Although each of your kidneys is the size of a computer mouse, they filter all the blood in your body every 30 minutes. They remove waste, regulate vital chemicals in the blood, control blood pressuresupport bone health and more. This is a lot of work for such tiny organs.
However, despite the importance of the kidneys, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than one in seven US adults has chronic kidney disease (CHKD). Nine out of ten adults don't even know they have them.
While eating certain foods is not a miracle cure, eating superfoods known for their vitamins and minerals that support kidney health can be beneficial. Below we list 13 foods that will improve kidney function.
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13 Superfoods for Kidney Health
1. Cabbage
This nutrient-rich vegetable Low in potassium and sodium, but packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and more.
Plus, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads and meat dishes, as a wrap for tacos, sandwiches and more.
2. Oily fish
Fish contains protein, and when you choose fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help lower levels of fats (triglycerides) in the blood and also lower blood pressure, according to National Kidney Foundation.
If you have CKD, you may need to monitor the phosphorus and potassium levels in the fish you choose. National Kidney Foundation diagram you can use to determine levels in specific fish species. Even with this information, it is always best to consult with your doctor when considering any changes in your health and well-being.
3. Bell pepper
Like cabbage bell pepper contain many beneficial nutrients with low potassium content. With them you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, as well as fiber. They also deliver antioxidants.
You can cut them up and eat them with sauces or fry them and add them to dishes.
4. Cranberry
Cranberry help prevent urinary tract infections. Although they usually stay in the bladder, they can travel to the kidneys, worsening kidney problems. Fortunately, eating cranberries regularly will help avoid this undesirable situation.
Plus, cranberry contain antioxidants that may help fight inflammation as well as improve heart and digestive health. It turns out these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table.
5. Blueberries
We've discussed some of the best foods for the kidneys, but you can go even further. What products help restore kidneys? Blueberry deliver.
Blueberries are healthy and contain high levels of antioxidants and a variety of beneficial nutrients. vitamin C and fiber. They may also help reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the problems that can occur with CKD.
6. Dark leafy greens
There are many reasons to turn to dark leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and mineralsas well as immune-boosting benefits.
Greens can contain a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these foods to your diet.
7. Olive oil
Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can improve your overall health. Harvard University Research has shown that it can reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease, dementia and some types of cancer.
Besides all this, it will help you add flavor to your dishes without the need for salt or oil. To get more antioxidants, choose extra virgin or extra virgin olive oil or extra virgin olive oil.
8. Garlic
Garlic is another antioxidant-rich and inflammation-fighting food that contains a special compound called allicin. For people with CKDAllicin, the active compound found in garlic, works as effectively as a prescription drug in helping to protect kidney health. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic should be on this list.
It's also a great way to add flavor if you're skimping on salt.
9. Onion
From the same family as garlic. onion is another great way to add flavor without using salt (bonus points if you fry them in olive oil). Onions also contain important nutrients such as vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper.
They also contain quercetin, a chemical that may help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds, which may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.
10. Cauliflower
Cauliflower Provides crunchy food and plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, as well as 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.
However, cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, so while it is on the list of kidney-healthy foods, people with CKD may want to limit their intake.
11. Egg whites
Egg whites especially recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you the opportunity to increase your protein levels, which can be important in the later stages of CKD, especially if you are on dialysis.
12. Arugula
Arugula is 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 number of types of cancer.
You can eat arugula raw (it makes a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it on whatever you're whipping up. For example, it goes well with pizza, omelettes and pasta.
13. Apples
Apples contain cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber, which help keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels at healthy levels. They are also high in antioxidants.
Better yet, they're easy to incorporate into your diet. Place a bowl of apples on the counter for an easy, healthy snack whenever you need it.
