Figs grow on the ficus tree (Ficus carica), which is native to the Middle
East. They are one of the first fruits ever to be cultivated. Figs tend to be
more popular in their dried form, as the fresh ones are very delicate and tend
to deteriorate quickly. While, should IgA Nephritis patients eat figs?
Healthy kidneys function to cleanse the blood, eliminate the toxins, control
blood pressure, and preserve the balance of essential minerals in the blood
stream. As kidney disease progresses, kidneys are less able to perform these
important functions.
Figs are rich in several important nutrients, including potassium, especially
the dried form. Two medium-sized fresh ones approximate a 100-gram serving that
contain 232 milligrams of potassium, while the same-sized serving of dried ones,
about 2/3 cup, provide nearly triple that amount with 680 milligrams.
For individuals with IgA Nephritis, the diseases kidneys excrete potassium
inefficiently, leading to high potassium levels in the body. If this happens,
patients have great problem like heart rhythm. Therefore, patients should limit
or avoid eating figs.
Besides, other foods like raisins, prunes, oranges, tomatoes, yogurt,
halibut, tuna, cod, sweet potatoes, spinach, artichokes, lima beans and
molasses, etc should also be avoided. Apart from arranging a proper diet, there
are also many things that patients can do to minimize the effects of the disease
to increase life quality.
1. Give up smoking. There are many long-term benefits of giving up smoking.
At the very least, this will help reduce blood pressure and help decrease IgA
Nephritis complications.
2. Do regular exercises. A regular active lifestyle is of great importance
not only for the overall health, but it will also help fight the depression.
3. Watch the stress levels. Kidney disease is just a small part of the daily
living. Keep a positive attitude toward the treatment. Talk to the doctor if
patients get too stressed out.