Aries (March 23 – April 19): Know where to draw a line as you could easily be drawn into other people’s difficulties. You feel strongly about a situation and you will stand up for someone who is being badly treated. Even so, to be useful to them, you also need to remain cool, calm and collected.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): You will be feeling annoyed with yourself for having agreed to take on more work or responsibility. You might notice a sharp drop in energy and with you feeling less than your normal self, you might wish you hadn’t made firm plans for this time.
Gemini (May 21 – June 21): Someone will ask you to pass on an important piece of information. Make sure you have all the facts straight. If you’re checking your phone for messages and notifications, you will not be concentrating as much as you should be doing on some conversations.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22): Someone who seems to think they are better than you in some way is expecting you to pull out of certain responsibilities. As difficult as these may be you will not give them the satisfaction. You could do without some obligations but you will fulfil all commitments made.
Leo (July 23 – August 23): Your inclination is to hide away from the world. This will be hard to explain to friends who know you to be bright and bubbly. Since they won’t understand, you might opt to get on with jobs that keep you behind the scenes and that way you won’t have to explain or talk about your feelings.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): It won’t be easy when there are so many distractions around you but if a job is going to get done, you need to put your nose to the grindstone. Some people seem to have nothing very much to do but have fun. They can’t expect you to join in with their social plans when you have so many responsibilities.
Libra (September 23 – October 23): You’re starting to feel restricted by a partner’s demands. Let them know you need more freedom in this relationship. A new friend or romantic partner could be more controlling or possessive than they look. Don’t commit yourself to anything too serious too quickly.
Scorpio (October 24 – November 21): There is a reason why you are keeping some of your ideas secret. There is still work to be done before you feel ready to act on your plans. Although this stage seems to be going on for a long time you will want to get it right.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): You can see where you went wrong when you failed at a challenge in the past. You only put in half the effort necessary and now that you are more determined to succeed, you also know what to do to get it right this time.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): You’re waiting for news that could make a difference to your life. Contacting people for information is not a good idea. Patience will bring the consequences you are hoping for. The consideration you are showing for someone close who is going through hard times will be generously returned in the future.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): You feel passionately about obligations you have taken on for a Charity or Aid Organisation. It may be necessary to limit your ambitions to a fairly modest level. Not everyone will understand your priorities or support your ideals. Now is not a good time to push to get new ventures off the ground.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): You are more outgoing than usual. You express yourself well and senior colleagues are impressed by the breadth of your knowledge. You’re aware of how much your family needs you but at the same time you are working towards a special goal and career developments are not insignificant.
Source: www.russellgrant.com
The Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease
If you have kidney disease, you may need to follow a special diet. It’s usually one that is low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. This may not heal your kidneys, but it can help make them healthier.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are common risk factors for kidney disease. Obesity, smoking, insulin resistance, high uric acid levels, and various other health conditions can contribute.
When the kidneys aren’t working properly, waste builds up in the blood, including waste products from food.
Therefore, people with kidney disease can benefit from following a special diet, known as a renal diet.
Diet and kidney disease
Dietary restrictions vary depending on the level of kidney damage. People with later-stage kidney disease will have different restrictions from those with early kidney disease.
At any stage, the diet will need to boost kidney function while lowering the risk of further damage.
While dietary restrictions vary, people with kidney disease typically need to restrict the following nutrients, as the kidneys may have difficulty removing or processing them, and high levels can cause damage to the body.
Since kidney disease has close links with heart disease, it is also a good idea to combine these choices with a heart-healthy diet, one that contains plenty of fresh, plant-based foods and is low in saturated fats.
People’s experiences of kidney disease vary, so it’s important to talk to a doctor about your individual dietary needs.
- Cauliflower
Cauliflower provides many nutrients, including vitamin K, folate, and fiber. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Try mashed cauliflower in place of potato for a low-potassium side dish.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in nutrients and antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which may protect against heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.
They are also low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Sea bass
Sea bass is a fish option that provides high quality protein. It also contains healthy fats called omega-3s. Omega-3s may help prevent a range of diseases and boost the health of those living with long-term conditions.
However, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends eating small portions of meat or fish, as high protein levels can make the kidneys work harder.
- Red grapes
Red grapes are a good source of antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.
- Egg whites
Egg whites provide a high quality, kidney-friendly source of protein that is low in phosphorus.
Egg whites may be a better choice than whole eggs for people on a renal diet, as egg yolks can be high in phosphorus.
- Garlic
Garlic provides a tasty alternative to salt, adding flavor to dishes while also providing nutritional benefits.
It’s a good source of manganese and vitamin B6. It also contains sulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a whole grain that is low in potassium. It also contains B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and fiber.
It’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Olive oil
Olive oil is a healthy source of vitamin E and mostly unsaturated fat. It is also phosphorus-free, making it a suitable option for people with kidney disease.
Most of the fat in olive oil is oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
What’s more, monounsaturated fats are stable at high temperatures, making olive oil a healthy choice for cooking.
- Bulgur
Bulgur is a whole grain wheat product and a kidney-friendly alternative to other whole grains that are higher in potassium and phosphorus.
Bulgur provides B vitamins, magnesium, and iron, as well as plant-based protein and fiber, which is important for digestive health.
- Cabbage
Cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds.
The authors of a 2021 study note that white, green, and red cabbage can help:
manage blood sugar
reduce the risk of kidney and liver damage
prevent oxidative stress and obesity
- Skinless chicken
Skinless chicken breast has less fat and phosphorus than skin-on chicken.
- Bell peppers
Bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C and other antioxidants but low in potassium.
These nutrients are important for immune function, which is closely linked with kidney disease.
- Onions
Reducing salt can be challenging, but onions are one way of providing sodium-free flavor to renal-diet dishes.
Sautéing onions with garlic, olive oil, and herbs can add flavor to dishes without compromising your kidney health.
Onions provide vitamin C, manganese, and B vitamins, including folate. They also contain prebiotic fibers that help keep your digestive system healthy by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
- Arugula
Arugula is a flavorful and nutrient-dense green that is low in potassium, making it a good choice for kidney-friendly salads and side dishes.
Arugula provides vitamin K, manganese, and calcium, all of which are important for bone health.
This nutritious green also contains nitrates, which can lower blood pressure, an important benefit for those with kidney disease.
- Macadamia nuts
Most nuts are high in phosphorus and not suitable if you’re following a renal diet.
However, macadamia nuts are a delicious option for people with kidney problems. They are lower in potassium and phosphorus than peanuts or almonds.
They also provide calcium, healthy fats, folate, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.
- Radish
Radishes are crunchy vegetables that make a healthy addition to a renal diet. They are very low in potassium and phosphorus but contain other important nutrients, such as folate and vitamin A.
Their peppery taste makes a flavorful addition to low sodium dishes.
- Turnips
Turnips are root vegetables that provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.
They can be roasted or boiled and mashed for a healthy side dish that works well for a renal diet. Alternatively, serve raw, grated turnips with a salad or add them to a winter stew.
- Pineapple
Pineapple can make a sweet treat for people with kidney problems. It is lower in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium than oranges, bananas, or kiwis
Pineapple is also a good source of fiber and vitamin A, and it contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help reduce inflammation.
- Cranberries
Cranberries contain phytonutrients called A-type proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that may prevent urinary tract and kidney infections by reducing bacteria levels in urine. They are also low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.
There are close links between urinary tract infections (UTI) and kidney infections, and a UTI can lead to kidney complications.
You can eat cranberries dried, cooked, fresh, or as a juice.
- Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a savory ingredient that you can use as a plant-based meat substitute. They are suitable for people with kidney disease who follow a plant-based diet and those on a renal diet who need to limit their protein intake.
They are an excellent source of B vitamins, copper, manganese, and selenium. In addition, they provide a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
Shiitake mushrooms are lower in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus than portobella and white button mushrooms, making them a smart choice for those following a renal diet.
Source: www.healthline.com
