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It’s not common to think about your kidneys every time you eat or drink something, but you probably should. They work to remove the bad stuff from your system, filtering all the blood in your body while also managing your blood blood pressure and waste removal. Some extra thought about what you consume can help your kidneys.
Following a kidney-friendly diet can help keep them healthy. This is especially important given how common chronic kidney disease (CKD) is: Estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention At least one in seven American adults has it, and as many as nine in 10 American adults don’t even know they have chronic kidney disease.
A Recent CNET poll He said 77% of U.S. adults experienced sticker shock at grocery stores, and the costs of eating out were also among their top concerns. If you plan to eat at home more, why not focus on eating foods that support kidney health?
Concerns about kidney health have become common in recent years, and you can find frequent discussions online about modifying your diet to be more kidney-friendly. In a Recent Reddit threadusers discussed dietary restrictions, with many speaking about the lack of clear guidelines and conflicting advice about kidney health. The common conclusion was that you should talk to a dietitian, especially if you have an existing condition, which we also recommend. However, if you’re just looking to modify your diet to avoid kidney problems, we’ve compiled this list of foods that can help support kidney health.
Although eating certain foods won’t save your kidneys from all harm, it can help you maintain a balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle. The following foods are great options to consider, especially if you want to support kidney health.
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13 Best Superfoods for Kidney Health
1. Cabbage
this Nutrient-dense vegetarian It is low in potassium and sodium and contains fiber, vitamins C and K, and more.
In addition, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads, salads, taco wraps, sandwiches, and more.
2. Fatty fish
Fish provides protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon, or trout, you also get omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fats It may help reduce levels of fats (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to National Kidney Foundation.
If you have chronic kidney disease, you may need to monitor the phosphorus and potassium levels in the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has A chart you can use To determine levels in specific fish species. Even with this information available, it is always best to consult your doctor when considering any health and wellness changes.
3. Sweet pepper
like cabbage, Sweet pepper They contain a lot of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They provide antioxidants too.
You can cut them up and eat them with dips, or roast them and add them to meals.
4. Cranberries
Cranberry Helps It is forbidden Urinary tract infections. Although these usually stay in the bladder, they can travel to the kidneys, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, eating cranberries regularly can help you avoid this unwanted situation.
plus, Cranberry They contain antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and can promote heart and digestive health. It turns out that these tart berries aren’t just for the Thanksgiving table.
5. Berries
We’ve discussed some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. What Foods help repair the kidneys? Berries Thank you.
Blueberries are healthy, containing high levels of antioxidants and large amounts of vitamin C and fibre. They can also help reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the problems that may accompany chronic kidney disease.
6. Dark leafy greens
There are lots of reasons to switch to dark leafy greens like spinach or kale. They provide a lot of nutrients that can help you get it Key vitamins and mineralsIn addition to the benefits of enhancing immunity.
Greens can contain a fair amount of potassium. If you have chronic kidney disease, talk to your doctor before adding more of these items to your diet.
7. Olive oil
Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost overall health. A Harvard university The study found that it may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer.
On top of all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed virgin or extra virgin olive oil.
Read more: You’re about to ruin your Thanksgiving dinner by using the wrong cooking oil
8. Garlic
Another antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory food, garlic contains a specific compound called allicin. to People with chronic kidney diseaseAllicin – an active compound found in garlic – works just as effectively to help protect kidney health as prescription medication. If you are looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic should be on your list.
Plus, it’s an excellent way to add flavor when cutting back on salt.
9. Onions
From the same family as garlic, Onions It’s another excellent, salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you fry it in olive oil). Onions also provide important nutrients such as vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper.
They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help the body fight cancer, and organosulfur compounds that can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
10. Cauliflower
cauliflower It provides crunch and plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, plus fiber. It also contains compounds that your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, which is a big help when your kidneys aren’t doing their best filtering job.
Cauliflower contains some potassium and phosphorus, and although it makes the list of foods that are good for the kidneys, people with chronic kidney disease may want to moderate their intake.
11. Egg whites
Egg whites It is specially recommended for people with kidney problems. They offer you a way to increase your protein levels — which may be important later in chronic kidney disease, especially if you’re on dialysis.
12. Watercress
watercress Rich in nutrients your body needs such as magnesium, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Additionally, it is rich in antioxidants and contains glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself from a range of cancers.
You can eat arugula raw (it’s a great base for a salad), but you can also sprinkle it on anything you’re preparing. It’s great for pizza, omelettes and pasta, for example.
13. Apples
Apples provide quercetin and cancer-fighting fiber that can help maintain cholesterol and blood sugar levels at healthy levels. They also have a lot of antioxidants.
Better yet, they’re easy to incorporate into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you’ll have a kidney-healthy snack you can grab when you need it.
No, kidney-friendly foods cannot reverse existing kidney damage, but they can help slow the progression of kidney disease and support overall kidney function. A balanced diet reduces the workload on the kidneys but should be followed in accordance with the medical advice of your doctor.
Not necessarily. If you don’t have chronic kidney disease or your potassium levels are normal, potassium-rich foods like bananas and potatoes are usually fine. People with chronic kidney disease should work with their doctor and dietitian to determine specific potassium limits before making dietary changes.