Foods to Help with Kidney Function

Healthy kidneys require a diet filled with food known to reduce or limit inflammation or reduce the oxidation of fats and cholesterol. This oxidation of fats and cholesterol creates molecules referred to as free radicals. Free radicals can be neutralized by foods containing antioxidants. These antioxidant-rich foods will promote healthy kidney function while also reducing your risk of heart disease. 

A healthy renal diet is one that is low in protein, phosphorous and sodium.

1. Cauliflower

   • Eat cauliflower, a cruciferous vegetable, is filled with healthy folate, fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the amount of inflammation in your body, which helps the kidneys function properly. The potassium in cauliflower is known to prevent kidney stones. Kidney stones can lead to kidney infections and eventually chronic kidney disease.
     Eat cauliflower raw with a hummus dip or steam it with a squeeze of lemon. Cauliflower is also delicious smashed with low fat sour cream and fresh parsley.
     
     
     
     
     
     

   Red Pepper

   • Red peppers are very low in potassium which makes them a perfect food to include in your diet for a healthy kidneys. Packed with folic acid and fiber, red peppers are delicious eaten raw as a snack or diced and tossed with a green salad. Roasted red peppers are a perfect addition to a wrap sandwich or as part of an omelet.
     
     
     

     Red Bell Peppers

     • Red bell peppers are full of healthy and important vitamins such as A, C and B-6, and also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that's known to reduce free radicals in the body. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation as well, helping to keep the kidneys functioning properly.

     
     

     
     

     
     

   Apples

   • Apples are an excellent addition to a healthy kidney diet. They are filled with anti-inflammatory compounds which are crucial to a healthy kidney. Be sure to eat the skin. The skin of the apple is replete with soluble fiber. Dice apples and sprinkle onto your salad or eat apple slices with a teaspoon of peanut butter.
     
     

   Cranberries

   • Consume products containing cranberries for a healthy kidney. Compounds in cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. If bacteria sticks to the walls of a bladder, it can travel to the kidneys promoting infection. Drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice in the morning or include it in a smoothie with other kidney-friendly fruits like blueberries.
     
     
     

     Cranberries

     • Cranberries are well known for their role in treating urinary tract infections, but they're also helpful in killing bacteria in several other areas of the digestive system. Drinking cranberry juice or eating dried cranberries as a snack will help to keep your kidneys functioning well by fighting free radicals and killing bacteria.

     
     

     
     

     
     

     
     

      Fish
   • Eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon or herring. These fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation, which makes them very kidney friendly. Bake salmon with a squeeze of lemon or flake salmon on top of a spinach salad.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Garlic

• This tasty spice can be added to a wide array of dishes. But it's not just delicious, it's healthy. Garlic has been known to lower cholesterol and inflammation, which are both beneficial to the kidneys. Consider adding garlic to your diet for a savory way to boost your kidneys.

Water

• Although it's not considered a food per se, water is absolutely essential in improving kidney function. Whether you know the health of your kidneys or not, drinking six to eight glasses of water per day will aid your kidneys in blood filtering and urine production.

Olive Oil

• Natives in the Mediterranean have known about the health benefits of olive oil for centuries. But in many other parts of the world, its advantages are less well known. It has fatty acids in it that prevent oxidation, thus preserving the kidneys' health. Put some olive oil in a freezer for awhile, and after it's frozen, put it in the fridge to create a substitute for butter to spread on your toast or other foods.

The kidneys filter waste from the body through excretion, and produces important hormones.

If you indulge in too much salty, sugary or fatty  foods, it can take its toll on the kidneys, impairing its function.

Conversely, if you eat kidney-friendly foods, you can improve its overall functionality.

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