24 Best Foods For A Healthy Kidney That Everyone Should Eat

The kidneys perform a crucial role in our bodies by removing toxins and excess fluids. Also, they control blood pressure and stimulate RBC production (1). Therefore, incorporating foods for a healthy kidney in your diet can promote kidney health and protect the organs from the negative effects of an unhealthy lifestyle.

As per the National Kidney Foundation, millions of people will be affected by kidney disease (2). Hence, it’s time to think about these vital organs and start protecting them. So, how can we protect the kidneys? What foods help repair kidneys? We can help you with these questions. Learn more about the foods that positively affect kidneys and start including them in your diet today.

Trivia

World Kidney Day is observed on the second Thursday in March to increase public awareness regarding the importance of kidney health.

24 Foods For Healthy Kidneys

Want to know how to flush your kidneys of toxins and ensure their optimal functioning? Start making dietary changes by cutting out junk food and instead consuming the healthy foods listed below to improve kidney health.

1. Water

Cal – 0  Protein – 0 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 0g

Water is a miracle potion. It has the power to bring you back to health. But do not go overboard. The recommended amount of water to be consumed every day is 8 glasses for women and 13 for men. It is best to consult your doctor to understand how many glasses of water you should drink per day depending on the condition of your kidneys and daily activity.

2. Cabbage

Cal –

22  Protein – 1 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 5 g

Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is packed with phytochemicalsⁱ  The bioactive nutrients produced by plants that may have multiple health benefits, including protecting kidney health. . The antioxidants present in it help scavenge the harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and renal dysfunction. Cabbage is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, but not the ones that are potentially harmful to the kidneys.

Quick Tip

Enhance your diet by adding shredded cabbages to your salads, curries, and stews. Alternatively, you can roast cabbages with seasonings and enjoy!

3. Red Bell Pepper

Cal – 46.2  Protein – 1 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 9 g

Red bell peppers are good for kidney health as they are low in potassium. They also add color and taste to the dish, along with vitamins C, B6, A, folic acid, and fiber. Red bell peppers contain the antioxidant lycopene that offers protection against some types of cancer. You can add red bell peppers to tuna, chicken salad or just have them raw.

A study was conducted using 18 different pepper landraces from the Valencian community in Spain. It aimed at determining the total nutritional value of the peppers and worked towards improving their quality and preserving some endangered varieties. The results showed high levels of lycopene and total phenolic concentrations in both red and green bell pepper varieties. This data can be used as a guide for enhancing the breeding process for antioxidant-rich varieties with an abundance of Vitamin C and phenolic content.

Total Lycopene Concentration In Red Bell Pepper Varieties

4. Onion

Cal –

64  Protein – 2 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 15 g

Onion breath might be a turn-off, but onions help keep your kidneys properly functioning. They contain flavonoids and quercetin that prevent the deposition of fatty material in the blood vessels. Quercetin is an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Onions are kidney-friendly and low in potassium. They also contain chromium that helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

5. Asparagus

Cal – 27  Protein – 3 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 5 g

Asparagus is low-cal and loaded with vitamins A, K, and C.  In hypertensive rats, asparagus had shown to preserve renal function (3). But it is a little on the higher side in minerals like potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. So, you must talk to your doctor before consuming asparagus. You can grill it or blanch with other kidney-friendly foods for dinner or lunch.

6. Garlic

Cal –

203  Protein – 9 g  Fat – 1 g  Carbs – 45 g

Like onions, garlic has a pungent smell. However, it is one of the most potent herbal medicines. Plus, it helps enhance the flavor of foods to which it is added. Researchers have found significant evidence that garlic juice, along with metformin (a drug prescribed for diabetes type 2 patients), showed renoprotectiveⁱ  The quality of a substance to protect the kidneys from the harmful effects of chemicals and drugs introduced into the body. effects (4).

7. Cauliflower

Cal – 25  Protein – 2 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 5 g

Cauliflower is a kidney-friendly cruciferousⁱ  Plants belonging to the cabbage family, such as kale, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, and similar leafy vegetables. superfood that is a rich source of vitamin C, folate, and fiber. It also contains compounds that are important for the liver and neutralize toxic substances in the body. Cauliflower can be consumed boiled, blanched, raw, as a dip, or in salads.

8. Apples

Cal –

65  Protein – 0 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 17 g

Apple is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce bad cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes (5). Since diabetes is closely related to renal failure, consuming apples can help protect you from kidney problems. Apples can be eaten raw or cooked. You can also make a tasty beverage.

9. Cranberries

Cal – 51  Protein – 0 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 13 g

Cranberry juice is a popular home remedy for urinary tract infection (UTI). Due to its antioxidant properties, it is a great natural antibiotic that prevents any bacterial growth in the digestive tract or the kidneys. A research study showed that cranberries had the potential to treat calcium oxalate kidney stone (6). Always consume fresh cranberries or use fresh ones to make juice. However, do not drink too much of it to prevent overworking the kidneys.

10. Fatty Fish

Cal –

175  Protein – 19 g  Fat – 10 g  Carbs – 0 g

Fish is a high-quality source of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Among the components of PUFA are omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for reducing inflammation, scavenging free oxygen radicals, preventing heart disease, lowering LDL cholesterol, and protecting the kidneys. Scientists have found that consuming fish PUFAs can slow down the progression of kidney disease (7). Research also suggests to avoid consuming blue bobo, parrot sand bass, and yellowedge, and instead consume yellowtail snapper, broomtail grouper, and southern flounder (8).

11. Pumpkin Seeds

Cal – 285  Protein – 12 g  Fat – 12 g  Carbs – 34 g

These bright green seeds are more than just pretty. Loaded with dietary fiber, vitamin E, zinc, protein, copper, and iron, they have been scientifically proven to lower the risk of bladder stones (9). Since the seeds are also high in phosphorus and might increase the potassium levels in your body, talk to your doctor before consuming them if you have renal issues.

12. Lemon Juice

Cal –

61  Protein – 1 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 21 g

Lemon juice has the potential to help treat kidney problems. The vitamin C and citric acid in it help maintain the internal pH, promoting better health and stronger immunity. Drink lemon juice in the morning or before lunch. Make sure to dilute it in a cup of water and refrain from adding refined sugar.

13. Raspberries

Cal – 140  Protein – 1 g  Fat – 1 g  Carbs – 15 g

Raspberries contain ellagic acid that neutralizes the harmful free radicals in the human body. Dr. Joan Brookhyser Hogan recommends raspberries for patients with kidney disease in Dialysis & Transplantation (10). The red color indicates that these berries contain anthocyaninsⁱ  Water-soluble pigments found in red, blue, and purple fruits, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. , and they are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and folate. Raspberries are also helpful in preventing cancer cell growth.

14. Purple Sweet Potato

Cal –

180  Protein – 2 g  Fat – 1 g  Carbs – 32 g

As mentioned earlier, kidney failure or disease is closely related to diabetes. And diabetes is connected to bad eating habits and obesity. So, if you are obese, your kidneys might get affected. In this context, scientists have conducted experiments by feeding obese laboratory mice with purple sweet potatoes and found that they helped reduce inflammation and body weight. This, in turn, could help prevent kidney dysfunction (11). However, you should talk to your doctor before consuming these as they are high in potassium.

15. Blueberries

Cal – 84  Protein – 1 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 21 g

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help cleanse the body of toxins. They are rich in nutrients that can help reduce inflammation. Researchers found that blueberries could help inhibit the signaling pathways that lead to renal failure in animals with metabolic syndrome (12). So, include them in your breakfast to lose weight and protect your kidneys.

16. Strawberries

Cal –

49  Protein – 1 g  Fat – 0 g  Carbs – 12 g

Strawberries are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties and are a good choice for a healthy heart and kidneys. However, their contribution to better kidney health is contested. So, talk to your doctor before consuming them.

17. Cherries

Cal – 51  Protein – 1 g  Fat – 0.3 g  Carbs – 13 g

Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants and phytochemicals that help protect your heart and kidneys. Consuming them daily helps in reducing inflammation in the body, especially in the kidneys.

18. Red Grapes

Cal –

104  Protein – 1.1 g  Fat – 0.2 g  Carbs – 27 g

Red grapes are loaded with a natural polyphenolic compound known as resveratrol, which offers many health benefits like improving heart health and protecting the kidneys. Resveratrol helps ameliorate renal injuries, such as ischemia-perfusion injury, drug-induced injury, diabetic nephropathy, etc. (13). So, consume red grapes in adequate amounts to boost the health of your kidneys.

19. Kale

Cal – 33  Protein – 2.9 g  Fat – 0.6 g  Carbs – 6 g

Kale is a rich source of nutrients that regulate postprandial blood sugar postprandial blood sugar levelsⁱ  The measure of blood sugar levels taken after a meal. In nondiabetic individuals, normal readings are below 140 mg/dl. . Since diabetes is closely related to kidney failure, consuming kale can help take care of both diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (14). However, you must talk to your doctor before consuming kale, especially if you are already suffering from kidney disease.

20. Watermelon

Cal –

46  Protein – 0.9 g  Fat – 0.2 g  Carbs – 11 g

Watermelon is loaded with a potent antioxidant – lycopene. It helps scavenge the harmful free oxygen radicals, thereby preventing renal injury (15). But do not consume watermelon in huge quantities as that can backfire. Talk to your doctor before consuming it if you already are suffering from kidney disease.

This is the list of foods you can consume after consulting your doctor. Now, let me tell you which foods you must avoid at all costs.

21. Pineapple

Cal – 50 Protein – 0.5 g Fat – 0.12 g Carbs – 13.1 g

Animal studies suggest that the peptides and antioxidants in pineapples may decrease creatinine levels and improve kidney function (16). Further, its low potassium content may be beneficial to individuals with chronic kidney disease to aid in flushing out excess potassium (17).

22. Radish

Cal – 16 Protein – 0.68 g Fat – 0.1 g Carbs – 3.4 g

The low potassium content in radish makes it good for your kidney health. You can consume boiled radish as compared to raw radish as it contains less potassium to manage your kidney issues (18).

23. Shiitake Mushrooms

Cal – 34 Protein – 2.24 g Fat – 0.49 g Carbs – 6.79 g

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in shiitake mushrooms may help reduce inflammation and creatinine and uric acid levels (19). You can consult a dietitian to help you understand the amount of shiitake mushrooms you can consume daily.

24. Broccoli

Cal – 34 Protein – 2.82 g Fat – 0.37 g Carbs – 6.64 g

Research suggests that consuming cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may help reduce the risk of renal cell carcinoma, which is a type of kidney cancer (20). The vegetable is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like calcium and iron, which may be beneficial for your overall health (21). You may consume broccoli steamed or roasted.

The foods above can be a great addition to your diet to boost your kidney health. But is there something you should avoid? Let us find out in the following section.

Foods To Avoid

• Nuts and seeds
• Peanut butter
• Lentils
• Dried beans
• Bananas
• Spinach
• Red meat
• GMOsⁱ  Genetically Modified Organism - in food, it refers to food products derived from plants whose genetic makeup is altered.
• High-sodium foods
• Dairy
• Artificial sweeteners
• Caffeine
• Carbonated beverages
• Chicken with skin
• Tomato
• Breakfast cereal
• Wild and brown rice
• Canned or bottled iced tea
• Bread and pasta made of whole grains
• Orange
• Potato
• Alcohol

Infographic: 10 Best Foods For Healthy Kidneys

Your general well-being and overall health depend on how well you maintain your kidneys. Healthy kidneys enable your body to eliminate waste and create hormones to support optimal body functioning. Hence, consuming fruits and vegetables that are good for your kidneys is critical.

Check out the infographic below to learn about the 10 best kidney-friendly foods you can incorporate into your diet.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coffee good for kidneys?

Possibly. The risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and albuminuriaⁱ  A condition where excess albumin, a blood protein, is found in the urine. This is a sign of kidney disease. were significantly lower in individuals who drank coffee (22).

Is cucumber good for kidneys?

No. Cucumber is rich in oxalates that may lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones in kidneys (23).

Is ginger good for kidneys?

Yes. Researchers have found that ginger extract may help boost kidney function in rats with injured kidneys. Ginger helps by scavenging free radicals, reducing inflammation, and restoring kidney structure (24).

Illustration: Best Foods For A Healthy Kidney That Everyone Should Eat

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the key to a healthy kidney with a curated list of the best foods for optimal kidney function. Explore the essential dietary choices that benefit everyone in this enlightening video.

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Alexandra DusenberryMS, RDN

   

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