Foods Useful For The Kidneys: TOP-25 For Good Health

The liver, kidneys, skin and lymphatic system are tirelessly engaged in cleansing the body of a variety of toxins.

When the detoxification mechanisms work healthy, there are not a lot of unnecessary compounds left in the body, which contributes to good health. Certain lifestyle changes, characteristic of the modern world, have led to a significant increase in the toxic load on the body.

Fortunately, it is possible to increase the effectiveness and speed of detoxification through a healthier lifestyle and diet.

Main causes of kidney disease

Before listing the foods that are good for the kidneys, let's discuss the functions of this organ and its importance for our body.

Detoxification consists of a number of steps. The toxin molecule that enters the body is almost always first directed to the liver, the main organ of metabolic detoxification. Once processed by the liver, the toxin is transported to the kidneys for further elimination from the body.

In simple terms, the kidneys are a kind of filter that cleanses the blood of harmful substances. Each kidney (this is a paired organ) has a complex structure, its constituent elements are somehow connected with blood: in total, there are more than 160 km of blood vessels in the kidneys. The organ is located on the back wall of the abdominal cavity, in the upper part of the lumbar zone.

Some interesting facts:

• The right kidney is below the left. Normally, a person should have two kidneys. In shape, they resemble huge beans.

• More than 180 liters of blood enter the kidneys daily. The organ cleanses it of toxins, some of them are excreted in the urine through the pelvis of the kidney (excretory element).

• The kidneys store the volume of fluid necessary for the functioning of the whole body.

• The hormone renin, responsible for blood pressure and blood purification, is produced in the kidneys.

• The kidneys are responsible for the synthesis of vitamin D.

Any failure in the blood purification system will lead to intoxication: harmful substances and excess water and products will begin to accumulate in the circulatory system, poisoning the body. The first signs: swelling of the legs and arms, general fatigue and drowsiness indicate the development of uremia. If timely action is not taken, the disease can end tragically.

If the urine contains more crystal-forming substances than can be completely dissolved in it, stones can form in the kidneys (the so-called urolithiasis). They enter the ureters, where they can get stuck, causing excruciating pain. Kidney stones are very common. They are observed in approximately 10% of the world's population.

‌‌Urolithiasis symptoms:

If kidney stones have formed, the associated symptoms usually come on quickly and may pass just as quickly. There may be stitching pain in the side, which spreads from the middle of the back to the groin and into the lower abdomen. Symptoms also include nausea, vomiting, and difficulty getting into a comfortable position. In addition, there may be blood in the urine or its darkening.

Risk factors for kidney stones:

• Chronic dehydration, insufficient water intake (leads to increased levels of calcium and uric acid, the formation of struvite-type stones).

• Eating a lot of salt (may lead to the formation of calcium stones).

• Diet rich in animal proteins (fraught with the formation of uric acid stones).

• Chronic diarrhea (risk of calcium stones).

• Obesity (risk of calcium and uric acid stones)

• Family history of urolithiasis.

Harmful foods for the kidneys

1. Foods high in sodium include:

   • Canned meat.

   • Frozen food.

   • Canned beans.

   • Packaged food.

   • Salad dressing.

   • Ketchup and adjika.

   • Pickles.

   • Ready-to-eat products.

   • Bread.

   • Broths.

   Why?

   A diet high in sodium over a long period of time causes the kidneys and their cells to enlarge.

   It also leads to fibrosis of the kidneys, which causes hardening of the kidneys, loss of kidney function, which ultimately contributes to the development of kidney failure.

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   Excess sodium intake reduces the ability of the kidneys to filter waste products.

   In addition, foods high in sodium can blunt the effects of medications that reduce symptoms of hypertension. This leads to high blood pressure, which further damages the kidneys.

   Studies have shown that sodium restriction plays a huge role in preventing kidney damage.

    

2. Drinks containing sugar

   Drinking drinks high in sugar increases the risk of obesity. All we get from sugar is "calories", no nutrients.

   One study found that drinking 2 or more sugary soft drinks a day was associated with a rapid decline in kidney function.

   Sugar reduces the glomerular filtration rate, which is an important indicator of kidney function. In this regard, the ability of the kidneys to remove unnecessary substances from the body decreases.

    

   In addition, carbonated drinks are also associated with the formation of kidney stones. Phosphoric acid is added to such drinks, which causes changes in the urine that contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

   So it's best to limit your intake of sodas and diet colas. White or refined sugar should be replaced with low glycemic organic honey or organic coconut sugar.

    

3. Foods high in protein

   Eating red meat daily for years can increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease, a study found. While consumption of white or lean meat and dairy proteins does not seem to have this effect, vegetable proteins may be kidney protective.

   Foods high in protein can add stress to the kidneys as they need to work harder to clear protein metabolites from the body.

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   A large amount of calories from protein foods can lead to kidney damage and an increase in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). And this, in turn, will lead to the removal of important nutrients needed by the body.

   Therefore, it is best to eat a combination of lean meat protein, dairy and vegetable proteins. Animal proteins can damage the kidneys, increasing their workload.

   Healthy protein is found in foods such as:

   • String and legumes.

   • Soy and soy products such as tofu.

   • Low-fat milk and dairy products.

   • Eggs.

   • Chicken and turkey.

   • Fish and shellfish.

   • Nuts and oilseeds.

   • Eating a lot of fatty foods.

    

4. harmful fatty foods

   It is well known that eating unhealthy fatty foods affects the functioning of the heart, in addition, this fat can damage the kidneys.

   Studies have shown that hyperlipidemia is associated with progressive renal failure. So, dietary fats affect the structure and function of the kidneys.

   The glomerulus is the part of the kidney that filters the blood to form urine. Eating foods rich in saturated fat reduces the number and size of glomeruli. This prevents blood filtration, which leads to the accumulation of toxic substances in it. It can be life threatening.

   In addition, a high intake of saturated fat causes albuminuria, which is an excess of protein in the urine. A healthy kidney does not pass proteins from the blood into the urine. But damage to the kidneys by saturated fat leads to the loss of proteins in the urine.

   Sources of saturated fats are:

   • Salo.

   • Beef.

   • Pork.

   • Processed meat.

   • Palm oil.

   • Whole milk.

   • Butter.

   • Cream.

   • Cakes, pastries and other bakery products.

   It is worth consuming foods such as milk, butter and creams in moderation. The products listed above should be discarded or at least reduced in their consumption.

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   Every day, the kidneys filter about 180 liters of blood, so it is important to follow the rules of nutrition to make it easier for the filter to work:

   • the diet should be varied, since any mono-diet adversely affects the kidneys, their functioning;

   • food should be eaten often, in small portions;

   • be sure to drink at least 2 liters of pure water per day;

   • limit the use of coffee, carbonated drinks, and strong tea.

   If the diet contains products from the list below, then the natural filter will work for a long time, and most importantly, effectively.

    

TOP 25 Foods for Good Kidney Health

1. Cauliflower

   The presence of antioxidants that neutralize radicals makes the product useful for the kidneys, and the risk of developing neoplasms and destruction of the tubular epithelium is reduced.

    

2. bell pepper

   Peppers are low in potassium, but rich in vitamins C and A.

    

3. Garlic and onion

   Protection of cells with tissues from exposure to toxic compounds, stimulation of the immune system, purification of blood from harmful cholesterol fractions.

    

    

4. Arugula

   Replacement for leafy vegetables (spinach, sorrel, white cabbage), which contain a lot of potassium. Recommended product for kidney health as it contains vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, calcium.

    

5. Blueberry

   Blueberries contain anthocyanins, which protect the tubules from atrophy, other changes in diabetes, and hypertension. The fruits are low in potassium, phosphorus and sodium.

    

1. Cranberry

   Mitigation of symptoms in cystitis and a decrease in swelling due to a slight diuretic effect, the proportion of oxalates in the urine decreases, their excretion in the urine decreases, which helps to prevent sand and stones.

    

2. Red grapes

   The antioxidant resveratrol in fruits is used to strengthen cells in the kidneys, and also normalizes metabolic processes.

    

3. Olive oil

   Oleic acid provides protection to the kidneys from autoimmune changes. Vitamins E and K are useful for urinary excretion organs. There is little in the composition of potassium and phosphorus.

    

4. Bran

   They will help fight diabetes and high blood pressure, during which the urinary organs often turn on, a product is needed for kidney health, as the composition contains vitamins E, A, K and group B, antioxidants, iron.

    

5. Fatty fish

   Stopping inflammatory foci and getting rid of harmful forms of cholesterol, destroying the action of free radicals, the kidneys receive useful Omega-3 acids, which can slow down the course of many diseases of the genitourinary system.

    

    

6. Watermelon

   This berry has a diuretic effect, successfully clears bacterial and viral infections. In addition, watermelon and melon contain serotonin, or the "hormone of happiness."

    

7. A decoction of oats

   A properly prepared decoction of oats is an excellent cleansing product for the kidneys. The decoction stimulates the excretion of salts, strengthens blood vessels.

    

8. Birch sap without sugar

   First of all, it is an excellent diuretic.

    

1. Plums and apples

   Natural antioxidants with a high level of effectiveness.

    

2. Parsley, dill and green onions

   These foods are rich in ascorbic acid, which is responsible for normal blood clotting.

    

3. Grapefruit

   Grapefruits contain a huge amount of vitamin C, which not only supports the body, strengthens the human immune system.

    

4. Cabbage

   In people who have diseased kidneys, there is a lack of iron in the body. In this case, ordinary cabbage comes to the rescue.

    

5. Mushrooms

   They are rich in vitamin D, which is involved in the regulatory functions of the kidneys and helps to reduce the likelihood of disease.

    

    

6. Ginger

   Ginger root helps protect the kidneys from free radical damage.

    

7. Turmeric

   Turmeric is used to treat kidney inflammation and fight infections that affect the urinary tract.

    

8. Nuts and seeds

   Nuts and seeds contain magnesium, which prevents kidney stones. Most magnesium in cashews, almonds, pine nuts and walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, flax seeds and sesame seeds.

    

9. Pumpkin

   Pumpkin has a very high content of vitamin A and magnesium, which is indispensable for the kidneys. It is useful to regularly consume not only the pulp of the pumpkin, but also the seeds. In order to prevent kidney disease, pumpkin seed oil can be added to salads and sauces.

    

1. Sweet potato (yam)

   Contains vitamins and minerals (such as potassium) that help the kidneys balance sodium levels in the body.

    

2. Cherry

   Rich in pectin and contains chlorogenic acid, which normalizes the functioning of the kidneys.

    

3. Celery

   It is an excellent diuretic, activates the kidneys, and it helps with problems such as gout, kidney stones and kidney failure, helps to remove toxins that accumulate in the body.

    

Signs of kidney problems. When is a kidney cleanse needed?

If you're experiencing any of these signs, it might be time to give your kidneys and the rest of your body more attention:

1. You have high blood pressure

   According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, there is a relationship between high blood pressure and poor kidney function. In particular, when you have high blood pressure, you are at an increased risk of damage to the blood vessels in your kidneys, preventing them from working properly.

    

2. you hold water

   When your kidneys are overworked and not working, you can retain water, especially in your feet and ankles. The accumulation of fluid in these areas usually results in swelling.

    

    

3. You feel more tired than usual

   In addition to being extremely tired, you may also find it difficult to concentrate and notice a drop in energy levels.

   Other signs that may indicate a potential kidney problem include trouble sleeping, dry and itchy skin, a need to urinate more often, and poor appetite.

    

How to cleanse the kidneys folk remedies

There is an opinion that by eating a large watermelon, you can clean the kidneys. We do not doubt the diuretic properties of watermelon, but we remind you that any process of cleansing the body must be carried out systemically.

So, if you decide to cleanse the kidneys at home, you need to prepare the body three days before the procedure. First, stop smoking, alcohol, spicy, sweet, fatty and salty. The menu these days should be as light as possible: vegetable salads, boiled fish, cereals on the water, fruits.

Secondly, you need to drink plenty of fluids. Drinks include water, freshly squeezed juice, green tea, unsweetened dried fruit compote.

Thirdly, meals and drinks should be regular. It is best to use fractional meals, dividing the daily ration into 5-6 servings. The last meal should be 3-4 hours before bedtime.

After preparation, you can apply one of the proven folk cleaning methods:

• Watermelon. Watermelon pulp is eaten from 4 to 8 pm. No other food can be taken at this time. After taking watermelon, you need to take a moderately hot bath. This stimulates the urinary system and promotes a gentle removal of toxins.

• Rosehip infusion. Dry fruits (6 tablespoons) are ground in a blender, placed in a thermos and poured with two cups of boiling water. The infusion is prepared for 12 hours. In the morning, on an empty stomach, drink one glass, and the second - at night, before going to bed. The course is carried out for 14 days.

• Lingonberries and cranberries. These berries are natural antibiotics, have a slight diuretic effect. Divide three kilograms of fresh berries into portions for a course lasting 15 days. Eat 200 grams daily and get a vitamin boost in combination with clean kidneys.

Of course, during the course it is necessary to limit the use of fried, salty, sweet.

To improve kidney health, also focus on the following good habits: proper water regimen, including foods that are good for the kidneys in the diet.

A review of studies published in the journal Nutrients found that in people with chronic kidney disease, dietary changes can help protect the kidneys from further damage.

In particular, numerous studies show that eating a diet rich in fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (Mediterranean diet). With that in mind, here are some specific foods to include in your kidney cleanse diet.

Kidney cleanse products

• Apples

• Blueberry

• Cranberry

• juniper berries

• Strawberry

• Red grapes

• Cherry

• Cabbage

• sweet potato

• Spinach

• Chard

• Cauliflower

• Onion

• Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines.

• Clean and lean meat in limited quantities

• Hypoallergenic Protein Powder

• cilantro

• Parsley

• egg whites

• Olive oil

Kidney Recovery Products

• Greens (spinach, parsley, etc.)

• Fish

• Carrot, pumpkin

• Legumes (peas, chickpeas, beans)

• Pomegranate, apples and other kidney-friendly fruits

• Rye bread

Is water good for kidneys

The kidneys filter an average of 180 liters of fluid daily. Of these, about 2 liters are excreted from the body with urine, the remaining 178 liters are restored into the bloodstream.

If the kidneys do not function properly, then excess fluid can accumulate in the body and diseases of various organs, including the kidneys themselves, can occur. Chronic diseases of this organ can lead to kidney failure. Sometimes these disorders lead to the need for dialysis or even a kidney transplant.

So, water is necessary for the normal functioning of all cells in the human body. It also regulates body temperature and is involved in the digestive process.

Although some of the fluid needed by the body comes from foods with a high water content (soups, vegetables, fruits), a person gets most of it through drinking water and other drinks. Normally, water is excreted through the skin, with urine and during respiration.

The recommended daily amount of water varies depending on the physiological characteristics of each person.

1. Water consumption rate: 25-30 ml per day per 1 kg of body weight.

2. Water quality indicators:

   • Chemical composition: good water should enrich our body with minerals: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, manganese, iron, chlorine.

   • Water pH is a pH indicator that reflects the concentration of free hydrogen ions in water and shows the degree of acidity and alkalinity of water.

   • The ideal pH of water is 7.5-8.0.

    

Water deficiency symptoms:

• Deterioration of kidney function (stone formation).

• Edema.

• Bile congestion (dry skin, easy bruising, cracked heels).

• Puffiness of the eyes in the morning (difficulty opening the eyes).

• Heaviness in the legs.

• Creaking in the joints.

• Dryness in the throat.

• Nasal congestion (especially in the morning).

• Desire to drink after eating.

• Dry stool.

Scientists also pay attention to such a problem as dehydration, which is characterized by the loss of water in more quantities than the body receives. This can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. In severe cases, dehydration can also lead to kidney failure.

To increase your daily fluid intake, always have a bottle of non-carbonated drinking water with you, and you can also add lime or lemon juice to it to improve the taste.

Kidney Diet Example

Subtleties of the "kidney" diet:

• Meat and fish dishes are best cooked in boiled form, and then baked or fried.

• It is advisable to take food 4-6 times a day.

• All food is prepared practically without table salt.

• In renal insufficiency, no more than 2-3 g of salt per day is recommended, but patients with high blood pressure should prepare food without salt at all.

• The volume of fluid per day should not exceed 0.8–1 liter.

The diet for kidney failure involves not only the usual restrictions on spicy foods, spices and alcohol, but also limiting the amount of protein in food, since toxins are formed from it, which should neutralize the kidneys. A decrease in protein in the diet leads to an improvement in well-being.

Also, those who follow the therapeutic diet number 7 should be completely excluded from the diet:

• meat, fish and mushroom broths, bean broths;

• fatty meats and poultry, fried and stewed dishes without boiling, sausages;

• sausages, smoked products, canned food;

• salted and smoked fish, caviar, canned food;

• cheeses, legumes in any form and chocolate;

• radishes, radishes, sorrel, spinach, salted,

• pickled and pickled vegetables;

• spicy and fatty snacks, canned food, smoked meats, caviar, meat are prohibited;

• fish and mushroom sauces, pepper, mustard and horseradish;

• strong coffee, cocoa and sodium-rich mineral waters are contraindicated from drinks.

List of allowed products:

• Salt-free bread, pancakes, pancakes with yeast and without salt.

• Vegetarian soups with vegetables, cereals, potatoes, fruit soups and limited dairy. Soups can be seasoned with butter, sour cream, dill, parsley, citric acid, vinegar, onions after boiling and sautéing.

• Meat can be lean beef, veal, trimmed pork, lamb, rabbit, chicken, turkey, boiled tongue. The meat is boiled or baked, served in a piece or chopped.

• Low-fat varieties of fish are allowed in boiled form, followed by light frying or baking, in pieces and chopped, stuffed or aspic after boiling.

• From dairy products, you can milk, cream, sour cream, sour-milk drinks, cottage cheese and cottage cheese dishes with carrots, apples, rice.

• Eggs are not prohibited, so yolks are allowed, added to dishes, or you can eat up to 2 eggs per day, cooked soft-boiled or in the form of an omelet, but only if the amount of meat, fish or cottage cheese in the daily diet is reduced.

   

• You can use various cereals (rice, corn, barley) and pasta in any preparation.

• Potatoes and vegetables are allowed in any culinary treatment, vinaigrettes without pickles, salads from fresh vegetables and fruits.

• You can use fruits and berries, both raw and boiled.

• From sweets, jelly, jelly, honey, jam, sweets, fruit ice cream are allowed.

• When cooking, you can use vanillin, cinnamon, citric acid, vinegar.

• Tomato, milk, sour cream sauces, fruit and vegetable sweet and sour sauces are allowed.

• You can drink tea, weak coffee, fruit and vegetable juices, rosehip broth.

To at least slightly smooth out the lack of salt, you can use spices: coriander, a mixture of peppers (a little), herbs, cumin, and so on.

Salt can also be replaced with chopped seaweed, it is brackish in itself. Ground sea kale can be bought at a pharmacy. Unground, requiring soaking, is sold in grocery departments.

Breakfast. Oatmeal / buckwheat. Boiled egg. Chicory or herbal tea.

Lunch. Smoothie with low-fat yogurt, banana and kiwi.

Dinner. Soup on the water with zucchini, broccoli, carrots.

On the second - boiled cod with pumpkin puree. Grated boiled beets with prunes or cucumber salad.

afternoon tea. baked apple.

Dinner. Carrot-apple baked meatballs, herbal tea.

For cooking you will need:

• 200 g shrimp boiled in unsalted water;

• 1 green apple;

• 2 boiled potato tubers;

• 1 small fresh cucumber;

• 1 spoon of olive oil.

The apple is cut into small cubes, the potato and cucumber - finely. Mix the ingredients, season with oil. At the end, boiled shrimp are laid out around the perimeter of the salad.

A holistic approach to changing diet and physical activity can reduce the risk of kidney disease and stone formation.

• Drink your water intake.

• Limit your salt and sugar intake.

• Limit your protein intake.

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

• Limit your intake of oxalate-rich foods.

• If you have had calcium oxalate stones, you may want to limit your intake of foods high in oxalate (beans, berries, nuts, soy, sweet potatoes, wheat bran, and dark green vegetables like spinach).