Whether you’re at risk of developing kidney disease or trying to keep kidney stones at bay, we have identified 7 superfoods to include in your diet for achieving good kidney health.
Kidneys are the small, bean-shaped organ that does a remarkable job in keeping the right balance of minerals and nutrients in our body.
But when someone suffers from kidney disease or at risk of developing one (roughly 10% of Australians have signs of chronic kidney disease) their kidneys can no longer perform this function, requiring changes in their diet.
Poor eating habits can eventually weaken your kidneys
Poor eating habits can influence the negative functioning of the kidneys.
For example, a diet that is rich in sodium, potassium and phosphorus are likely to cause kidney health issues as they are not naturally designed to filter out unhealthy levels of those elements.
Likewise, eating highly processed food including junk foods of any quantities is always harmful to kidney health. The unhealthy levels of fats and sugar found in them can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes – which can eventually damage or weaken the kidneys.
While dietary habits can vary from person to person, we recommend eating these 7 superfoods to achieve good kidney health.
1. Onions
Onions might be just another addition for enhancing favour and vigour to your meals but they play a crucial role in controlling blood pressure – one of the major preventive risk factors for kidney disease. Onions are low in potassium and rich in flavonoids – a powerful antioxidant that can help balance potassium in our body.
2. Red bell pepper
Red bell pepper is a flavourful and versatile option vegetable. They can be eaten raw in a salad, or roasted to add to your meals, sandwich or sauteed into a stir fry. But that’s not the only reason, red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins as well as rich in folic acid and fibre. They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against certain cancers.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, with many phytochemicals known to protect and fight against cancer. They are a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and folic acid.
4. Red grapes
Red grapes are rich in citamin C and contain flavonoids, which are shown to reduce inflammation. Resveratrol is a kind of flavonoid found in red grapes. They are seen to stimulate the production of nitric oxide which helps relax muscles cells in the blood vessels to enhance blood flow.
5. Strawberries
Strawberries contain two types of phenols: anthocyanins and ellagitannins that are known to improve kidney health. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help in protecting the body from oxidative damage. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and manganese and are loaded with the goodness of fibres.
6. Cranberries
Cranberries are loaded with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which make them amazing for people suffering from kidney ailments and UTI. Tangy in taste, they are also good for treating bladder infections and prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. They are an excellent source to ward off the risk of kidney diseases and other lifestyle diseases.
7. Garlic
Garlic helps to fight plaque and lowers cholesterol. If eaten daily, garlics are shown to reduce inflammation. A recent study have suggested that garlic could be used to promote overall kidney health due to its diuretic properties.