According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, your kidneys remove accumulated wastes from your blood, balance the amount of fluids and minerals in your body, regulate your blood pressure, maintain your calcium levels and stimulate red blood cell production. A healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, fish, garlic, grains and lean protein can enhance the health of your kidneys and keep them functioning at an optimal level.
Fruits and Vegetables
If you want to enhance kidney health, try increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables that you eat. Most fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, nutrients that can strengthen your immune system, protect you against kidney damage caused by infections, toxins, viruses or diseases, prevent kidney stone formation and decrease inflammation in your kidneys. Fruits and vegetables loaded with vitamins and antioxidants include turnip greens, cranberries, blueberries, bell peppers, grapefruits, spinach, kale, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, oranges and tomatoes. If you have damaged kidneys or kidney disease, monitor your potassium levels to make sure that they remain in the healthy zone.
Fatty Fish
Eating 3.5 oz. of baked or grilled fatty fish twice a week can help keep you kidneys healthy. Fatty fish like sardines, canned tuna, cod, catfish, salmon, mackerel and halibut are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats that can improve kidney function and decrease inflammation in the body. If you do not like fish, try adding canola oil, walnuts, soybeans, tofu or flaxseeds to your daily meals because they also contain a healthy amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Water
Staying hydrated is essential for healthy kidneys. MayoClinic.com suggests that in order to keep hydrated, you need to drink enough water every day to produce approximately 48 oz. of colorless or slightly yellow urine. Liquids and foods that contain large amounts of water include teas, soups, apples, grapes, ice cream, gelatin, sherbet, lettuce, celery and tomatoes.
Protein
If you want to enhance kidney health, try adding limited amounts of lean protein into your daily diet. Protein helps your body build muscle, repair tissues and fight off infections. It also decreases the amount of wastes in your blood and improves kidney function, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Protein-based foods that can be beneficial for kidney health include egg whites, fish, skinless and boneless chicken, lean red meats, low-fat milk products, low-fat cheeses, beans, tofu, vegetables and grains. If you have kidney disease, contact a medical professional to discuss the appropriate amount of protein needed for your condition.
Whole Grains
Maintain healthy kidney function by consuming a bowl of oatmeal in the mornings. Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, cracked wheat, bulgur, barley, popcorn and whole wheat can help cleanse your kidneys of toxins and lower your risk of kidney stones.
Garlic
Adding garlic to your meals can be beneficial for your kidneys. Garlic is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that can calm your inflamed or irritated kidneys. If you suffer from reoccurring kidney infections, this powerful herb may be especially helpful because it acts like a natural antibiotic in your body.
References
- "Kidney Failure Explained;" Andy Stein and Janet Wild; 2008
- "Eating Well with Kidney Failure"; Helena Jackson, Annie Cassidy and Gavin James; 2008
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2008
- "Living Well with Kidney Failure"; Juliet Auer, 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?
- National Kidney Foundation: Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease
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