Source: freepik.com
The risk of kidney damage increases with aging. Starting at the age of 40, the glomerular filtration rate, which is a parameter of the function of all organs, decreases by 1% per year. That is why we must take care of our kidneys to stay healthy until we are old.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs, the size not bigger than your hands. These organs are sophisticated units for the processing of a wide variety of substances and are tasked with keeping the blood clean and chemically balanced. The kidneys process blood and separate harmful substances and water. These two are an integral part of the urine that is retained in the bladder before being eliminated from the body.
Harmful substances in the blood are produced during the procession of various tissues, and they originate from the food we eat. The body takes in nutrients from the food, but these harmful substances are transported to the blood. Kidney function is very important as they remove these substances from the system. If the kidneys do not function properly, toxic substances build up in the blood and can harm your body.
People who have kidney disease problems should look after their diet. Salty, fried and fast foods are not the best choice for them as this type of food generally has a bad effect on the kidneys and their function. We were searching around and we found some healthy foods for people with kidney disease, and you should check it!
1 Cauliflower
Cauliflower is an ideal vegetable for people with chronic kidney disease. With the right preparation, cauliflower is a good substitute for rice and mashed potatoes. Cauliflower contains an abundance of nutrients without too much sodium, potassium or phosphorus.
For around 124 grams of cooked cauliflower, or easily said one cup, you will get 19 mg of sodium, 176 mg of potassium and 40 mg of phosphorus.
2 Blueberries
All kinds of berries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, as well as cherries, cherries, and red grapes, are an excellent source of many beneficial nutrients and antioxidant compounds. Ideal for kidneys. Blueberries are especially healthy because they prevent many diseases and do not contain a lot of sodium and phosphorus.
One cup or 148 grams of blueberries contains 1.5 mg of sodium, 114 mg of potassium and 18 mg of phosphorus.
3 Sea Bass
Seas Bass and other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can be a useful supplement to any diet because our body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is a good natural source of these healthy fats. Omega-3 can reduce blood fat and lower blood pressure. When you reduce high blood pressure, you also reduce the risk factor for kidney disease.
In 85 grams of cooked sea bass, there is 74mg of sodium, 279 mg of potassium and 211 mg of phosphorus.
4 Red Grapes
Red grapes are a great food if you have kidney disease. This fruit is rich in Vitamin C, contains anti-oxidants that regulate inflammation, blood sugar and protect skin from aging and harmful radiation. It also contains a lot of fluids that affect the hydration of your entire body. Phosphorus and sodium levels are very low in this fruit, so it is suitable for everyone.
One-half cup of red grapes contains 1.5 mg of sodium, 144 mg of potassium and 15 mg of phosphorus.
5 Egg Whites
Eggs are full of protein, but egg yolks have a high amount of phosphorus. People with chronic kidney disease can make omelets or scrambled eggs using only egg whites. Egg white has a very low phosphorus level but contains a lot of protein, which in this case is very good and recommended for consumption.
Two large egg whites contain 110 mg of sodium, 108 mg of potassium and 10 mg of phosphorus.
6 Garlic
Garlic is a great choice of spices for people with chronic kidney disease. It can be mixed with other foods that improve taste and reduces the need for extra salt. Besides, it contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and ingredients that prevent inflammation in the body.
Three cloves or 9 grams of garlic contain 1.5 mg of sodium, 36 mg of potassium and 14 mg of phosphorus.
7 Buckwheat
Buckwheat is highly nutritious, providing a good amount of B vitamins, magnesium, iron and fiber. It is also gluten-free grain and contains minor amounts of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Just because it is a gluten-free ingredient, you will not have to worry if you do not eat grains with gluten. This is why buckwheat could be the right choice for kidneys!
Half of a cup of buckwheat or 84 cooked grams contain 3.5 mg of sodium, 74 mg of potassium and 59 mg of phosphorus.
8 Olive Oil
Olive oil is the best choice of all oils because it contains high oleic acids, which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that can help reduce inflammation in the body. It is phosphorus-free and is good for cooking meals and as a healthy salad supplement or dressing.
28 grams of olive oil contains 0.6 mg of sodium, 0.3 mg of potassium and 0 mg of phosphorus.
9 Arugula
Green vegetables like spinach and kale are very healthy and tasty but contain large amounts of potassium. Arugula is a great alternative for these vegetables. It is rich in vitamin K, calcium, and nitrites that reduce blood pressure.
20 grams of raw arugula contain 6 mg of sodium, 74 mg of potassium and 10 mg of phosphorus.
10 Conclusion
The best way to find out what foods are good for you is to talk to your doctor. We have tried to bring you closer to the idea of foods that you should consume to keep your kidneys always healthy and functioning well. Doctors will put most people with chronic kidney disease on a specific diet to avoid the minerals that the kidneys process, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat delicious and healthy foods!