Diet has an extraordinary effect on our health. There are numerous proven links found between diseases and diet. Your diet represents your health and is a clear indication of what’s going inside the body.
Kidney stones are associated with food, says a Nephrologist in Karachi. Inflammation of kidneys, chronic kidney diseases all are somehow related to food. Many foods have preventive functions and some foods have adverse effects on the body and organs.
Each organ has specific foods associated with them that are either good for them or are harmful to them. Such is the case with kidneys. Some foods cause kidney stones while some can cause inflammation.
While on the other hand, certain foods promote kidney health and are recognized as foods good for kidneys. Some of those foods are as follows:
- Bell Pepper
Bell peppers have a sweet taste and its dried powder is old as paprika. But red bell pepper is a low-potassium food which makes it incredibly good for the kidneys. They also have antioxidant properties, meaning they can maybe protect against cancer.
They have rich flavor and are mild which makes them perfect for any meal. They also contain Vitamin A and C, folic acid and are low in calories. They can be used in breakfast, lunches, snacks, appetizers, or even in salads.
- Apples
Apples come in various sizes and shapes with a variety of flavors. They are low glycemic index foods with loads of potassium. They can reduce cholesterol and protect your heart. They are anti-inflammatory and contain a high amount of fiber.
It is said an apple a day keeps a doctor away. There is more than just truth in this statement. Apples make the best food for kidneys. It can be used in endless ways; as a snack, in dessert, or even as a juice.
- Cranberries
Cranberries are best known for their role in UTI’s. They have a tangy, sweet taste and they work by repelling bacteria from the bladder walls. They are also responsible for promoting GI health.
They are low in sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus and can be served as a sauce as well as juice. They are also available in the powder form to make an at-home suspension. Cranberries are powerful in preventing bacterial activity. So the gastrointestinal tract is protected from ulcers.
Blueberries
These are the super super antioxidants and essentially a nutritional powerhouse. They are high in antioxidant compounds which allows them to remove free radicals and stop them from developing in the first place.
They are also anti-inflammatory and can reduce inflammation greatly. They protect the brain from inflammation and the harsh effects of aging. They are low in estrogen and can reduce bone deformation, although much research needs to be done in this department.
- Fatty Fish
Fish contain the good fats that are needed by the body in abundance. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids. They help lower cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol.
They also reduce blood pressure, which is beneficial for the kidneys. Some of the fattiest fishes are trout, tuna, mackerel, and salmon.
- Olive Oil
Every nutritionist swears by olive oil and its benefits. It protects the body against free-radicals and prevents oxidation along with inflammation. They are also responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.
Olive oil is found as a simple, virgin, or as extra virgin olive oil. Its health benefits include protecting the heart against diseases and promoting heart health. Olive oil has a low burning point, so you need to be careful while using it to prepare meals.
- Onions
I personally love onions. All layers of the onion are full of health benefits. They belong to the allium family which is known for their sulfur-producing property. Onions can make you cry and carry a pungent smell (also due to sulfur compounds).
They are low in calories and potassium and there are about a thousand ways you can incorporate them into your diet. They are powerful antioxidants and also maybe the least known antioxidants.
The list of foods beneficial for kidneys does not end here. New research is being done almost every day and new foods are being added to the list. If you are a kidney patient, you need to know about such foods that have preventive properties and are also good for your kidneys.