6 Best Foods for Your Kidneys

Chronic kidney disease is a very real threat that affects more than 26 million people in the United States alone. Not only that, but those who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure stand a high risk of contracting kidney disease, as well. However, the good news is that it is possible to drastically lower the risk of kidney disease or make existing kidney problems more manageable simply by adjusting your diet. Below are some of the foods which have proven to have significant impacts on kidney health:

Garlic

Fresh garlic is an excellent option for renal diets, boasting strong anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to reduce cholesterol. Garlic is also ideal due to the fact that it adds a great deal of flavor to food without the need for excess sodium, which is important to consider when it comes to keeping kidneys healthy. Garlic is high in antioxidants. It has been proven that consuming garlic on a regular basis may also help fight cancer. But the problem is, garlic can cause bloating. It contains sulfur that helps detoxify the body, causing gas and bloating.

Kale

All calciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, are high in the fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K that kidneys need to function at maximum capacity, but kale earns top marks for also being a great source of iron. Kale is also plentiful in beta carotene, vitamin K, and calcium. Cruciferous vegetables are also very low in potassium, making them ideal for those with kidney disease. Add kale to your salads, smoothies, pasta sauce, soups or make homemade kale chips. If kale smoothie or salad is not your thing, add it to a vegetable stir-fry.

Egg Whites

Egg whites are rich in many essential vitamins and minerals that can help improve your overall health. Egg whites offer high protein, low potassium, and low phosphorous, and contain plenty of iron to keep kidneys in top shape. They contain almost no fat, and their carbohydrate content is actually less than 1%. Egg whites can be scrambled, made into omelets, or added to shakes for a healthy nutritional boost.

Onions

Like garlic, onions are packed with powerful antioxidants that can help fight cancer and heart disease while promoting better cardiovascular health. Onions, especially when consumed raw, also act as an anti-inflammatory, which is especially vital to anyone suffering from kidney disease.

Fresh Fish 

Fresh cold water fish, such as salmon, trout, herring, and sardines, are high in quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which the human body cannot produce on its own. People that consume fresh fish regularly are at lower risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which in turn means a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Cranberries

While all berries are healthy and rich in antioxidants, cranberries deserve a special mention due to their unique ability to fight off urinary tract infections. By increasing the acidity of urine, cranberries make it harder for bacteria to attach to the walls of the bladder. They also reduce the risk of heart disease and certain kinds of cancer, making them an excellent addition to any diet.