Top 15 Superfoods to Boost Kidney Health
The kidneys are a pair of super vital, fist-sized organs, each located on either side of the spine, in the back of the abdomen, and just below the rib cage. Our kidneys determine the quality of health in a major way by being active filters that remove toxins from our blood, maintain the right water balance, and stabilize critical mineral saturation in our blood.
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How do they do it?
Wastes in the blood come from the normal breakdown of active tissues, such as muscles, and from food. After the body has taken what it needs from food, wastes are sent to the blood. If the kidneys did not remove them, these wastes would stay in the blood and re-circulate in the entire body, increasing the toxicity and damaging vital organs.
Am I at risk?
Kidney disease accounts for 26 million chronic kidney disease (CKD) adult cases in the United States alone. People suffering from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and those who are older than 60 years old are more prone to this dilapidating disease. A family history of kidney disease can also put you at risk. Suffering from other ailments like Obesity, autoimmune diseases, and urinary tract infections also enhance your risk of developing kidney disease.
Healthy ways to say “Thank You”:
Apart from maintaining your weight, regularly monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose level, and exercising regularly, making the effort to change to healthy dietary habits would improve your chances of staving off renal problems. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt or oxalate-rich food can help prevent abnormal mineral buildup. Additionally, drinking lots of water throughout the day, especially if you exercise frequently, is important for kidney health.
TOP 15 SUPERFOODS TO IMPROVE KIDNEY HEALTH:
Cranberries
Makes urine more acidic and prevents urinary tract infections by depending on bacteria sticking to the inside of the bladder. Effective against cancer and heart disease.
Cherries
Abundant in antioxidants and phytochemicals, it provides heart protection through its anti-inflammation properties.
Red Bell Peppers
These are low in potassium but pack a generous portion of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid, and fiber. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which protects against certain types of cancer.
Garlic
Good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It has antioxidant and anti-clotting properties.
Olive Oil
Contains oleic acid, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that protects against oxidation, and polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation.
Red grapes
Lots of heart-friendly flavonoids that prevent oxidation reduce the chance of blood clots, and protect you from cancer and inflammation-induced complications.
Blueberries
A potent anti-inflammatory super food with lots of Vitamin C and fiber. Contains manganese, which contributes to healthy bones.
Raspberries
Ellagic acid, a phytonutrient, helps neutralize free radicals preventing cell damage. In addition to the Flavonoids (anthocyanins) these berries are an excellent source of manganese, vitamin C, fiber and folate, a B vitamin, and inhibit cancer cell growth and tumor formation.
Onions
Low in potassium and chromium, it contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that prevents heart disease and many other forms of cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cabbage
These cruciferous vegetables are filled with phytochemicals, believed to combat cancer growth and support cardiovascular health.
Cauliflower
Contains Vitamin C, folate, fiber, and compounds that help the liver neutralize toxic substances, reducing the load on the kidneys.
Apples
The combination of fiber and anti-inflammatory elements helps reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, and protect against heart disease.
Strawberries
They are rich in two types of antioxidants, plus they contain lots of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and also keep your heart healthy.
Egg Whites
They provide the highest quality of protein along with all the essential amino acids. Egg whites have less phosphorus than other protein sources, such as egg yolks or meats.
Fish
Good source of protein and inflammatory omega 3 fats, which prevent diseases such as cancer and heart disease. They also help lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol.
