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The Kidneys are essential organs, filtering waste and toxins from our body while routing nutrients back into the bloodstream. The dysfunction of the kidneys may trigger many comorbidities including high blood pressure. A balanced renal diet is crucial in decreasing the probability of encountering these or other kidney diseases.
Diet and Kidney Disease
The kidneys filter toxins and excess fluids from the blood. These bean-shaped organs also balance fluid and electrolyte levels. They perform critical bodily functions, allowing your heart to beat and nerves to send signals. Furthermore, they create hormones that regulate essential health factors like haemoglobin production, blood pressure and bone strength.
Your renal system does a lot, in fact, so much that it can get overtaxed. But they rarely get the same health attention and dietary care we typically afford to the heart. And that's a mistake.
Poor eating habits can damage your kidneys. Even if you don't have kidney disease, eating a well-balanced diet can help them function properly. The good news is we don't have to rely on strange detox beverages to help the kidneys. There are many helpful foods that can help in kidney care.
Consult our nephrology hospital in Whitefield if you need to know more about what not to eat with kidney stones or other kidney diseases.
10 Best Foods for Healthy Kidneys
Here are the top 10 superfoods that may promote your kidney health:
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Leafy Greens: Reducing phosphorus consumption is necessary to enhance renal function. Individuals with the risk of chronic kidney disease should reduce phosphorus consumption. And dark leafy greens are the most excellent alternative for them.
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Egg whites: Eggs present a kidney-friendly option. Egg whites suit renal patients' dietary needs with their low phosphorus content.
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Red bell peppers: Red bell peppers can help maintain sound kidney health. They boast many nutrients, including vitamins C and A, B6, folic acid, and fibre. Moreover, lycopene antioxidants in red bell peppers mitigate the potential risks of certain cancers.
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Garlic: Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that may help lower kidney inflammation.
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Fatty Fish: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fish, including salmon, trout, and sardines, can help lower the risk of kidney inflammation.
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Cabbage: Cabbage is another good addition to kidney health. Cabbage reduces homocysteine levels that cause kidney diseases when elevated.
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Blueberries: Anthocyanins, a class of antioxidants and minerals found in blueberries, may offer protection against heart disease and other chronic conditions. They also have low potassium, phosphorus, and salt content.
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Olive Oil: the oil is abundant in monounsaturated fats. These fats may help shield the kidneys from oxidative damage.
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Watermelon: Rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, watermelon may help shield the kidneys from oxidative damage.
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Arugula: Arugula can be a decent substitute for several vegetables that people with chronic kidney disease may need to avoid.
Not all food items may help maintain optimal kidney health for people who are at higher risk of developing CKD. Consult our top nephrologist or dietitian in Whitefield and get an assessment done for your kidney before incorporating any food item into your regime.
Please note that you need medical management if you are suffering from kidney disease, along with a special diet that is low in phosphorus, sodium, and potassium to help make your kidneys healthier.
Foods to Avoid or Limit
Here are some foods to avoid or limit if you have chronic kidney disease.
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White potatoes
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Red meat
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Spinach
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Dairy products
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Sugary beverages & sugary snacks, desserts
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Bananas
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Processed and packaged foods
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Alcohol
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Egg yolks
Managing kidney disease symptoms requires comprehensive care, coupled with medical management and lifestyle changes. If you already have a kidney disease, please visit a nephrologist as diet alone cannot help prevent the progression of the kidney ailment and maintain the health of your kidneys. It is also wise to know what foods contribute to kidney stones and try to avoid them as much as possible.
Along with this, management of the consequences of kidney disease is also important. Anaemia is a frequent consequence of chronic kidney disease for which your physician may additionally suggest you have iron supplements. For blood pressure control, ACE inhibitors may be administered to help regulate blood pressure. In terms of dietary factors, reduce salt and protein and avoid your potassium and phosphorus-rich meal intake.
Please consult with our best nephrologists in Whitefield for the best advice on your renal health as nutritional needs and restrictions change with time. They will help curate a diet that is suitable for you.
FAQ's
Reducing phosphorus consumption is necessary to enhance renal function. Here is a list of superfoods that can alleviate symptoms of chronic renal disease:
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Salmon
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Blueberry
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Onions
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Garlic
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Leafy greens
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White eggs
To maintain optimal health for your kidneys:
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Eat a balanced diet
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Avoid processed foods
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Avoid or limit alcohol intake to improve kidney function.
However, if you already have a kidney disease, please see a nephrologist as diet alone can’t help prevent the progression of the kidney ailment and maintain the best health for your kidneys.
Cranberries, plums, blueberries, blackberries/raspberries, apples, etc. are kidney-friendly fruits.
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