Your kidneys carry out functions essential for good health. They filter blood, regulating its concentration of salt, water, glucose and other compounds. They also cleanse the blood, removing toxins and waste products from digestion of food, and they regulate blood pressure by adjusting the total volume of blood. They transfer extra water, salts, and other material to urine, which is excreted. A healthy diet that includes certain foods and liquids is important to keep kidneys healthy and prevent kidney disease. Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best diet for you.
Water
Water helps the kidneys flush out wastes, toxins and other excess compounds from the blood. It also helps maintain proper concentrations of salts in all of the body's organs and tissues. Although other fluids such as fruit juice, vegetable juices and sports drinks are also good options, FamilyDoctor.org says that choosing water is the best option to stay hydrated and support the kidneys. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily.
Low-salt Choices
Excess sodium in the diet puts extra stress on the kidneys because they must excrete it to maintain proper salt-water balance. To help maintain healthy kidney function, choose foods lower in salt. Fresh fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in salt, are excellent choices, as are fish, meats and poultry prepared at home without added salt. Substitute herbs and spices for salt in recipes and use table salt sparingly. Avoid packaged foods with added salt, such as hot dogs, canned vegetables and soups. Rinse canned food where possible or choose low-salt varieties and check food labels. The National Kidney Disease Education Program says that any label listing salt content higher than the Daily Value of 20 percent is high in sodium.
Potassium-rich Foods
Potassium is important for normal nerve and muscle function and the kidneys regulate its level in the blood and in tissues. Consuming enough potassium is important to keep kidneys functioning normally and foods rich in potassium should be regular dietary choices for healthy people. These foods include bananas, citrus fruits, tomatoes, bran cereals, beans and nuts. Patients diagnosed with kidney disease should consult a doctor to determine the correct amount of potassium for their condition.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: The Kidneys and How They Work
- National Kidney Disease Education Program: Eating Right for Kidney Health
- American Heart Association: Kidneys and Kidney Function
- National Kidney Foundation: Sodium and Your CKD Diet: How to Spice Up Your Cooking
- FamilyDoctor.org: Hydration: Why It's So Important
