Patients with diabetic nephropathy should avoid vegetables high in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, such as spinach, potatoes, and mushrooms, and also reduce their intake of high-sugar vegetables, such as carrots and pumpkins. Diabetic nephropathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by long-term hyperglycemia leading to impaired kidney function; therefore, dietary control is particularly important. Patients need to follow a low-salt, low-fat, low-sugar, and low-protein diet to avoid further burdening the kidneys.
1. High-potassium vegetables: such as spinach, potatoes, and mushrooms. These vegetables are high in potassium. Patients with diabetic nephropathy have impaired kidney potassium excretion function, and excessive intake may lead to hyperkalemia, triggering serious problems such as arrhythmia. It is recommended to choose low-potassium vegetables, such as cucumbers, winter melons, and cabbage.
2. High-sodium vegetables: such as pickled vegetables and salted vegetables. A high-sodium diet increases the burden on the kidneys, leading to high blood pressure and worsening kidney damage. Patients should choose fresh vegetables, reduce the use of salt when cooking, and avoid processed foods.
3. High-phosphorus vegetables: such as beans and nuts. High-phosphorus foods can affect calcium and phosphorus metabolism, leading to osteoporosis and vascular calcification. Patients should choose low-phosphorus vegetables, such as eggplant, green peppers, and tomatoes.
4. High-sugar vegetables: such as carrots and pumpkins. These vegetables have a high sugar content, which can easily cause blood sugar fluctuations and worsen diabetes. It is recommended to choose low-sugar vegetables, such as celery, lettuce, and broccoli.
Patients with diabetic nephropathy need to strictly follow the dietary guidelines, regularly monitor their blood sugar and kidney function, adjust their diet, avoid foods that are harmful to the kidneys, and combine this with medication and appropriate exercise to slow disease progression and improve their quality of life.