Over 1 in 7 adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), but most don’t know they’re affected until the condition is advanced. Because late-stage kidney disease can cause a buildup of waste in your body and lead to several other health conditions — including gout, bone disease, and heart disease — it’s a good idea to protect your kidney health even if you haven’t been diagnosed with CKD. Your diet is one of the most important ways you can help keep your kidneys healthy to prevent or manage CKD. Here’s what you need to know about eating to support kidney health.
- Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are low in potassium and are packed with the benefits of essential vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin C, A, B6, folic acid, and fiber. High in antioxidants such as lycopene, these peppers help the body to get rid of free radicals and inflammation and protect the body from different forms of cancer. Bell peppers also stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juices and therefore improve a person’s appetite, lowering the toxic load of a person and keeping the kidneys healthy.
- Cauliflower
It is high in Vitamin C, folates, and fiber, making it a good food for kidney health. Its great cleansing and neutralizing properties not only aid in removing toxins from the body but also maintain the kidneys and the body’s overall health. Cauliflower contains antioxidants such as indoles, glucosinolates, and thiocyanates that protect the body from oxidation and act as a preferred food for the kidneys.
- Apples
An apple a day keeps a doctor away. This adage perfectly fits the bill when it comes to staying healthy. And the same applies to kidney health. Apples are loaded with pectin, soluble fiber, and low glucose levels, improving blood circulation and decreasing the load on the kidneys. Apples are also rich in antioxidants such as quercetin which help flush toxins and protect overall health. This fruit improves the recovery time of patients with kidney disease and those undergoing treatment for kidney failure.
- Cabbage
This cruciferous vegetable is filled with phytochemicals and phytonutrients. These compounds work as antioxidants and help neutralize free radicals, which are known to impair the kidneys and increase the risk of cancer. Moreover, it is loaded with Vitamin C, which helps to flush toxins from the body and boost immunity. It is also rich in Vitamin K, B6, folic acid, and fiber, which positively affects the kidneys. Moreover, it is low in potassium which is known to be suitable for people with kidney disease.
- Red grapes
Red grapes are high in flavonoids and antioxidants, which help to prevent oxidation and blood clot development. It also promotes blood circulation and relieves pressure on the kidneys. Resveratrol, a flavonoid found in grapes, stimulates the synthesis of nitric oxide, which aids in muscular relaxation and the regulation of blood flow. These are also high in Vitamin C, which serves as an antioxidant and aids in removing toxins from the body, reducing the toxic load on the kidneys and boosting kidney health.
We hope you understand what you need to eat for good kidney health. Do let us know what you do to maintain good kidney health.
