Learn what to eat more of and what to limit to support healthy kidneys.
(And thats without the need for cleanses or detoxes.)
Your kidneys work hard every day balancing fluid, minerals and salts in your body.
Jen Causey (Photographer), Rishon Hanners (Food Stylist), Julia Bayless (Prop Stylist)
Each kidney contains about a million nephrons, special filters that help remove waste from your blood.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top two causes of kidney disease, according to theNational Kidney Foundation.
And maintaining a kidney-friendly diet can help you do just that.
We know how vital nutrition is for kidney health.
Thankfully, we dont need to rely on bizarre detox drinks or unappetizing concoctions to support our kidneys.
Here are five foods to includeand five to avoidto give your hardworking kidneys a little bit of love.
Best Foods for Your Kidneys
1.
Foods that support healthy blood pressure also support healthy kidneys, and tart cherries are one of those foods.
Good blood pressure management is crucial for preventing kidney damage, Ruz says.
Tofu
If youre looking for plant-based protein to improve your kidney health, grab some tofu.
This doesnt mean you better give up meat.
But if youre looking to cut down a little on your meat intake, tofu can fit the bill.
Give this easyTofu and Broccoli Stir-Frya try.
Flaxseed
High blood sugar levels, over time, can cause kidney damage.
Thats why bang out 2 diabetes is linked to chronic kidney disease.
This fiber helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is crucial for kidney health, Ruz says.
Two tablespoons of ground flaxseed contain nearly 4 grams of fiber, according to theUSDA.
Sprinkle some into your smoothie or try ourBlueberry-Oat Scones with Flaxseeds.
Garlic
This allium is famous for itswellness benefits, and now we can add kidney health to the list.
Check out our collection of dozens ofHealthy Garlic Recipes.
Worst Foods for Your Kidneys
1.
Dark Sodas
Sodas, especially dark sodas like colas, are high in artificial phosphorus.
For maintaining kidney health, its wise to skip them.
It’s not uncommon for these meals to contain over 1,000 milligrams of sodium per serving.
TheNational Kidney Foundationrecommends that most individuals stick to a limit of 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
Those who have kidney disease or high blood pressure should cap sodium intake at 1,500 mg per day.
Fast Food
Fast foods are often high in saturated fat, sugar and caloriesand low in nutrition.
A kidney-friendly diet should primarily consist of a variety of fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins.
Despite its convenience, its advisable to limit fast-food consumption, she adds.
Ultra-processed Cheeses
Not all cheeses are created equal.
These are often labeled as cheese product.
Skip these in favor of natural cheeses, such as Swiss or Cheddar.
Too Much Meat
Protein is vital for cellular growth and repair.
But its possible to get too much.
Excessive consumption of animal protein can be strenuous on the kidneys.
Animal proteins produce a high level of acid in the blood, which the kidneys must work to eliminate.
Moderating meat intake is a considerate approach to maintaining kidney health, Ruz says.
