By Nicole Christin, MD
Chief of the Nicklaus Children's Pediatric Specialists Section of Nephrology and Medical Director of Inpatient and Outpatient Dialysis at Nicklaus Children's Hospital
About Dr. Nicole Christin
As a parent, you probably don’t give your children’s kidneys a lot of thought, but they are vital organs that perform a whole host of important jobs in the body. Kidneys are responsible for:
- Removing waste and chemicals from the body in the form of urine
- Controlling red blood cell production
- Balancing bodily fluids
- Producing hormones that control blood pressure
- Generating a form of vitamin D that promotes healthy bones
Optimizing Kidney Health
Most kids don’t have problems with their kidneys, but problems can arise from time to time, including congenital problems with the kidneys, hypertension, urinary tract infections and chronic kidney disease. Other times, problems such as diabetes or obesity can lead to complications that impact the kidneys.
We can all take steps to keep our kidneys healthy, and the good news is that most of the lifestyle choices that promote healthy kidneys are good for our overall health and well-being, too. These include choices such as:
- Choosing water to maintain adequate hydration
- Eliminating heavily processed foods
- Reducing salt intake from processed foods and fast food
- Promoting active play, sports and exercise over screen time
- Maintaining a healthy weight through a nutritious diet and regular exercise
- Getting a checkup at least once a year to make sure your health is on the right track
Of course, if your child does have a kidney condition, then taking steps to preserve healthy kidneys becomes even more important. In addition to following your doctor’s advice closely and sticking to the steps above, the advice about drinking plenty of water and limiting sodium intake is especially critical. Kids with certain kidney conditions may also need to limit their intake of potassium and phosphorus, as well.
To reduce potassium intake, for example, cut out foods such as bananas, broccoli, potatoes, orange juice and dairy products in favor of foods like apples, berries, green beans, spinach and dairy alternatives. Many dairy products, including milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese, are also high in phosphorus. If your child has a kidney condition, be sure to speak with their medical team about their dietary needs and what foods are restricted.
The Division of Nephrology
If your child does need help with a kidney disease, our Division of Nephrology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital features an experienced team of pediatric nephrologists that are highly trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of renal (kidney) disorders, including:
Our nephrology team’s treatments for pediatric kidney disorders are comprehensive and include a variety of pediatric specialists and complex procedures when needed, such as kidney biopsies, and dialysis. If your child needs a specialist for their kidney health, we would welcome the opportunity to meet with your family and provide care to your child.