10 Superfoods for Healthy Kidneys

A healthy kidney is as important as a healthy heart. Kidneys filter out the waste and extra water, and remove harmful toxins from the body in the form of urine. In addition, kidneys help maintain a balance of electrolytes and other fluids in your body.

Kidney problems can cause difficulty urinating, puffiness around the eyes, and swollen feet and hands. A person who has kidney problems is also at higher risk of developing heart disease.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 26 million adults in America suffer from some kind of kidney disease.

Eating the right foods help organs, including your kidneys, function properly. Certain superfoods rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C promote kidney health.

Antioxidants can help slow or stop the rate of oxidation caused by free radicals, which is one of the main causes of kidney problems.

Here are the top 10 superfoods for healthy kidneys.

1. Cabbage

Cabbage improves kidney functioning and is most commonly used as a natural medicine to repair and nourish the kidneys. It is an essential food for anyone suffering from kidney problems.

Cabbage is packed with phytochemicals that help break up free radicals before they can do damage. Also, it is high in vitamins B6, C and K, along with fiber and folic acid. Low in potassium, cabbage makes a great addition to a dialysis diet. You can enjoy this vegetable steamed or boiled.

2. Berries

Being excellent sources of manganese, vitamin C, fiber and folate, different types of berries like strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and blueberries are good for your kidneys. The antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties in these berries help reduce inflammation and improve bladder functioning.

You can choose fresh, frozen or dried berries and eat them raw or add them to your favorite cereal or smoothie to promote kidney health.

3. Fish

Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation in the body and hence protect the kidneys from various diseases. Also, fish is a good source of high quality protein.

According to a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, consumption of fish helps lower abnormal levels of protein in urine in people suffering from diabetics.

The types of fish that are best for the kidneys are salmon, rainbow trout, mackerel, herring and tuna. The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend having two to three servings of fish each week. You must eat steamed, baked or roasted fish instead of fried fish to reduce kidney problems.

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