20 Best Foods For Better Kidney Health

The kidneys are responsible for eliminating poisons and extra fluids from our bodies. They also help to regulate blood pressure and encourage the synthesis of red blood cells. As a result, including foods for a healthy kidneys in your diet will help you maintain kidney health while also protecting your organs from the bad consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.

According to the National Renal Foundation, kidney disease will affect millions of individuals. As a result, it’s time to start thinking about and protecting these critical organs. Learn more about foods that are good for your kidneys and start incorporating them into your diet right away.

Kidney-Friendly Foods

The best meals to eat if you want to keep your kidneys healthy.

(1) Cabbage 

Cabbage is a lush green vegetable high in phytochemicals. It contains antioxidants that assist the body to scavenge damaging free radicals, lowering the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure. Cabbage is high in vitamins and minerals, yet none of them are known to be damaging to the kidneys.

healthy food for kidneys

(2) Onion

Onion breath may be unpleasant, but onions aid in the normal functioning of your kidneys. They contain flavonoids and quercetin, which prevent fatty material from accumulating in blood vessels. Quercetin is an antioxidant that has been shown to lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Onions are low in potassium and good for the kidneys. They also have chromium, which aids in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbs.

(3) Garlic

Garlic, like onions, has a strong odor. It is, nonetheless, one of the most powerful natural medications. Furthermore, it aids in the enhancement of the flavor of dishes to which it is introduced.

Garlic juice, in combination with metformin (a medicine used to treat diabetes type 2), was found to have renoprotective properties, according to research.

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(4) Apple

The apple is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Because diabetes and renal failure are linked, eating apples can help you avoid kidney problems. Apples are delicious raw or cooked. You can also prepare a delectable beverage.

(5) Fish

Fish is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and protein (PUFA). Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the components of PUFA, and they help to reduce inflammation, scavenge free oxygen radicals, prevent heart disease, lower LDL cholesterol, and protect the kidneys.

Scientists have discovered that eating PUFAs from fish can help to halt the course of renal disease. Consume yellowtail snapper, broom tail grouper, and southern flounder instead of blue bobo, parrot sand bass, and yellow edge, according to research.

(6) Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has the potential to aid in the treatment of renal issues. It contains vitamin C and citric acid, which serve to keep the internal pH balanced, encouraging greater health and immunity.

Lemon juice can be consumed in the morning or before lunch. Make sure to dilute it in a cup of water before using it, and avoid using refined sugar.

(7) Purple Sweet Potato

Kidney failure or disease is linked to diabetes, as previously stated. Furthermore, diabetes is linked to poor eating habits and obesity. As a result, if you are obese, your kidneys may be harmed. In this regard, scientists found that feeding obese laboratory mice purple sweet potatoes reduced inflammation and body weight.

This, in turn, may aid in the prevention of renal disease. However, because they are heavy in potassium, you should consult your doctor before eating them.

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(8) Strawberries

Strawberries are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, among other nutrients. They are helpful for a healthy heart and kidneys since they have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer qualities. Their significance to improved kidney health, however, is debatable. So, before you eat them, consult your doctor.

(9) Red Grapes

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic chemical found in red grapes, has several health benefits, including enhancing heart health and protecting the kidneys. Renal ailments such as ischemia-perfusion injury, drug-induced injury, diabetic nephropathy, and others are helped by resveratrol. As a result, eat plenty of red grapes to keep your kidneys in good shape.

(10) Watermelon

Watermelon is high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It aids in the scavenging of damaging free oxygen radicals, reducing kidney damage. However, don’t eat much watermelon because it can backfire. If you already have a renal illness, consult your doctor before ingesting it.

(11) Water

Drink plenty of water to keep your kidneys healthy.

Water is a magical substance. It can restore your health. But don’t go too far. Women should drink 8 glasses of water each day, while males should drink 13 glasses. It’s recommended to talk to your doctor about how many glasses of water you should drink every day based on your kidney status and daily activities.

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(12) Red Bell Pepper

Red bell peppers are good for your kidneys.

Because red bell peppers are low in potassium, they are healthy for kidney health. They also provide color, flavor, and vitamins C, B6, A, folic acid, and fiber to the dish. Red bell peppers contain the antioxidant lycopene, which can help prevent cancer in some cases. Red bell peppers can be added to tuna, chicken salad, or eaten raw.

(13) Asparagus

Asparagus has a low-calorie count and is high in vitamins A, K, and C. Asparagus has been demonstrated to protect renal function in hypertensive rats.

However, minerals like potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are slightly higher. As a result, you should consult your doctor before eating asparagus. For dinner or lunch, broil it or blanch it with other kidney-friendly meals.

(14) Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a cruciferous superfood that is high in vitamin C, folate, and fiber and is good for your kidneys.

It also contains chemicals that are beneficial to the liver and help the body neutralize poisonous toxins. Cauliflower can be cooked, blanched, eaten raw, used as a dip, or added to salads.

(15) Cranberries

Common home treatment for urinary tract infection is cranberry juice (UTI). It’s a fantastic natural antibiotic because of its antioxidant characteristics, which limit bacterial growth in the intestines and kidneys.

Cranberries were found to have the ability to treat calcium oxalate kidney stones in a study. Fresh cranberries should always be consumed or used to make juice. To avoid overworking the kidneys, do not drink too much of them.

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(16) Pumpkin Seeds

These vibrant green seeds aren’t just for show. They’ve been scientifically proven to reduce the danger of bladder stones because they’re high in dietary fiber, vitamin E, zinc, protein, copper, and iron.

If you have kidney problems, consult your doctor before eating the seeds because they are high in phosphorus and may cause your potassium levels to rise.

(17) Raspberries

Raspberries include ellagic acid, which neutralizes the body’s damaging free radicals. In Dialysis & Transplantation, Dr. Joan Brookhyser Hogan advises raspberries for individuals with kidney illness.

These berries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and folate, and their red hue suggests that they contain anthocyanins. Raspberries can also assist to stop cancer cells from growing.

(18) Blueberries

Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which aid in the detoxification of the body. They are high in nutrients that can aid in inflammation reduction. Blueberries were discovered to help suppress the signaling pathways that contribute to kidney failure in mice with metabolic syndrome, according to research. So, to lose weight and protect your kidneys, include them in your breakfast.

(19) Cherries

Cherries are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are beneficial to your heart and kidneys. They aid to reduce inflammation in the body, particularly in the kidneys, when consumed daily.

(20) Kale

Kale is high in elements that help to control blood sugar levels after meals. Because diabetes and kidney failure are linked, eating kale can help manage both diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. However, you should consult your doctor before ingesting kale, particularly if you have a kidney illness.

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Avoid Following Foods For Better Kidney Health

  1. Beans that have been dried
  2. Caffeine
  3. Iced tea, canned or bottled
  4. Lentils
  5. Spinach
  6. Beverages with carbonation
  7. Tomato
  8. Orange\sPotato\sAlcohol
  9. Artificial sweeteners (dairy)
  10. Cereal for breakfast
  11. Bananas
  12. Pasta and whole wheat bread
  13. Rice, both wild and brown
  14. Foods with a lot of salt
  15. Skinned chicken
  16. Red meat is a type of meat that comes from
  17. Peanut butter is a delicious spread.
  18. GMOs
  19. Nuts and seeds are foods to avoid.

A healthy kidney is ensured by consuming a few nutrients that ensure optimal functioning and reduce the negative consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. Cabbage, red bell peppers, onion, garlic, cauliflower, apples, strawberries, fatty fish, pumpkin seeds, kale, and watermelon are examples of such foods. In addition to these nutrients, maintaining a nutritious diet, eating protein-rich meals in moderation, leading a healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and exercising frequently can all assist to improve kidney health.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about the topic and is not to be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.

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