Hey there viewers!
Your kidneys may be small, but they are mighty.
These two, bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, are responsible for filtering
blood and removing waste and extra fluid from your body.
They also remove acid produced by the cells that maintain a healthy balance of water,
salts, and minerals.
Even though your kidneys are capable of detoxing
on their own, sometimes they may not be functioning
at their best.
This can cause fatigue, bloating, and trouble sleeping.
By making certain diet changes, you can help your kidney's natural detoxification process.
This means eating kidney friendly foods.
In today’s video, we will tell you the best and worst foods for a kidney cleanse.
From buckwheat, cabbage, olive oil, canned food to alcohol and more, watch till the end
to learn about all of them.
Foods that are good for your kidneys:
Red Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers are low in potassium and high in flavor, but that’s
not the only reason they’re perfect for the kidney diet.
These tasty vegetables are also an excellent source of vitamin C, A, and B6 plus folic
acid and fiber.
They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against certain cancers.
How often do you eat red bell peppers?
Tell us quickly down below in the comments section!
Cabbage: This cruciferous vegetable is packed full of phytochemicals, compounds that break
up free radicals before they can do damage.
Many phytochemicals are also known to protect against cancer, as well as foster cardiovascular
health.
High in vitamin K, C and fiber, cabbage is 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.
Onions: A member of the Allium family and a basic flavoring in many cooked dishes, onion
contains sulfur compounds that give it its signature smell.
But in addition to making some people cry, onions are also rich in flavonoids, especially
quercetin.
This is a powerful antioxidant that reduces heart disease and protects against many cancers.
Onions are low in potassium and a good source
of chromium, a mineral that helps with carbohydrates,
fat and protein metabolism.
Blueberries: These berries are packed with nutrients and are one of the best sources
of antioxidants you can eat.
In particular, blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which may protect against
heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline, and diabetes.
They also make a fantastic addition to a kidney-friendly
diet, as they are low in sodium, phosphorus,
and potassium.
Egg whites: Although egg yolks are very nutritious,
they contain high amounts of phosphorus, making
egg whites a better choice for people following a renal diet.
Egg whites provide a high quality, kidney-friendly source of protein.
Plus, they’re an excellent choice for people undergoing dialysis, who have higher protein
needs but need to limit phosphorus.
Buckwheat: Many whole grains tend to be high in phosphorus, but buckwheat is a healthy
exception.
Buckwheat is highly nutritious, providing a good amount of B vitamins, magnesium, iron,
and fiber.
It’s also a gluten-free grain, making buckwheat a good choice for people with celiac disease
or gluten intolerance.
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Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, beta-carotene, and numerous other
vitamins and minerals that support the kidneys.
They also are high in potassium.
Eating potassium-rich foods may help balance sodium levels in the body, reducing strain
on the kidneys.
Try replacing white potatoes with sweet potatoes when mashing or making french fries.
Olive oil: Olive oil is rich in polyphenols
and antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation
and oxidation.
Oleic acid is a compound in olive oil that has been found to reduce inflammation.
The monounsaturated fat in olive oil also protects cells against oxidation.
Make sure to buy extra virgin olive oil because it has the highest amount of antioxidants.
Also, look for dark glass bottles or tins, which prevent oil from oxidizing and going
rancid.
Skinless chicken: Although limited protein is necessary for some with kidney issues,
high quality protein is vital for health.
Skinless chicken breast contains less phosphorus, potassium, and sodium than skin-on chicken.
When shopping, choose fresh and avoid pre-made roasted chicken, as it contains large amounts
of sodium and phosphorus.
Mushrooms: Vitamin D is extremely important for those at risk of kidney disease because
it helps regulate kidney function.
While many people think of oranges and orange juice as ideal sources for vitamin D, mushrooms
are an excellent source as well.
While most mushrooms are chock-full of vitamin D, shiitake mushrooms have the most.
And did you know you can get even more vitamin D out of them if you store them correctly?
A recent study found that mushrooms dried upside down in direct sunlight had significantly
more vitamin D.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is effective in preventing oxidative stress of
the kidneys.
It increases the levels of antioxidants in the body, balances blood sugar and reduces
blood pressure.
It also contains citric acid which dissolves kidney stones.
Frequent intake of apple cider vinegar also flushes toxins from the kidneys.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is naturally acidic and increases citrate levels in urine.
This discourages the formation of kidney stones.
Lemon juice also filters blood and flushes out waste and other toxins.
Daily diluted lemon juice reduces the rate of kidney stone formation and dissolves calcium
oxalate crystals, which are the most common sources of kidney stones.
Combining lemon with olive oil ensures smooth passage of the stones.
Fatty Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which
may be beneficial for your health in a number of ways.
They are also an excellent source of protein that improves your heart health.
Omega-3 fats may reduce levels of fat in the blood as well as slightly lower blood pressure,
which is a risk factor for kidney disease.
Moving on, here are the foods that are bad for your kidneys:
Canned foods: Canned foods such as soups, vegetables, and beans are often purchased
because of their low cost and convenience.
However, most canned foods contain high amounts of sodium, as salt is added as a preservative
to increase shelf life.
Due to the amount of sodium, it’s often recommended that people with kidney disease
avoid or limit their consumption.
Choosing lower sodium varieties or those labeled “no salt added” is typically best.
Additionally, draining and rinsing canned foods, such as canned beans and tuna, can
decrease the sodium content by 33–80%, depending on the product.
High Protein Foods: Animal products, like
red meat, poultry, fish and eggs are higher-protein
foods.
You do need protein to help build muscle and repair tissue, but protein also leaves behind
waste that your body must eliminate.
It’s the kidneys’ job to do this and too much protein in your diet makes your kidneys
work harder and could speed up kidney damage.
But since some protein is still essential, you can get it from fruits and vegetables,
along with low-sodium breads, rice and pasta.
Caffeine: Caffeine found in coffee, tea, soda, and food can also place a strain on your kidneys.
It is a stimulant, which can increase blood flow, blood pressure and stress the kidneys.
Excessive caffeine intake has also been linked to kidney stones.
While excess caffeine can be bad for your kidneys, drinking it in moderation can actually
have a wide range of health benefits.
Learn more of what we are talking about by watching “Drinking Coffee Every Day Does
This To Your Body!”
Now, back to Best and Worst Foods for Kidney cleanse
Fruits and vegetables high in Potassium: Potassium puts stress on your kidneys, so it must be
limited in a kidney friendly diet.
Many fruits are high in potassium, such as melons, bananas, oranges, prunes and tomatoes.
The mineral is also higher in dairy products, avocados, bran, beans, lentils and nuts.
You may be surprised to learn that dark-colored sodas are higher in potassium, as are fruit
punches and bottled iced tea.
Lower-potassium foods include apples, grapes, strawberries, cauliflower, white bread, pita,
chicken and white rice.
Alcohol: Most people know alcohol can affect your liver, but did you know it also can affect
your kidneys?
Researchers have found if your liver is compromised
or injured, your kidneys can become more damaged
as they try to compensate for the injured liver when you drink alcohol.
Alcohol is also dehydrating and this can affect how well your kidneys filter out toxins.
In addition, high blood pressure is damaging to the kidneys and too much alcohol can raise
blood pressure.
Foods with Phosphorus: Phosphorus helps your body form bones and teeth.
It also helps your body use carbohydrates and fats.
But it is restricted if you’re following a diet for stage 4 kidney disease.
Foods to avoid include dairy products, chocolate, seasoned and processed foods, baking powder,
whole-grain breads, bran cereal and oatmeal.
You should also avoid nuts, sunflower seeds, and dark-colored colas.
Foods with lower amounts of phosphorus include corn or rice cereals, popcorn without salt,
sourdough bread, French or Italian breads, lemonade, and some sodas that aren’t dark
in color.
High Sodium Foods: Salt, or sodium, is a common additive, particularly in processed foods.
However, salt plays an important role in how much fluid your body holds.
Too much fluid affects your blood pressure and can cause heart and lung disease.
Healthy kidneys usually help maintain the right fluid balance, but if you have kidney
disease, this may not be the case.
So, avoid high-sodium products like soy sauce and processed food.
Choose low-sodium options and when cooking at home, try using spices and herbs for flavor,
rather than adding salt.
And leave the salt shaker off the table—it’s less tempting that way.
While these foods can cleanse your kidneys, it is very important to recognize the signs
when your kidneys are not functioning properly.
Learn more of what we are talking about by watching:
12 Signs That Your Kidneys Need Help
Or
Kidney Stones Warning Signs & Symptoms | What Causes Kidney Stones?
So go ahead and watch either one or both the videos if you want to stop kidney disease
in its tracks.
What’s your favourite kidney friendly food from our list?
Let us know in the comments section below!