How And What Kind Of Food Affects Kidney Function

Few people think about how nutrition affects the functioning of the kidneys. Meanwhile, this is a very important organ in the human body, which directly depends on what we eat. For example, if there are problems with the kidneys, then coffee, spicy and fried foods, and salt should be limited in the diet.

There are foods that, on the contrary, have a good effect on kidney health. We are talking about, for example, sweet pepper, cauliflower. And this is only a part of those products that should be in the diet of people with pathologies. The full list is presented below.

How does diet affect kidney function?

The kidneys are one of the paired organs in the human body. They enter the urinary system, they have a vital function - cleansing the blood of toxins. The internal structure of the organs is very complex, they are literally penetrated by many blood vessels, the total length of which is more than 160 kilometers. More than 180 liters of blood per day pass through them through each kidney.

In addition, the kidneys coordinate the water balance, regulating the amount of fluid in the body, the magnitude of blood pressure depends on them (due to the production of renin by cells).

Quite often, people suffer from urolithiasis because they do not know how nutrition affects the functioning of the kidneys, or they have a genetic predisposition to this. A more serious disease can be inflammation of the parenchyma and pyelocaliceal system.

Any disease reduces the efficiency of the kidneys, develops intoxication, changes the water exchange in the body. Uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure (metabolic syndrome) damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function optimally. Edema appears, the work of the nervous system is disturbed, which leads to rapid fatigue, weakness, depression of consciousness. When the kidneys fail to do their job, waste accumulates in the blood, including from food.

In addition to drug therapy for kidney disease, a special diet plays a very important role. It must be observed by those who already have the disease, and those who have a history of severe heredity (pathological impairment of renal function in close relatives), as well as patients who already have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, systemic atherosclerosis, were hypothermia, cystitis.

9 foods good for the kidneys

1. Cauliflower

   The inflorescences of this cabbage are a real storehouse of vitamins A, K, B, C, which are responsible for the metabolism in nephrocytes that form the primary urine.

   Antioxidants, which are abundant in this vegetable, help neutralize aggressive free radicals, reducing the risk of disease of the epithelium of the renal tubules and the appearance of malignant neoplasms.

   Cauliflower has a very beneficial effect on the kidney tissue with anti-inflammatory compounds (for example, indoles), which are included in its composition in large quantities. Another plus is the high content of fiber, which normalizes the digestion process and reduces flatulence.

   Cauliflower is good in any form: raw, boiled, baked or mashed. By the way, a good analogue of potato.

   Regular consumption of this vegetable restores the functioning of the renal tubules and serves as a prevention of oncological manifestations.

2. Blueberry

    

   Many people know blueberries as a product that improves the quality of vision. Studies have shown that these berries also improve the functioning of the kidneys, participating in the dissolution and removal of sand and small stones (mainly oxalates) from them, which prevents the development of stone and kidney disease. for this study.

   In diabetes mellitus and hypertension, the renal tubules undergo atrophic changes, disrupting the normal functioning of the excretory system. According to scientists, anthocyanins (antioxidants) contained in blueberries protect them from such phenomena. Read more about the benefits of anthocyanins here.

   To all the positive qualities of blueberries, a low content of sodium in it is added - 1.5 g, potassium - 114 g and phosphorus - 18 g.

   The berry does not lose its properties even after heat treatment.

   Regular consumption of blueberries prevents the appearance of stones in the pyelocaliceal structure of the kidneys and the underlying parts of the urinary system.

1. Red grape varieties

   In addition to vitamin C, juicy fruits contain a large amount of flavonoids that can reduce inflammation. This property of red grapes is highly appreciated by patients with chronic pyelonephritis, who are well aware of how nutrition affects kidney function, so include it in your diet.

   Grapes not only normalize the metabolism in the kidney tissues, but also prevent the development of hypertension and diabetes.

   Grapes are eaten fresh.

   Red grape varieties contain: sodium - 1.5 g, potassium - 114 g and phosphorus - 18 g.

2. Olive oil

   Of all vegetable oils, olive oil has the most valuable properties. It has a lot of useful fatty acids, but almost no phosphorus.

   Recommended for use by people suffering from obesity and kidney disease.

   Oleic acid occupies the first place in terms of importance for humans. Scientists note its pronounced anti-inflammatory qualities, which is especially important for autoimmune abnormalities in the kidneys, for example, with glomerulonephritis.

   Therefore, olive oil is recommended to be included in the diet for diseases with impaired immune systems.

   In olive oil 1 tbsp. l. contains: sodium - 0.3 g, potassium - 0.1 g and phosphorus - 0 g.

3. Bell pepper

    

   The composition of sweet pepper includes a large amount of vitamins, but there is little potassium in it, which is very important for compiling a diet for nephrological diseases.

   One vegetable contains 105% of the daily value of vitamin C.

   The undoubted benefits of sweet peppers have been proven by scientific studies, which have shown that such an amount of essential vitamins reduces the risk of developing aseptic inflammatory processes in the wall of the renal tubules in atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus and improves immunity.

   Knowing what kind of food affects the functioning of the kidneys, and regularly eating sweet peppers, you can protect this organ from the manifestation of various pathologies.

   1 sweet pepper contains: sodium - 3 mg, potassium - 156 mg. and phosphorus - 14 mg.

4. Garlic

   The benefits of garlic are repeatedly mentioned both in scientific works and in folk recipes in the treatment of various diseases. Garlic, regularly included in the diet, prevents the development of diabetic kidney nephropathy. This very serious disease leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the excretory system, it is directly related to type II diabetes.

   Garlic contains: sodium - 1.5 mg, potassium - 36 mg. and phosphorus - 14 mg.

5. Arugula

   Unlike spinach, cabbage, and other green vegetables, arugula is very low in potassium.

   But it has a high level of vitamin K, other macro- and microelements (magnesium and zinc), which are necessary for stable mineral metabolism and keeping smooth kidney myocytes in good shape.

   In the works of scientists, there is evidence that the nitrates contained in arugula lower blood pressure.

   In case of malfunction of the urinary system, it is necessary to include arugula in the diet, since it has little potassium, but many other useful properties.

   1 cup of arugula contains: sodium - 6 mg, potassium - 74 mg. and phosphorus - 10 mg.

6. A pineapple

    

   With kidney problems, tropical fruits such as bananas, citrus fruits, kiwi are contraindicated, since the percentage of potassium in them is quite high.

   Recent studies have shown that pineapple fruits are rich in B vitamins, manganese, bromelain (a special enzyme that suppresses inflammatory tissue reactions).

   Therefore, pineapple should be included in the diet for already existing infectious and inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and for their prevention.

   Pineapple contains: sodium - 2 mg, potassium - 180 mg. and phosphorus - 13 mg.

7. Cranberry

   The antiseptic properties of cranberries have long been known. Its use in food brings a noticeable effect in the suppression of the vital activity of most gram-positive and some gram-negative microorganisms.

   Cranberries contain A-type proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract and bladder, thereby preventing infection (link to study). Therefore, cranberry juice is indicated for all nephrological patients.

   Cranberries contain: sodium - 2 mg, potassium - 80 mg. and phosphorus - 11 mg.

Foods to Avoid in Your Diet for Kidney Problems

In order not to overload the kidneys, when problems have already arisen, it is necessary to limit the intake of certain substances (or even completely abandon them). The list of harmful products is divided into separate groups:

• animal protein. Abnormal consumption of beef, pork, offal leads to an increase in the concentration of protein decomposition products in the blood. And these are very dangerous toxins for the epithelium of the renal tubules. Vegetable protein is more preferable for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease.

• Vinegar and spicy dishes, coffee, carbonated drinks. These products should not be carried away by anyone, and especially those who have already been diagnosed with impaired functions of the urinary system. Such food becomes an irritant for the mucous membrane, which can provoke trauma and the development of infectious and inflammatory processes.

• Alcoholic drinks. The action of ethanol destroys kidney cells and can lead to acute kidney failure. Dehydration, which occurs a few hours after drinking alcohol (due to the accumulation of water in the intercellular spaces), also disrupts the functioning of this organ.

Eating certain types of foods that are not included in the previous list also causes concern for doctors in case of kidney problems:

• mushrooms;

• legumes (peas, beans, lentils);

• spices;

• spinach;

• sorrel;

• rose hip.

6 Nutrition Tips to Maintain Kidney Health

Don't wait for your kidneys to fail. This vital organ can be saved and its functionality preserved if you study how nutrition affects kidney function and follow certain rules:

1. It is necessary to eat a variety of dishes, observing the qualitative and quantitative composition of food. The same foods that are eaten can lead to a malfunction of the immune system and the formation of stones. For example, the predominance of dairy products, cheese in the diet leads to the formation of calcium stones, and the abuse of meat dishes provokes the formation of purine stones.

2. Reduce your intake of animal proteins. They disrupt the work of epithelial cells in the renal tubules, which at the same time lose their ability to remove protein metabolism products from the body. Processing wastes accumulate in the blood, intoxication syndrome develops. Therefore, a low-protein diet reduces the rate of development of chronic kidney disease.

3. Complete cessation of smoking. There are studies confirming the connection of tobacco smoke with autoimmune diseases and chronic kidney disease.

4. Leading a healthy lifestyle. Sports, regular physical activity, walks in the forest or park are useful for everyone without exception. They strengthen the human immune system, increasing resistance to various infections.

5. As soon as pronounced symptoms of disturbances in the functioning of the urinary system appear (lower back pain, changes in the color and volume of urine, pain and pain during urination, etc.), it is urgent to consult a doctor. In the treatment of atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, all recommendations of specialists should be followed. Against the background of these diseases, the risk of impaired renal function increases.

6. Fractional nutrition. The diet should be divided into 5-6 parts and eat evenly throughout the day. Accordingly, the load on the kidneys will be distributed, which will help to avoid exacerbations and reduce the likelihood of serious nephrological diseases.

7. Water balance. The body of an adult is 60% water. Every organ, from the brain to the liver, requires water to function. As the body's filtration system, the kidneys require water to excrete urine. Urine is the main waste product that allows the body to get rid of unwanted or unnecessary substances. When water intake is low, urine volume is low. Low urine output can lead to kidney dysfunction, such as kidney stones. It is extremely important to drink enough water so that the kidneys can properly flush out any excess waste. This is especially important during a kidney cleanse. 30 ml. per 1 kg. weight.

The work of the kidneys directly depends on what lifestyle a person leads, how he eats. It is necessary to adhere to the recommendations of experts on the preparation of the right diet, play sports, and often be in the fresh air. In this case, the appearance of various kinds of renal pathologies, the formation of stones and malignant tumors can be avoided.

• Nettle

Nettle is a perennial herb that has long been used in traditional herbal medicine.

Nettle leaf contains beneficial compounds that may help reduce inflammation. It is also high in antioxidants that help protect the body and organs from oxidative stress.

• Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a gorgeous flowering shrub known for its lavender, pink, blue and white flowers.

Hydrangea extracts that are administered for three days have been found to have a protective effect against kidney damage. This is probably due to the antioxidant abilities of the plant.

• Sambong

Sambong is a tropical shrub found in countries such as the Philippines and India.

The researchers found that an extract of Blumea balsamifera added to calcium oxalate crystals reduced the size of the crystals. This can potentially prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Supportive Nutrient Supplements

• Vitamin B-6

It is an important cofactor in many metabolic reactions. B-6 is required for the metabolism of glyoxylate, which can become oxalate instead of glycine if B-6 is deficient.

As mentioned above, too much oxalate can lead to kidney stones.

• Omega 3

The standard American diet is often high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and low in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

High levels of omega-6 fatty acids can lead to kidney stones. Increasing omega-3s can naturally decrease omega-6 metabolism, with the best intake ratio being 1:1.

• potassium citrate

Potassium is a necessary element of electrolyte balance and pH balance of urine.

Potassium citrate therapy can potentially help reduce the formation of kidney stones, especially in people who experience recurring episodes. If you have other kidney problems, talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements.