Carbohydrate Counting with Chronic Kidney Disease

In the wake of chronic kidney disease, keeping an eye on the carbohydrate, protein, and fat is exceptionally crucial. Carbohydrates drive fuel and are the major source of energy for the body. Our body gets energy in the form of calories. When you eat carbohydrates, the body turns to break them into glucose, which is used by cells in the body for their needs. With the help of insulin, the cells can easily use them as energy to perform everyday functions and help you to feel good. Not only this, but foods-rich in carbs are also laden with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other compounds that make your health be at its best.

What is carbohydrate counting?
Carbohydrate counting is a way to keep up with your sugar, known as carbohydrates, that you eat. Because most cases of CKD have diabetes, it is essential to learn about carbs found in the food. If you keep consuming carbs without paying attention, it may result in uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

What is a carbohydrate?
A carbohydrate is a food that meets your energy needs. Any carbohydrate food will raise your blood sugar. Complex carbs raise blood sugar a bit slower than simple carbohydrates, or sugars can raise your sugar level a little faster.

Good sources of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are naturally found in many different foods and drinks. Not all carbohydrates are a healthy substitute during kidney diet as they also contain phosphorus, potassium, sodium, or fluid, such as:

• Bread
• Rolls
• Tortilla
• Rice
• Pasta
• Potato
• Corn
• Dried Beans
• Sodas Fruit
• Fruit Juice
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Candy
• Cake
• Cookies
• Ice Cream

Foods that are not high in carbs

• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Carrot
• Cucumber
• Lettuce
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Oil
• Zucchini
• Cauliflower
• Green Beans

Some carbohydrates foods are also rich in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, so kidney patients need to avoid these foods particularly. Only your dietician will help to know what foods are best for you.

Carbohydrate Counting
When you plan your carbohydrate counting, things you need to be careful of:
Ensure to have your meals at the same time every day to keep blood sugars even.
Consider the same amounts of carbohydrate at each meal.
To keep blood sugars even, ensure to get time for a snack every 3 to 4 hours.
Do not skip meals.

Since carbs are kin to your energy, the number of carbs you need depends on your weight and activity level. If you are overweight, you may want to decrease the number of servings, and the opposite is the case with underweight people. A diabetic patient may need to follow carbohydrate counting to help regulate your blood sugar level. Consider consulting a dietician if you are taking chronic kidney disease treatment in Ayurveda www.karmaayurvedahealth.com already. In general, 2 to 4 servings of carbs are recommended at meals, and while you are snacking, only 1 to 2 servings should be considered best for you.

You can check food labels for the grams of carbohydrates they have and convert the grams into servings. For example:

15 grams = 1 serving
30 grams = 2 servings
45 grams = 3 servings

Diabetes and carbohydrates
Understanding which foods contain carbohydrates and how much you can eat is important for regulating blood sugar levels. Adequate levels of blood sugar should be in between 80-120 mg/dL before eating and below 180 mg/dL two hours after eating.

For the management of diabetes, it is mandatory for you to take diabetes medications as prescribed. Uncontrolled diabetes worsens the kidney function even more and results in the progression of CKD.

You can also consult us at Karma Ayurveda Health to get ayurvedic medicine for chronic kidney disease. Karma Ayurveda is an ayurvedic kidney care institute that states the measures to take care of the kidneys and provide ayurvedic treatment for the same. Of chance, your kidney function is not accurate, make your appointment with us!

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Karma Ayurveda Health Karma Ayurveda Health has grown in the field of Ayurveda. Joined: February 12th, 2020