Kidneys tend to be an organ in our bodies that we don’t pay much attention to, even though they do so much for us. Kidneys filter 120-150 quarts of blood to produce 1-2 quarts of urine a day just to rid our bodies of wastes and extra fluids. If you aren’t giving your kidneys the care they deserve, they can give you several issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart disease. Check out our list of the top 10 foods for your kidneys, and give them the love and attention they deserve!
- Water: This is easily the most important ingredient for overall health in not only your kidneys but throughout your entire body. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water a day, depending on your weight. Water flushes out toxins that can lead to kidney-related problems like infections or stones, and infect particles in your blood.
- Cranberries or unsweetened cranberry juice: The taste of cranberry juice may be bitter to your taste buds, but it’s worth it. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, another great source of flushing out toxins in your system. They’re also great sources of vitamin C, fiber, and very low in sugar. Research shows that cranberries can prevent ulcers and bacteria from developing in the kidneys, making them the ultimate urinary tract cleaners.
- Grapefruits: Grapefruits are another excellent source of Vitamin C, a vitamin crucial for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C also helps prevent bacteria developing in the body, and keeps it away from the kidneys. Have a grapefruit for breakfast with a bowl of oatmeal, another food full of vitamins.
- Kale: Another food with Vitamin C, kale helps prevent inflammation and protects the immune system as well. Kale also has a large amount of iron. Those that suffer from kidney disease need lots of iron in their diet because of the deficiency the disease brings on.
- Red bell peppers: Since red bell peppers are low in potassium, this is a great snack for those that suffer from kidney disease. Also full of Vitamins A and C, it has lots of folic acid and fiber. Eat red bell peppers raw to get all the nutrients out of them (they’re especially good mixed into a tuna or chicken salad!).
- Apples: They weren’t kidding when they said an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apples have been known to aid the body as a “natural cleanser”, cleaning your kidneys without causing too many trips to the bathroom. Studies have shown that apples can help prevent cancer with the help of the antioxidant quercetin.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are known for the Vitamin D they contain, an important mineral that has been proven to regulate kidney function and help prevent kidney disease. If eating mushrooms aren’t your forte, try eating them in a creamy soup or saute them with veggies.
- Cauliflower: Speaking of veggies, this is one that’s going to help aid in the cleansing of your kidneys. Cauliflower is high in Vitamin C and fiber, two nutrients that help your body fight off toxins and flush them out in your urine. Try eating your cauliflower steamed and seasoned for extra flavor while still getting all of the nutrients.
- Blueberries: Blueberries are high in antioxidants, working double duty as an anti-inflammatory food that will help regulate the process of ridding your body of toxins. They are also a good source of Vitamin C, perfect for keeping your immune system healthy and on track.
- Garlic: Despite the gross taste it leaves in your mouth, garlic has many health benefits. A spice that can make any food taste good, it also has great anti-inflammatory properties and has the ability to lower your cholesterol, keeping your blood flowing and kidneys working up to par.
