Foods to Eat and Avoid for Better Kidney Health
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs responsible for maintaining and managing fluid balance in the human body. Kidney diseases are prevalent these days, and experts are conducting research to determine if a person’s nutrition plan could be causing them. Accordingly, they have come up with a few foods to have and avoid to manage kidney health and lower the risk of disorders associated with the organ. Consult a doctor before making these nutritional changes.
Foods to eat
It has been found that foods with less sodium, potassium, and phosphorus are ideal for keeping the kidneys healthy and functioning optimally. Some options to consider for managing kidney health in a better way are:
Cabbage
Cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and has a wealth of potent plant compounds, several essential minerals, and vitamins C, K, and B. It also has less potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. You may either add cabbage to salads and soups or eat it as is after adding a dash of pepper and salt.
Cauliflower
Like cabbage, cauliflower has many essential nutrients like folate and vitamins K, C, and B. Further, it is loaded with fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds known as indoles. You may opt for mashed cauliflower as a low-potassium alternative for mashed potatoes for better kidney health.
Blueberries
Blueberries are the best kidney-friendly food, low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus and high in nutrients and antioxidants. They also contain anthocyanins that can prevent heart diseases, diabetes, certain cancers, and cognitive decline. Therefore, blueberries are a must-have for better overall health.
Red grapes
Red grapes help manage kidney health and keep the organ functioning at its best. They are also delicious, making them a favorite of many people. Besides supporting kidney health, red grapes keep the heart healthy, thanks to vitamin C and certain flavonoids.
Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in polyphenols and monosaturated fats and is highly anti-inflammatory. It is a healthy oil for cooking as monosaturated fats are stable at high temperatures. Incorporate olive oil into your meal plans in the form of salad dressing or use it to prepare meals.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers have less potassium and are high in nutrients and vitamins C and A, which makes them an excellent kidney-friendly food. Include them in your meal plans to get healthy kidneys and keep kidney-related disorders at bay.
Pineapples
Most tropical fruits like oranges and bananas are high in potassium, but pineapples fall within the guidelines of a kidney-friendly food plan. They are a low-potassium option, helping manage kidney health better. Pineapples are also loaded with manganese, vitamin C, fibers, and an inflammation-reducing enzyme called bromelain.
Cranberries
Cranberries are tiny fruits that must be a part of your meal plan as they can benefit the kidneys and the urinary tract. They are low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus and can be had in the form of juice or eaten dried or fresh.
Foods to avoid
As mentioned earlier, individuals should follow a meal plan low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus for better kidney health. Keeping this in mind, some foods to avoid to keep the kidneys in a better condition and prevent kidney diseases are:
Avocados
Avocados are known for their fibers, heart-healthy fats, and antioxidants. However, they are not kidney-friendly because of a significant amount of potassium. So, limit or restrict the avocados you add to your everyday meals if a doctor has asked you to lower your potassium intake.
Whole wheat bread
Since whole wheat bread is high in fiber, it is considered nutritious. But people with kidney disease should avoid whole wheat bread because of a high amount of potassium and phosphorus. It is recommended to check the labels of any bread you buy for its nutrient content and avoid anything that can worsen kidney health.
Bananas
If you have kidney disease and are looking for a better way to manage kidney health, avoid bananas, as they have a high amount of potassium. Instead, go for pineapples, cranberries, blueberries, and red grapes, as mentioned above.
Dried fruits
Dried fruits like prunes, dates, apricots, and raisins are rich in many nutrients, making them healthy for most people. However, the intake of dried fruits should be limited to manage kidney health, as they are rich in potassium.
Oranges
Though oranges and orange juice are good sources of vitamin C, they should be avoided to manage kidney health as they are rich in potassium. When buying packaged juices, ensure you check their nutritional information.
Processed meats
If you are following a kidney-friendly food plan, limit processed meats. These are meats that are dried, cured, and canned; for example, hot dogs, jerky, sausage, and bacon. Processed meats like these contain a high amount of salt and proteins, and kidney disease patients are advised to reduce their intake.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are among the common ingredients in salads and are a popular choice for sauces. They can be eaten raw or cooked. However, if you are adhering to the guidelines recommended by a doctor for kidney-friendly food plans, avoid tomatoes or reduce their intake as recommended.
We listed some foods to eat and avoid to manage and maintain kidney health. You might feel that a kidney-friendly food plan is restrictive, but if you look closely at the list, you will find many delicious options that are permissible. You might also find that some foods under the “avoid” list have essential nutrients. Therefore, it is always suggested to consult and talk with your healthcare provider to understand and plan your meals so that your body gets all the nutrients it requires to function optimally. Not everyone with kidney problems can follow the same meal plan, and the foods to eat and avoid will differ based on the symptoms and other factors.
