If you are worried about high blood sugar, chances are, you should also be
concerned about the health of your kidneys. After all, diabetes is a leading contributor
to CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE, or CKD. In fact, 1 in 5 diabetics eventually require treatment
for DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY or kidney damage caused by long-term high blood sugar.
Chronic elevated glucose levels can damage blood vessel clusters in the kidneys,
which can lead to kidney damage. It can also cause high blood pressure,
which may lead to further kidney damage. But did you know that you can dramatically
change the fate of your kidneys by eating the right foods?
So, get ready to discover 7 incredible foods that can work to improve your blood pressure,
blood sugar, and your kidneys!
These are THE 7 BEST FOODS TO CLEANSE
YOUR KIDNEYS 7. POMEGRANATES
The delicious translucent redish-pink seeds of this fruit are low in calories,
but high in DIETARY FIBER, which can reduce constipation. This helps prevent waste build-up
and irritation in the urinary tract system, which works to minimize kidney damage.
Pomegranates are also an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, including PUNICALAGINS,
which have been shown to provide protection against oxidative stress to your kidneys.
Studies even show that regular intake of pomegranates can increase urine production,
which helps flush kidney-damaging toxins from the body.
And other research has found that regularly eating pomegranates or pomegranate extract can aid in
the regulation and concentration of oxalates, calcium, and phosphates in the blood. This helps
to reduce the risk of developing KIDNEY STONES! In fact, a recent study showed that participants
who suffered from recurring kidney stones had decreased formations of these painful
deposits after receiving 1000 milligrams of pomegranate extract for 90 days.
Meanwhile, pomegranates also contain diabetes-fighting antioxidant vitamins
and minerals, including: - VITAMINS B9 and C
- IRON - MAGNESIUM
- and POTASSIUM. Potassium, specifically,
has been shown to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease.
In fact, studies show that regular consumption of pomegranate juice and pomegranate extract
can each lower the risk of developing HYPERTENSION, or chronic high blood pressure.
And, in general, these nutrients have been found to reduce inflammation, further aiding
the health of your kidneys. 6. FATTY FISH (SALMON & MACKEREL)
Fatty fish, especially salmon and mackerel, are loaded with heart-healthy OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS,
which have been shown to reduce inflammation while improving kidney function.
Omega-3s work to lower harmful LDL cholesterol, at the same time increasing levels of beneficial
HDL cholesterol in the blood. This can work to reduce strain on the kidneys.
And if you don't know by know, fatty fish are considered to be one of the best sources of lean
protein on the planet. Protein not only helps to increase satiety and slow digestion, essentially
aiding your post-meal glucose levels ...it also increases muscle mass,
including the muscles around the kidneys, which can increase their efficiency over time.
Plus, salmon and mackerel are both packed with other essential nutrients which aid cardiovascular
and kidney health, including - multiple B VITAMINS
- VITAMIN D - POTASSIUM
-SELENIUM - and THIAMINE.
The B vitamins within fatty fish, including: FOLATE, NIACIN, RIBOFLAVIN, and THIAMINE,
have been found to aid kidney health while SELENIUM has been shown to promote
proper filtration within the kidneys. And POTASSIUM can work to improve blood
pressure regulation by controlling sodium retention in the kidneys.
Research also shows that eating salmon may help prevent the build-up of calcium
deposits in the kidneys, which reduces the risk of further kidney damage.
5. BERRIES Most any type of berry will
supply a huge assortment of kidney-aiding, diabetes-fighting nutrients, including:
-VITAMINS C, E, and K - IRON
- MANGANESE - PHOSPHORUS
- and POTASSIUM... ...which have been found to maintain
kidney health by reducing kidney-related oxidative stress and inflammation, while also and helping
to filter waste from the body. And, of course, all berries contain
high fiber content, which promotes healthy kidney function by reducing the amount
of sodium and fats in the blood stream. The dietary fiber in berries also helps you
avoid constipation, which can reduce the risk of renal complications associated with the kidneys,
such as urinary tract infections. Meanwhile, berries are well-known for their
DIURETIC PROPERTIES meaning that, thanks to their high water content, eating them will raise urine
production. This works to increase the removal of toxins from the body, which aids kidney health.
Plus, berries are also famous for their supply of antioxidants, including ANTHOCYANINS, which have
been linked to a decreased risk of chronic kidney disease. Anthocyanins have also been found to slow
the progression of kidney disease. Many berries are also a great source of
other antioxidant phytonutrients, including ELLAGIC ACID, GALLIC ACID, and QUERCETIN,
which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce swelling around the kidneys.
And, at the end of the day, multiple studies show that a variety of berries,
and even berry juices can help improve glucose control for type 2 diabetics, which can decrease
the risk of diabetic nephropathy. 4. CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES (BROCCOLI & CAULIFLOWER)
Cruciferous vegetables, or veggies which grow with four-petaled flowers, contain a wealth
of glucose-lowering, free radical-fighting, kidney-improving micronutrients, including:
- FOLATE - IRON
- MANGANESE - POTASSIUM
- PHOSPHORUS - plus VITAMINS A, C, and K.
Vitamin K is important to kidney health, as studies show that those who suffer
from chronic kidney disease are often deficient in this needed antioxidant.
Cruciferous vegetables are also recommened for their supply of
GLUCOSINOLATES anti-inflammatory antioxidant compounds which have been found to protect
against kidney-damaging free radicals. SULFORAPHANE, a glucosinolate found in broccoli
and cauliflower, provides anti-inflammatory benefits to the cardiovascular system while
helping to lower fasting blood sugar. It can also protect against oxidative damage
linked to kidney dysfunction. Plus, sulforaphane has been found
to improve renal health while relieving constipation a major plus for your kidneys.
Meanwhile, cruciferous veggies, especially broccoli and cauliflower, are also renowned
for their incredibly high fiber supply which further helps to prevent constipation.
Of course, fiber also reduces the risk of developing kidney stones while decreasing
LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels... ...which all improve kidney function.
So it's no wonder that multiple studies have shown regularly consuming cruciferous veggies
like broccoli and cauliflower can have a positive effect on biomarkers associated with kidney
health, including their ability to lower blood pressure while improving uric acid levels and
creatinine clearance rates. 3. RED BELL PEPPERS
There are many amazing benefits to be gained from red bell peppers, including their surprisingly
large supply of VITAMIN C which aids with post-meal blood sugar regulation. In fact,
a single red bell pepper may supply over 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
This essential antioxidant also improves immunity, which is of vital importance to
those suffering from kidney disease, as CKD has been found to weaken the immune system.
Bell peppers also give you other diabetes-fighting, kidney-aiding
nutrients, including: - VITAMINS A, E, and K
- CALCIUM - FOLATE
- LUTEIN - LYCOPENE
- PYRIDOXINE - and QUERCETIN.
The red pigment LYCOPENE is considered to be one of the most powerful antioxidant carotenoids,
and studies show it can reduce free radical damage to the kidneys.
In fact, a recent study found that it may have provide unique benefits
for hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure, due to its ability to
reduce lipid peroxidation, or the oxidation of fats in the body.
And red bell peppers are extremely high in the polyphenol pigment CAPSANTHIN,
another carotenoid which supplies antioxidant actions. Capsanthin has been found to decrease
inflammation, and may lower the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
The carotenoids within red bell peppers not only protect your kidneys from oxidative
stress, they also help to improve blood flow through the kidneys,
which increases oxygenation of kidney tissues. Plus, the water content of red bell pepper can
help to flush excess fluids out of your body, thus reducing strain on your kidneys.
What are the top 2 foods for your kidneys? They're just ahead.
But first, we want to give you 3 free gifts! Discover an entire world of diabetes-fighting
knowledge, tips, and tricks, with... - SUPERFOODS FOR DIABETICS
- EPISODE 1 of THAT DIABETES DOCUMENTARY - and our ground-breaking cookbook, SNACKS,
MEALS AND DESSERTS THAT LOWER BLOOD SUGAR! Grab each of these blood sugar-balancing tools...
FOR FREE... just click the link in the description below!
OK, let's get back to this list, with... 2. LEAFY GREENS (SPINACH & CABBAGE)
Leafy greens, especially spinach and cabbage, are usually near the top of most healthy food lists,
and they are considered to be among the best choices for fighting chronic kidney disease, as
they are chockful of antioxidant micronutrients, plus, naturally, a very high fiber content.
Typically, within most all leafy greens, you'll find:
- VITAMINS A, C, and K - CALCIUM
- IRON - MAGNESIUM
- NITRATES - and other
powerful antioxidants, including LUTEIN, KAEMPFEROL, QUERCETIN, and ZEAXANTHIN...
...which can all aid your health in a variety of manners.
Magnesium, specifically, has been found to protect against the progression of chronic kidney disease,
and it can also work to decrease other risk factors for heart disease and CKD, including
its ability to regulate blood pressure. Magnesium may also help to reduce
the risk of kidney stones. Iron helps to reduce the risk of ANEMIA, a
common complication of chronic kidney disease. Lutein is a carotenoid directly related to eye
health, and it has also been found to aid renal health,
due to its ability to decrease inflammation associated with chronic kidney disease.
Spinach is one of the best dietary sources of quercetin, a flavonoid pigment which can help
decrease inflammation in the kidneys. Plus, thanks to its supply of nitrates,
studies show that spinach is effective at lowering blood pressure.
And studies show regularly eating cabbage can decrease levels of ALBUMINURIA, a
signifier for early stages of CKD. What is our choice for the very best food to aid
your kidney health? Well, get a load of... 1. HEALTHY SPICES & HERBS (GARLIC,
GINGER, BASIL, & THYME) When it comes to protecting your kidneys,
you don't have to go big. Just a pinch of some of your favorite and most flavorful spices and herbs
can bring enormous benefits to all parts of your body, including your kidneys.
Garlic is considered to be one of the most nutrient-rich ingredients in the world, as it
contains high levels of antioxidants, including: VITAMINS B6 and C, MANGANESE, and SELENIUM
...which can help protect the kidneys from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Garlic is also rich in beneficial ORGANOSULFER COMPOUNDS, including ALLICIN,
which have been shown to lower elevated blood pressure, improve waste elimination processes,
and stimulate kidney function. Garlic has also been found to improve
blood flow to the kidneys, and regular consumption of garlic may help to prevent
urinary tract infections, which decreases the risk of damage to the renal system.
And, as yet another potent DIURETIC on today's list, garlic can work to reduce fluid retention
while flushing toxins from the kidneys. But don t forget about ginger,
basil, and even thyme! Ginger is also renowned for its
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Animal studies show that it can increase the
production of CREATININE and UREA NITROGEN two important markers for kidney health.
Ginger has also been found to stimulate urine flow, and just like garlic,
it can help to flush toxins out of the body before they cause kidney damage.
Basil also contains powerful antioxidants, including BETA-CAROTENE and LUTEIN,
which reduce kidney-damaging oxidative stress, and they can improve blood circulation in the kidneys
thus improving oxygenation of kidney cells. This herb is also rich in anti-inflammatory
minerals, including CALCIUM, IRON, and MAGNESIUM, which all help to maintain proper electrolyte
balance, thus aiding kidney function. Studies show that basil can work to lower
blood pressure levels associated with chronic kidney disease.
And thyme also contains beneficial anti-inflammatory compounds, including
ROSMARINIC ACID and THYMOL, which acts as an antiseptic and can fight bacteria. Studies suggest
thymol can reduce kidney inflammation while improving blood circulation in the kidneys.
So, if you want to improve your kidney health while also fighting diabetes, be sure to include
a bit of garlic, ginger, basil, or thyme in your next blood sugar balancing dish!
And now you know all about 7 amazing foods to help you cleanse your kidneys!
But what did you think of our choices? Do you have any other options to suggest?
Let our community know by commenting below! And before you head out, click the link below
for those 3 free gifts, and please give us a LIKE, and SUBSCRIBE to Diabetes Smarts! To
really show your appreciation for our channel, feel free to click the THANKS button.
Thank YOU for watching! We hope you're enjoying a happy, healthy, diabetes-fighting day!