Posting Point
Very small organs found in the lower abdomen that play a vital role in the overall health of the body are known as kidneys. The number of functions that the kidney performs is commendable.
However, it is most of the efforts put in by the kidneys are most of the time neglected and questioned. But it all depends on the diet and nutrition that you feed to your body which makes the kidneys perform good or bad.
Karachi Kidney Specialist says that the foods that you consume do boost the performance and some also cause extreme stress which eventually results in damaging the kidneys. The major and the most vital function performed by the kidneys is the filtration of the waste from the blood and flushing it out of the body through the urine.
The balance maintained between the electrolytes and fluids is also maintained by the kidneys. The most important thing here to notice is that there is no helps taken by the kidneys in performing all of these functions. And this is the reason why a few conditions in the body do impact the kidneys like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.
Kidney-Friendly Foods
A diet plan can however change the whole game of kidney function. By keeping the kidneys safe there are lesser chances of the other organs getting affected as well. Here are some of the options that one can add to their diet to keep the kidneys healthy and safe.
There are some of the nutrients that you need to track to keep the kidneys safe and healthy by consuming food. These include,
- Protein
- Fat
- Calories
- Carbohydrates
To look after the portion size is also very important that should not be missed here. But the food options that can do wonders for you include,
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are just like the white ones but the only difference is the amount of fiber present in them. This amount of fiber which present is very easily broken down in the body and is easily absorbed afterward. Eventually, this works in the favor of the kidneys as the insulin levels are very rarely shot up with such high fiber intake.
The amount of potassium, minerals, and vitamins that are present in sweet potatoes can be very helpful in balancing out the sodium levels in the body which can then stop affecting the kidneys in a bad manner.
Fish
Fish like salmon, tuna, and any other fish belonging to cold water can be very beneficial to the kidneys when consumed. It is anyway beneficial to consume omega-3 fatty acids. It is very important to consume omega-3 fatty acids as these are not produced by the body itself.
Fatty Acids are meant to reduce the fat produced in the body and several studies claim that the use of fatty acids can help in lowering blood pressure which is a risk factor adding to kidney issues and damage later on.
Berries
The use f berries are said to be very beneficial for the overall health of the body. These can help greatly in reducing antioxidant compounds from the body. These berries include cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. The cells present in the body are protected by the consumption of thee berries which eventually keeps the kidneys healthy and improves their function.
Cranberries that have a tangy taste can protect you from suffering from serious bladder infections by helping the kidneys flush out all the antioxidants. It also protects the inflammation-causing bacteria to not sticking to the walls of the bladder. Cranberries also help greatly in reducing the chances of cancer as they help greatly in flushing out all the toxins of the body. Blueberries on the other hand are rich in phytonutrients and are full of natural compounds that are very helpful in the reduction of inflammation in the kidneys.
It should also be noted that in order to satisfy your sweet tooth it is very helpful if you consume berries instead of opting for unhealthy options.
Cabbage
Cabbage is one such vegetable that is capable of fighting chemicals and radicals in the body that can be highly damaging. Cabbage contains phytochemicals that fight against all the radicals present in the body. A lot of the phytochemicals are said to be helpful in curing cancer and cardiovascular issues.
It is highly rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K and is also a great source of vitamin B6 and folic acid. The best thing about cabbage is its low cost and low sodium content which is very suitable for kidney health and overall function.
People who are going through dialysis can consume cabbage in raw form as it can help greatly in healing the parts of the kidney that cause damage. It can be sued in steamed form, boiled form, or can serve as a side dish with a lot of meals. Make sure to make it a part of your diet when you are struggling with kidney issues.
Red Grapes
A number of flavonoids are present in red grapes that give them their red color. Flavonoids can help greatly in preventing the blood from clotting and eventually save you from all kinds of cardiovascular issues. It also prevents oxidation and reduces the chance of blood clot production.
A flavonoid present in the red grapes called resveratrol stimulates the production of nitric oxide which helps greatly in relaxing the muscle cells and enhances the blood flow. Flavonoids present in the red grapes are also been observed to be curing some types of cancers. They prevent all sorts of inflammation and swelling if occurs in the kidneys.
Conclusion
If your kidney health is under the radar these days or if you are thinking of taking care of the organ that is the most neglected, do try out all the above-mentioned foods. These foods are for everyone to be consumed even for those who have healthy kidneys. If there are still issues felt do give your nephrologist a visit.
