Let's be honest, you're probably not giving yours kidneys thought a lot, but they are the silent MVPs of your body. It's your built-in 24/7 filtration system, removing waste and keeping everything in balance. Therefore, making them happy is very important.
Here's the worst thing: CDC It is estimated that more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease, and most have no idea about it. This is why a little prevention goes a long way.
You don't need major renovations to take care of them. Adding a few nutrient-dense superfoods to your diet can greatly improve kidney function, helping to reduce inflammation and ease the kidney's workload. If you're ready to give your body's hardest-working organs a little boost, these 13 foods are the perfect place to start.
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Your diet And gut health also play an important role in your health, especially when it comes to maintaining kidney health. There are 13 superfoods to keep in mind when considering natural ways to improve kidney health.
Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health
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. Although it is best to consult a doctor.
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 your dinner.
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.
