Natural foods with kidney-friendly nutritional benefits are considered superfoods. There is no scientific definition of superfood yet but we believe any food that has a high amount of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins healthy for the kidneys.
Here are seven of the superfoods proven healthy for the kidneys:-
Blueberries
Blueberries are a packet full of antioxidants and a low-calorie source of vitamin C and fiber. With their potential to protect the body against various types of cancers and heart disease, they can also be consumed during kidney disease. You can have them fresh from the market, eat them raw, make a smoothie, or garnish them in Dalia or add to any cereal.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but this is also true that an apple a day boosts your kidney and heart function at the same time. The soluble fiber in apples can help lower cholesterol and glucose levels sincerely. The peel of an apple in itself is a source of antioxidants, especially quercetin. Fresh apples are also rich in vitamin C so use them raw and sprinkle some cinnamon along with q few drops of honey.
Strawberries
Strawberries are small in size but this small packet has a handful of benefits to offer. Consuming the delicious red strawberry can never be unhealthy for you as they are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. They are well known to protect your heart against the risk of stroke by being rich in fiber. Fiber is also good for boosting kidney function and when they are combined with anti-inflammatory properties, strawberries can be a great addition to your diet.
Red grapes
Red grapes are yet another superfood that can help you during chronic kidney disease. It is low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. The reddish color of the red grape is derived from flavonoids in them. It is the flavonoids that protect the heart against various types of oxidation and prevent red clots formation. In addition to this, Resveratrol, a type of flavonoid may trigger the production of nitric oxide which helps relax muscle cells to improve the blood flow. For consumption, you can also freeze them and consume as a snack to quench your thirst when on a fluid restricted diet during dialysis.
Red bell pepper
High in flavor and low in potassium is the quality of red bell pepper, but that is not the only reason they are best for the kidney. Its richness in terms of vitamin C, A, B6, folic acid, and fiber makes it an excellent superfood during kidney disease.
Kale
This glorious green vegetable is a member of the cabbage family. It is packed with vitamins A, C, and many other nutritional components. Kale is a source of carotenoids and flavonoids which makes it super healthy food to prevent cancer.
Kale also contains a high amount of vitamin K, so consult your doctor before adding them to your normal diet.
Foods to avoid by the kidney patients
There are several foods you should avoid if you want to improve kidney health or prevent damage.
Phosphorus-rich foods
Phosphorus can emphasize your kidneys to work with more pressure. As a CKD patient, your doctor would advise you to have a diet low in phosphorus. Make sure you avoid these phosphorus-rich foods
• meat
• fish
• dairy products
• most grains
• legumes
• nuts
Protein
Protein in the form of red meat can also be harmful to the kidneys. People who consume a lot of red meat are at a higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
Potassium
Potassium should also be consumed in moderation during kidney disease because of the inability of the kidneys in filtering them.
Sodium
Salt and sodium substitutes are also suggested to avoid by the renal patient.