You have two kidneys, and they function to balance the fluids in your body by eliminating excess water, wastes produced by foods, toxins and excess ions in the blood. Kidneys also release hormones to regulate blood pressure and the synthesis of red blood cells and produce active vitamin D to maintain strong bones. You can improve the functions of your kidneys if you eat a variety of foods, but do not overconsume, as too much calcium may lead to kidney stones.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Any leafy vegetables with dark green color, spinach for example, indicates an abundance of vitamins and minerals -- the nutrients your body needs to maintain excellent health. These vegetables contain rich amounts of vitamin A, which helps keep the outer tissues of the kidneys healthy and allows these cells to work optimally. They also contain vitamin C, which protects kidneys against infections or cellular damage from the attack of free radicals -- the highly reactive substances formed in your body and from accumulation of toxins in the environment. Leafy greens also contain beta-carotene, which strengthens tissues' resistance to infections.
Colored Fruits and Vegetables
Deeply colored fruits and vegetables like carrots, green and red peppers, tomatoes, pomegranates, cherries, blackberries and blueberries, are packed with flavonoids -- compounds with antioxidant properties that can protect your liver cells from potential threats of free radicals. Flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness, bumps, swelling and pain. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, another antioxidant.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts can provide you with vitamin E and phosphorus. Vitamin E serves to stabilize your cells by fighting off free radicals, thereby promoting strong health to your entire body, including the kidneys. Phosphorus helps balance the acid-base fluids in your body, thus providing a healthy environment for your cells, which will help strengthen the functions of the kidneys. Seeds can supply you with vitamin E, folate, phosphorus and copper. Ffolate plays a vital role in the production of new cells and enables them to work properly. Copper is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells and the maintenance of strong blood vessels, nerves and immune system. When your body can quickly and effectively fight off infections, your kidneys will have a favorable environment to work at maximum capacity.
Meats, Seafood, Poultry, Eggs
Meats, seafood, poultry and eggs can provide you with adequate amount of B vitamins, specifically vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of red and white blood cells -- cells that fight against infections or foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. A vitamin B6 deficiency increases the risk of kidney stone. Vitamin B12 also plays a role in producing red blood cells, in addition to synthesizing your DNA -- the material that contains all your genes.
References
- National Kidney Foundation: How Your Kidneys Work
- Oregon State University -- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin A
- Medline Plus -- Medical Encyclopedia: Vitamin C
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids
- American Dietetic Association: Lycopene -- An Antioxidant for Good Health
- Medline Plus -- Medical Encyclopedia: Phosphorus in Diet
