13 Foods your Kidney Need. No 12 is very important
The kidneys are very delicate organs which filter the blood 24/7 over the course of a lifetime. It is important to eat foods that will clean them and keep them healthy from time to time. The foods listed below will not only clean the kidneys but keep them healthy. Read more below;
Apples
An apple a day really does help keep the doctor away! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, apples help reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and decrease your risk of cancer.
Renal-friendly apples can be eaten raw or cooked. Or get their health benefits by drinking apple juice or cider.
Cabbage
A cruciferous vegetable, cabbage is packed full of phytochemicals, chemical compounds in fruit or vegetables that break up free radicals before they can do damage. Many phytochemicals are also known to protect against and fight cancer, as well as foster cardiovascular health.
High in vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, cabbage is also a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Low in potassium and low in cost, it’s an affordable addition to the kidney diet.
Raw cabbage makes a great addition to the dialysis diet as coleslaw or topping for fish tacos. You can steam, microwave or boil it, add butter or cream cheese plus pepper or caraway seeds and serve it as a side dish. Cabbage Rolls Made with Turkey are a great appetizer, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can stuff a cabbage with ground meat and bake it for a flavorful meal bursting with nutrients.
Blueberries
Ranked #1 among fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables in antioxidant power, blueberries are a low calorie source of fiber and Vitamin C. They are being studied for their potential to protect against cancer and heart disease and for possible brain health benefits. You can find fresh berries in season at farmers’ markets or your local supermarket. In the off-season, frozen berries are a good substitute. Eat them raw, mix them in a fruit smoothie or add them to cereal.
Garlic
Garlic is good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It also has antioxidant and anti-clotting properties. (Cooking garlic will not affect its antioxidant properties, but it will reduce its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory effects.)
If you’re following the dialysis diet, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt to add extra flavor to your meals without adding extra sodium. Garlic can be used in cooking many dishes: meat, vegetables or tomato sauce, for instance. Once you start cooking with garlic, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.
Fish High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients our body cannot make, so we must get them through the foods we eat. They have many important functions in the body including controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain. Omega 3’s have been shown to decrease risk of abnormal heartbeats, decrease triglyceride levels and slightly lower blood pressure. They are being looked at for their potential benefits for conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases. Salmon is a favorite “go-to” source of omega–3 fatty acids, but you can also consider mackerel, albacore tuna, herring and sardines.
Kale
This glorious green is packed with Vitamins A and C, calcium and many other important minerals. Kale is also a serious source of carotenoids and flavonoids, which translates to super eye health and anti-cancer benefits. Kale contains significant sources of Vitamin K. People taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, should speak to their health care provider before consuming any foods high in Vitamin K. Its peak season is winter, which makes kale a great choice during a season with fewer fresh veggie choices. Replace those unhealthy potato chips in your pantry with baked kale chips. Simply slice, drizzle with olive oil and bake!