The kidney is one of the most vital organs in the human body. Without it, the body would be living with its own waste and waste products. The kidney helps to filter out the body’s wastes, absorbs nutrients and minerals, and helps regulate electrolytes in the body. An ailing kidney can impact a person’s health significantly. Keeping the kidney healthy is important in maintaining equilibrium within the body and its functions. Periodic detoxification of the kidneys by eating the right foods can significantly help the kidney maintain its functions. Not all good foods are good for the kidney. Adding a lot of proteins to the diet may help the body to heal itself faster but it acts as a burden to the already stressed kidney. Being able to determine which foods benefit the kidneys most and incorporating it in the diet will help the kidney to be considerably healthy.
Foods To Eat For Healthy Kidneys
- Water: Drinking plenty of water in a day will naturally cleanse the kidneys. It is important not to keep in urine but to pass urine when the urge is felt. Holding the urine for long periods of time is unhealthy for the renal system.
- Herbs, fresh fruits, and vegetables: These foods also help to detoxify the kidneys because they are natural, do not contain preservatives and are thus easier for the kidneys to absorb the minerals, nutrients and vitamins it contains.
- Grapes help in cleansing the kidneys by flushing out uric acid.It is also a good source of potassium.
- Cranberries rich in quinine help eliminate toxins from the body.
- Dandelion and nettle help the kidneys flush out toxins. It can be taken as a tea.
- Turmeric tea and ginger root also help in kidney detoxification.
- Cauliflower is a good source of fiber, antioxidant and potassium which are all beneficial for the kidney.
- Red pepper is low in potassium and high in fiber and folic acid.
- Apples are high in anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which also help in reducing inflammation and are especially kidney-friendly.
Diet For Kidney Disease
Ailing kidneys or those that are suffering from ailments need a special diet to help maintain its function. This diet does not have to look like a limited food option and can be presented as healthy and varied food choices throughout the day.
- Foods low in salt: Salt-rich foods further stress ailed kidneys. Choose foods that are naturally low in sodium or put foods under running water to wash off the excess sodium.
- Limit fluid intake: Overloading the body with fluids also means putting additional work on weakened kidneys. Includes fruits and certain foods high in water content.
- Eat low potassium foods: It includes foods such as black berries, asparagus, corn, cucumber, water chestnuts, summer squash and certain juices.
- Eat adequate amounts of protein: Too little protein makes it difficult for the kidneys to recover, while an excess of protein burdens the kidneys.
- Avoid foods rich in phosphorus: It includes foods such as bran, barley, nuts, figs, salmon, sardines, organ meats and the like.