Healthy kidneys are as important as a healthy heart. The kidneys filter out the waste and extra water, and remove harmful toxins from the body in the form of urine. Furthermore, they help maintain a balance of electrolytes and other fluids in the body.
People who have kidney problems can also suffer from difficulty urinating, puffiness around the eyes, and swollen hands and feet. They also have a higher risk of developing heart disease.
The National Kidney Foundation reported that more than 26 million adults in America suffer from some kind of kidney disease.
Including the right types of foods in your diet helps the organs, including the kidneys, to function properly. Certain foods are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C, which promote kidney health.
One of the main causes of kidney problems are free radicals. Antioxidants can help slow or stop the rate of oxidation that they cause.
Here are the top 10 foods for healthy kidneys.
1. Cabbage
Cabbage is known to improve kidney functioning and is most commonly used as a natural medicine to repair and nourish the kidneys. It is a crucial food for anyone suffering from kidney problems.
Cabbage is rich with phytochemicals that break up the free radicals before they can do damage. And it also has a high content of vitamins B6, C and K, along with fiber and folic acid. It is low in potassium, which makes it a great addition to a dialysis diet. You can enjoy this vegetable steamed or boiled.
2. Berries
Berries, such as strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and blueberries, are excellent sources of manganese, vitamin C, fiber and folate, which makes them good for the kidneys. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce inflammation and improve bladder functioning.
You can eat them fresh, frozen or dried. You can consume them raw or you can add them to your cereal or smoothie to promote kidney health.
3. Fish
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation in the body and thus protect the kidneys from various diseases. It is also a good source of high quality protein.
The American Journal of Kidney Diseases published a study in 2008, in which it claimed that the consumption of fish helps lower abnormal levels of protein in the urine of people suffering from diabetes.
The best types of fish that are good for the kidneys include salmon, rainbow trout, mackerel, herring and tuna. The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend having two to three servings of fish each week. Eat your fish steamed, baked or roasted instead of fried, in order to reduce kidney problems.
4. Egg Whites
Egg whites have a low phosphorous content and high quality protein which makes them great for people who suffer from kidney disease. High quality protein contains an essential amino acid, which is necessary for the proper function of the kidneys.
At the same time, when high quality protein is metabolized in the body it produces less waste product. You can eat egg whites by making them into omelets or sandwiches or you can eat hard-boiled eggs without the yolk.
Egg yolks should be avoided by people with kidney problems. High protein intake can cause extra burden on the kidneys, and therefore it is not recommended to people who suffer from kidney problems.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is good for the heart and the kidneys. It is a great source of oleic acid, anti-inflammatory fatty acids that lower oxidation and promote kidney health. It is also rich in polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that prevent oxidation and inflammation.
Virgin and extra virgin olive oil contain higher amounts of antioxidants than regular olive oil, so using one of those will give you the most health benefits. There are many ways for you to use olive oil: in your everyday cooking, in making salad dressing, for dipping bread, for marinating fish or vegetables, etc.
6. Garlic
The antioxidant and anticlotting properties of garlic can effectively reduce the chances of kidney disease as well as heart disease.
Eating one to two raw garlic cloves every day on an empty stomach can significantly reduce bad cholesterol levels and inflammation in the body.
Garlic also protects the kidneys from the potentially harmful effects of heavy metals. You can consume it fresh, bottled, minced or powdered to add aroma and flavor to your dishes and to enjoy its health benefits.
7. Onions
Onions are rich in powerful antioxidants that will detoxify and cleanse the kidneys, which will help you prevent many types of kidney-related health problems. They are low in potassium, but contain chromium, a mineral that will help the body metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Onions also have anti-inflammatory properties. You can enjoy them raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. Eating them raw can help treat kidney stones naturally.
8. Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers are rich in vitamins A, B6 and C, folic acid and fiber, and are low in potassium. They can help break down toxic waste in the blood, and as a result contribute to kidney health.
When people suffer from kidney problems, they are often advised to keep their potassium intake low because damaged kidneys may not be able to effectively filter potassium from the blood.
Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against certain types of cancers. You can consume them raw, baked, roasted, and cooked, or you can prepare stuffed bell peppers.
9. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that has a high vitamin C content and contains a good amount of folate and fiber. It also contains compounds like indoles, glucosinolates and thiocyanates that help the liver neutralize toxic substances that can otherwise damage cell membranes and DNA.
Cauliflower has antioxidant and anticlotting properties which help reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels when consumed on a regular basis.
Cauliflower can be consumed steamed, boiled, fried, roasted or baked. Or you can eat it raw with dip or in salads. However, its high content of purines that lead to the accumulation of uric acid, doesn’t make it suitable for people suffering from gout and kidney stones.
10. Apples
Apples are great for detoxifying and cleansing the kidneys due to their high content of fiber and their anti-inflammatory properties. They also help prevent urinary tract infections and therefore may help reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Apples are also great for protecting against heart problems, reducing cholesterol, decreasing your risk of cancer and helping prevent constipation.
Having an apple each day will keep your kidneys functioning properly. You can enjoy your apple raw, in baked desserts, or as applesauce or juice.
The Journal of the American Society Nephrology published a research which claimed that kidney stones can be prevented with a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat dairy products and whole grains. The diet should be low in salt, red meat, processed meat and sweetened beverages.
If for whatever reason you are concerned about the health of your kidneys, then incorporate these foods in your diet to promote kidney health.
But, if you are already suffering from any kidney problem, make sure to consult your doctor or nutritionist to determine your proper diet depending on your overall health and kidney function.
Sourced: top10homeremedies
