La Princesa Public Hospital is raising awareness that adequate nutrition is a determinant of kidney health.

La Princesa Public Hospital, through its nephrology service, is actively involved in various research and dissemination of information on improving nutrition aimed at people with kidney pathologies.

In this type of patient, nutrition plays a priority role for the proper functioning of this vital organ.

Among the goals of these studies is to increase knowledge that adequate nutrition is part of therapy aimed at improving the quality of life of kidney patients.

In Spain, around 7 million people have some form of kidney disease, and the number of people on dialysis or requiring a transplant to replace kidney function (kidney replacement therapy) has increased by more than 30% in the last decade.

Of the entire human body, the kidneys are the most complex and unknown organ.

The kidneys are the source of all physiological activity and determine human well-being.

Kidney disease accelerates the natural aging process.

Therefore, inadequate nutrition plays a fundamental role in the development of kidney diseases.

Proper nutrition and exercise

To take care of your kidneys, you should avoid excess of certain foods that are harmful and cannot be cleared through the kidneys, such as salt, potassium or phosphorus.

Likewise, exercise should be a priority as a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to loss of muscle mass, strength and function (sarcopenia), sarcopenic obesity and functional deficits.

The Nephrology Service at La Princesa University Hospital is involved in various studies aimed at improving the nutrition of people with kidney pathologies.

In addition, it conducts monographic consultations conducted by specialized medical personnel (nephrologists and nurses) aimed at studying and monitoring this type of patient, and also encourages consultations focusing on dietary patterns.

In this direction, Dr. Borja Quiroga, a specialist in the nephrology service of La Princesa Hospital, wrote the book “For my kidneys that eat well today” with Michelin-starred chef Miguel Cobo. Medicine and gastronomy have made efforts to care for the kidneys, debunking myths about this organ and offering recipes for caring for them.

Dr. Quiroga explains how diet plays a critical role in the prevention and development of kidney disease and how small dietary decisions can significantly improve the function of this vital organ.

So present in the conversations of all city residents are topics about how much water you need to drink per day, why kidney stones form, hypertension as a risk factor for the kidneys, or the advantages or disadvantages of the “famous” intermittent fasting, and all this combined. with simple and healthy recipes for our kidneys are discussed in the book, co-authored by Dr. Borja Quiroga.

According to Dr. Quiroga, “Of all the organs of the human body, the kidneys are the most complex and the most unknown. Traditionally understood as a simple waste cleaner, today we know that its role is important in ensuring a long and healthy life. “Not only does it regulate our most important physiological functions, but its condition largely determines our overall well-being.”

Research work and more than 20 publications.

The Department of Nephrology at La Princesa University Hospital also works in various areas of research and develops its scientific activities within the La Princesa Hospital Health Research Institute (IIS), specializing in inflammatory processes in nephrological diseases.

In addition, he has more than 20 indexed publications and has contributed to various clinical guidelines: Guidelines on Viral Diseases in Dialysis of the Spanish Society of Nephrology and Nutrition, Guidelines on Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (ACKD).