Our kidneys may be small in size, but they are powerful nonetheless: they perform many functions throughout the body. To keep your kidneys healthy and working properly, consider adding these foods to your daily lifestyle.
Green leafy vegetables:
Leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach are nutrient-dense foods. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals for kidney function and overall health. These nutrients have an anticancer action and strengthen the immune system.
Berries:
Berries, like strawberries and blueberries, are low-calorie snacks that are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These exert anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats for cell function. They are an integral part of the cell membrane and also influence the functioning of cell receptors present in said membrane.
Our body cannot establish the production. Hence the need to fill up on this essential nutrient by consuming certain foods. Here are the ones that are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.
- Canola oil.
- Chia seeds.
- soy
Drink a lot of water :
In addition to a healthy diet, it is important to drink water to ensure proper kidney function. Sufficient water and fluid intake is essential for general health. But it also helps ensure kidney health.
In chronic kidney disease (CKD), you have to be more careful about what you eat and drink. This is due to the fact that your kidneys can no longer properly evacuate fluids and waste from your body.
Here are some options that can be recommended.
Here are some foods that are easier for the kidneys to digest:
- Rocket – Lower in potassium than most other green vegetables, but packed with fiber and other beneficial nutrients.
- The Apple – Very rich in fiber and anti-inflammatory components. It can be eaten raw, cooked, in juice or in cider.
- berries – Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, red grapes, and cherries are solid sources of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Peaches, plums and pineapples – These fruits are sweet and have a lower potassium content than nectarines, mangoes and papayas.
- Asparagus – They contain practically all the essential vitamins and minerals.
- The onions – They reduce inflammation and promote immune health.
- Garlic – Whether fresh or minced, this food reduces inflammation and can replace salt as a seasoning.
- Olive oil – Helps reduce inflammation in the body.
If you are on dialysis, your doctor may modify your diet to meet your nutritional needs.
Foods to avoid:
It is essential to have a good balanced diet to provide enough nutrients to your body, without stressing your kidneys. Avoid foods rich in:
- Sodium – Increases blood pressure and contributes to the formation of fluid in the body. Do not consume table salt, condiments such as soy sauce and garlic salt. Avoid processed, pickled, or canned foods. Instead, opt for fresh garlic, lemon, ground pepper, dill, or onion powder.
- phosphorus and calcium – These minerals help maintain healthy and strong bones, but when consumed in large amounts, they damage the blood vessels, eyes and heart.
- Potassium – Potassium maintains the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. Conversely, high levels in the blood are likely to cause heart problems in people with CKD.
- protein – Proteins request the kidneys and their excessive consumption can prevent them from eliminating waste from the body. Reduce the consumption of animal proteins such as meats, some seafood and dairy products.
- Alcohol – Alcohol consumption affects the ability of the kidneys to filter the blood and ensure the proper amount of water in the body.
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