower in protein. Check with a kidney doctor or dietitian for guidelines.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
| Calories | 245 |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Sodium | 145 mg |
| Potassium | 141 mg |
| Phosphorus | 201 mg |
Sodium: All of our recipes are low in sodium because it is hard on kidneys and raises blood pressure. Most people should limit sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day.
Potassium: If you are on hemodialysis, limit potassium too, to 2,000 milligrams per day. If you are on peritoneal dialysis or short daily dialysis, limit potassium to 3,500 milligrams per day.
Phosphorus: If you are on dialysis, limit phosphorus to about 1,000 milligrams per day.
Protein: If you are not on dialysis but have kidney disease, you might benefit from a diet lower in protein. Check with a kidney doctor or dietitian for guidelines.
Ingredients
Based on 1 serving per recipe.
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup filling (vegetables, meat, seafood)
- 2 tablespoons cheese, grated
Preparation
- Beat together eggs and water.
- Prepare your fillings.
- In a 10-inch omelet pan or fry pan, heat butter and pour in egg mixture.
- Carefully push cooked portions at edges toward center so uncooked portions can reach the hot pan. Tilt pan and move as necessary. Continue until eggs are set and will not flow.
- Fill the omelet with 1/2 cup of filling and cheese.
- With the spatula, fold omelet in half.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream
My goodness, that bout of impotent anger brought a few words in a short space of time. I will be grateful for any comments you may want to make and will answer your email as usual within 48 hours. so please, email me on hilary@affordablehydrogreens.com, or gosportgal@gmail.com. I check both addresses every day. Tomorrow, with the season changing already I will be back on my gardening article with what I have discovered and am planning for Autumn/Winter. Chat soon