Here Are 7 Kidney-Friendly Foods That Help Promote Optimal Renal Function

A healthy kidney is as important as a healthy heart. Kidneys filter out the waste and extra water and remove harmful toxins from the body in the form of urine. In addition, these bean-shaped organs are responsible for secreting vital hormones and maintaining a balance of electrolytes and other fluids in your body.

Kidney problems can cause difficulty urinating, puffiness around the eyes, and swollen feet and hands. A person who has kidney problems is also at higher risk of developing heart disease. Several health issues that have become quite prevalent in this day and age, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and heart disease, can also have a major bearing on your renal function and pave the way for kidney disease.

Other risk factors that can increase your propensity for renal dysfunction include obesity, urinary tract infections, and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, some people may have a genetic predisposition to kidney problems.

Cabbage

Cabbage improves kidney functioning and is most commonly used as a natural medicine to repair and nourish the kidneys. It is an essential food for anyone suffering from kidney problems.

Cabbage is packed with phytochemicals that help break up free radicals before they can do any serious damage to your kidneys.

Berries

Being excellent sources of manganese, vitamin C, fiber, and folate, different types of berries such as strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blueberries are good for your kidneys.(5) The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these berries help reduce inflammation and improve bladder functioning.

You can choose fresh, frozen, or dried berries, and eat them raw or add them to your favorite cereal or smoothie to promote kidney health.

Fish

Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation in the body and hence protect the kidneys from various diseases. Also, fish is a good source of high-quality protein. The types of fish that are best for the kidneys are 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.

Egg Whites

Egg whites are recommended for people with kidney disease due to their low phosphorous content and high-quality protein. The high-quality protein contains an essential amino acid that is necessary for the kidneys to function properly. Additionally, when high-quality protein is metabolized in the body, it produces fewer waste products.

You can use egg whites to make omelets or sandwiches or eat hard-boiled eggs without the yolk. People with kidney problems should avoid eating egg yolks. High protein intake, too, is not recommended as it can cause extra burden on the kidneys.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is good for your heart and your kidneys. This oil is a great source of oleic acid, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that lowers oxidation and promotes kidney health. Also, olive oil is rich in polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation.

Virgin and extra virgin olive oil contain higher amounts of antioxidants than regular olive oil, so use one of these to get the most health benefits.

Garlic

Garlic has antioxidants and anticlotting properties that can effectively reduce the chances of kidney disease as well as heart disease.

Eating one to two raw garlic cloves daily on an empty stomach can greatly reduce bad cholesterol levels and inflammation in the body.

Onion

Onions are full of powerful antioxidants that help detoxify and cleanse the kidneys, thereby helping prevent many types of kidney-related health problems. Low in potassium, onions also contain chromium, a mineral that helps the body metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.