Foods for Healthy Kidneys
This post continues the series for National Nutrition Month, with a focus on kidney health. Weather you are having issues with your kidney function, or proactively working to keep all parts of your body healthy, then here is some nutrition information that you won’t want to miss!
When it comes to nutrition for healthy kidneys, the key is to include foods in your diet that contain antioxidants. The body needs antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are the unstable molecules produced during oxidation. Flavonoids, Lycopene, vitamins C and E as well as beta-carotene are all examples of antioxidants. So which foods contain antioxidants?
Vegetables Containing Antioxidants
Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers are delicious on salads, grilled on a kabob, or mixed into a baked dish to add color and flavor. Packed with vitamin C and lycopene but low in potassium, red bell peppers are a great choice for your kidney health.
Cabbage: Whether you prefer it steamed and flavored with a pat of butter, or raw and crunchy as a coleslaw or taco topping, cabbage is a versatile veggie and very kidney-friendly.
Cauliflower: Loaded with vitamin C, cauliflower is great with a dip, or can even be mashed as a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes.
Onion: Filled with a flavonoid called quercetin which has anti-inflammatory properties, onions are a kidney-healthy choice, and can be added to flavor many baked dishes or raw salads.
Fruits and Berries Containing Antioxidants
Apples: When it comes to your kidney health, a fiber-rich apple a day really does help keep the doctor away. The apple is a healthy and convenient choice for snacking.
Cranberries: Make sure your trail-mix contains some cranberries, or that your breakfast menu includes cranberry juice so that you benefit from the nutrients in this kidney-friendly food.
Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries: These colorful and flavorful berries contain fiber and vitamin C, and are great choices for a smoothie or a fruit salad.
Cherries: What could be better than a bowl full of cherries, which contain antioxidants making them an excellent choice for your kidney health? Well, maybe a cherry pie, cherry crisp, or cherry cheesecake…
Red Grapes: Red grapes contain flavonoids and are a convenient and tasty snack all by themselves, or a fun way to add flavor to a salad.
Other Kidney-Smart Foods
Egg Whites: A great way to get the protein that you need, without getting an overabundance of phosphorus that comes with many other protein sources, such as read meat.
Fish: Another important source of protein, fish also contain anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s, making it a smart choice for kidney health.
Olive Oil: When you cook with oil, choosing virgin or extra virgin olive oil which contains antioxidants is the best choice for your kidney health.
Garlic: Flavorful and filled with antioxidants, garlic is a win-win for your taste buds and your kidneys!
As you plan your meals, make sure to include some of these foods to keep with your kidney health in mind. Bon appetite!