The kidneys, two organs the size of a fist, act as a “filter” that eliminates all the things the body doesn’t want. They eliminate toxins and excess fluids while maintaining the levels of potassium, sodium and other elements necessary to maintain a healthy body. At the same time, it produces hormones that help regulate blood pressure and bone strength, among many other functions.
In reality, however, the kidneys can be very overworked, leading to chronic kidney disease in some people, which can cause waste and fluid to build up in the body.
Poor eating habits increase the risk of these diseases. But when the best foods that promote kidney health are eaten, the opposite may be true.
The list of foods to add to the diet for optimal kidney health, according to CNET, includes the following:
Fatty fish
Fish provides protein and when you choose fatty fish such as tuna, salmon or trout, the body also takes in omega-3 fatty acids. According to the National Kidney Foundation of the United States, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce blood triglyceride levels and can also lower blood pressure.
Salmon (Istok)
If a person has chronic kidney disease, they will need to monitor the phosphorus and potassium levels in the fish they choose to eat.
– cabbage
Cabbage is a nutrient-rich vegetable low in potassium and sodium, but it also contains fiber and vitamins C and K.
– Pepper
Sweet peppers contain many good nutrients with low potassium levels. It also provides the body with vitamins B6, B9, C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
sweet pepper (istock)
– Blueberries
Blueberries help prevent urinary tract infections, which can travel from the bladder to the kidneys. Taking it regularly can help avoid this unwanted situation.
Blueberries also contain antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and can promote heart and digestive health.
– blueberry
With high levels of antioxidants and large amounts of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are absolutely healthy. It can also help reduce inflammation, support bone health, and reverse some of the problems that can result from chronic kidney disease.
Blueberry (iStock)
Dark leafy vegetables
You can turn to dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach or kale, to get plenty of nutrients that can help you get essential vitamins and minerals, as well as immune-boosting benefits.
However, care should be taken as some vegetables may contain adequate amounts of potassium. If a person has chronic kidney disease, a doctor should be consulted before adding more to their diet.
– olive oil
It is packed with antioxidants and healthy fatty acids and can improve your overall health. A Harvard University study found that olive oil can lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, and some cancers.
olive oil (iStock)
– garlic
It contains a specific compound called allicin, which is another food rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. For people with chronic kidney disease, allicin is just as effective in helping protect kidney health as prescription drugs. And if a person is looking for the best kidney foods, garlic should be on the list.
– Onions
In the same family as garlic, it’s another great salt-free way to flavor, with added value when fried in olive oil.
Onion (iStock)
Onions also provide important nutrients such as vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. It contains quercetin, a chemical that can help the body fight disease, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
cauliflower
Cauliflower contains many vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds that the body can use to neutralize some toxins, which helps a lot when the kidneys aren’t doing their best.
However, it does contain potassium and phosphorus, so people with chronic kidney disease should limit their intake.
– Egg whites
Egg whites are especially good for people with kidney problems. It provides good levels of protein, which may be particularly important in advanced chronic kidney disease, especially if the patient is on dialysis.
– cress
Watercress is known to be rich in nutrients the body needs such as magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamins A, B9, C and K. Additionally, it is rich in antioxidants and contains glucosinolates, which can help the body protect itself from a series of tumors.
Rocket (iStock)
– An Apple
Apples provide quercetin and cancer-fighting fiber that can help keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels at healthy levels. It also contains a lot of antioxidants.
