Nutrition & Wellness Specialist
Following a balanced and nutritious diet is critical to protecting your renal and overall health.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our team of expert urologists offers personalized nutrition and wellness counseling to help optimize your health and reduce your risk of health issues ranging from urinary tract infections (UTIs) to cancer.
Call Urology of Greater Atlanta today or schedule a wellness counseling session online! Our specialists look forward to helping you at one of our many locations throughout Georgia.
Why Is My Diet Important?
Your diet is important because it provides the fuel and nutrients your body needs to function. Your diet also helps control your weight, which is another significant factor in many health problems.
The food you consume also keeps your hair and skin healthy while also nourishing the organs and tissues inside your body.
Unfortunately, the standard American diet is full of salt, sugar, fat, and unhealthy convenience foods. As a result, many Americans suffer from potentially avoidable health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes, which can lead to kidney disease.
What Are Kidney and Urinary Tract Friendly Foods?
If you have kidney or urinary health problems, your diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and small amounts of lean protein and dairy.
Some foods that are kidney and urinary-tract-friendly include:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Melons
- Oranges
- Prunes
- Raisins
- Artichokes
- Winter squash
- Plantains
- Spinach
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Bran products
- Beans
- Brown and wild rice
If you have kidney or urinary tract health problems, your doctor might recommend limiting potassium, phosphorus, and some fluids.
You might also need to cut back on or eliminate or cut back on sodas, sugary drinks, and caffeine. Instead, try apples, cranberries, grapes, pineapples, strawberries, cauliflower, peppers, radishes, and summer squash. You can still eat pitas, tortillas, beef, and chicken.
If you have kidney disease, you might retain fluid if your kidneys don’t remove extra water from your blood. Your doctor can provide personalized advice on how much water to drink every day.
What Are Some of the Signs That I Need to Change My Diet?
Some of the signs of kidney and urinary problems that could benefit from dietary changes include:
- Dark and malodorous urine
- Brown, pink, or reddish urine
- Incontinence
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Not releasing much fluid when you urinate
- Lower back, abdominal, or pelvic pain
You might also have low energy levels, feel bloated, or your skin and hair might look dull.
Many health issues cause similar symptoms, so make an appointment at Urology of Greater Atlanta if you notice any of these signs or other changes in your urinary habits. Call or make an appointment online at one of our locations in Georgia today!
Our urologist team operates out of several offices and a surgical center to serve the needs of all Northern Georgia residents.
