When it comes to maintaining a healthy kidney, what we eat matters! Nutritionists recommend a kidney-specific diet for dialysis patients. Many of these foods are delicious and nutritious, and contain low levels of potassium. Cabbage is an excellent example of a low-potassium, low-sodium food that is both inexpensive and filling. The uncooked variety is an excellent addition to a dialysis diet.
Low-sodium Mediterranean diet
A Mediterranean diet for kidney health consists of a high-fiber, low-sodium diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Instead of eating packaged foods high in sodium, you can prepare your own foods using a pressure cooker. Whole wheat pasta is an excellent option because it adds fiber while reducing sodium, phosphates, and added sugars. Frozen fruits and vegetables contain all the vitamins and nutrients that fresh produce does
Canned beans are inexpensive and contain the same amount of fiber as fresh.
A Mediterranean-style diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil. Research has shown that people who follow a Mediterranean-style diet have half the risk of developing chronic kidney disease and four times less of a risk of rapid decline in kidney function. Researchers studied 900 participants over a seven-year period. They rated the diets according to how closely they resembled the Mediterranean diet. People following the diet had a 17% lower risk of chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, this disease affects 20 million Americans.
Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
Eating lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables is essential for kidney health. Many of these foods are naturally low in potassium, but are still high in vitamin C and other nutrients. For example, pineapple is low in potassium but high in vitamin C, and it contains bromelain, a compound that reduces inflammation. Other foods that are high in antioxidants include shiitake mushrooms, a type of mushroom low in sodium and phosphorus.
Certain foods are beneficial for kidney health because they contain antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. These substances fight oxidation and neutralize harmful molecules in the body. Free radicals are the normal, but damaging, byproducts of energy production, infection fighting, and exposure to toxins. Free radicals can damage kidneys, and this is one reason why many people with chronic kidney disease take a renal vitamin supplement with 60-100 mg of vitamin C.
Fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids
A recent study examined the effects of marine n-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and plant-derived a-linolenic acid on kidney function. The results indicate that fish-rich diets can improve kidney function. These findings support the notion that kidney health is an important issue for consumers. However, there is more research needed before these benefits can be fully appreciated. The benefits of fish-rich diets must be explored carefully before taking up fish oil supplements.
Although fish-rich EPA and DHA are beneficial for the kidneys, there are some limitations to these studies. In particular, the results of randomized clinical trials are mixed. For example, omega-3 FA supplementation significantly increased GPx levels and decreased MDA levels. However, studies that have failed to show benefits for CKD patients are rare. Further, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation are limited to people who already have a kidney condition.
Apples
Besides being rich in potassium and other essential nutrients, apples are also loaded with antioxidants that fight inflammation and reduce oxidation in the body. This makes them especially beneficial for people with kidney disease who need to restrict potassium in their diet. A medium apple contains about 158 mg of potassium and nearly four grams of fiber. You can enjoy an apple as part of a meal or prepare an apple-infused beverage to drink.
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Read on to discover more about why apples are good for kidney health
Moreover, apples are high in fiber that can prevent blood glucose spikes and nourish the good bacteria in the gut. These properties can be helpful for those suffering from kidney disease and kidney failure. Another important reason why apples are good for kidney health is that they are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for optimal heart health. And because apple cider vinegar contains potassium and antioxidants, it is a great food for those suffering from kidney stones.
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Cauliflower rich in vitamin C
If you are looking for a way to improve your kidney health, consider eating cauliflower regularly. It’s packed with vitamin C, folates, and fiber and has powerful cleansing properties. In addition to aiding in the elimination of toxins, this vegetable is also high in antioxidants, which help maintain cellular health and fight against disease. In addition to improving kidney health, cauliflower has other benefits that make it an excellent choice for anyone suffering from chronic kidney disease.
Vitamin C in cauliflower helps the body absorb iron better and is associated with higher hemoglobin levels
It also helps prevent respiratory papillomatosis, a disease affecting the lungs, vocal cords, and bronchi. People who are suffering from this condition should limit their intake of salt and instead replace it with garlic. Garlic, meanwhile, is high in Vitamin C and is a healthy alternative to salt.
Sweet potatoes high in fiber
While sweet potatoes contain a lot of fiber, there are some potential side effects. Some people are allergic to the sweet potato, causing itching, itchiness, bloating, stomach cramps, and swelling. People who are prone to kidney stones should limit their intake because they contain oxalate, which can combine with calcium in the urine and form kidney stones. People with diabetes should limit their intake as well because sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates and can raise blood sugar levels.
Final Words:
One cup of cooked sweet potato provides 950 mg of potassium, which helps sweep excess sodium out of the body. This mineral also regulates blood pressure and muscle contractions. In fact, less than two percent of Americans meet their daily potassium intake requirement, which is 4,700 mg. But while sweet potatoes are high in fiber, there are other dietary factors that should be considered. People with kidney disease should limit their intake of sweet potatoes to three cups a day read more.
