By virtue of being the organs that facilitate blood filtration, the kidneys are integral to their survival and quality of life. Food and lifestyle deeply influence kidney health in people. Certain foods, such as leafy greens and vitamin C-rich dishes, are great for one’s kidneys. On the other hand, deep-fried and sugar-heavy foods can gradually weaken one’s kidneys to a great extent. Here are some of the best and worst foods for one’s kidneys:
Foods to eat for healthy kidneys
Some of the best foods for the kidneys are listed below:
- Red bell peppers
Although potassium is a healthy nutrient for certain body areas, it is not exactly good for one’s kidneys. Generally, the kidneys filter out the extra potassium from one’s blood. When a person’s kidneys are not functioning properly, they tend to have an excessive amount of the element in their blood. A large proportion of potassium can cause a condition called hyperkalemia in people. - Blueberries
Foods containing high amounts of antioxidants are considered good for the kidney. These foods help reduce inflammation in the kidneys. Berries are loaded with antioxidants, making them particularly good for a person’s kidney health. Blueberries contain healthy reserves of antioxidant phytonutrients called “anthocyanidins.” These antioxidants reduce inflammation in a person’s body. Moreover, blueberries are also high in vitamin C and manganese (a compound that keeps one’s bones healthy). - Cabbage
Cruciferous vegetables are extremely beneficial for one’s various systems. Cabbage is one such vegetable that has numerous nutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidant compounds, and minerals. Regularly eating cabbage helps people maintain their blood sugar, prevent oxidative stress in the body, and reduce the risk of kidney and liver damage.
Foods to avoid for healthy kidneys
Here are some of the worst foods from a kidney health perspective:
- Soda
Sodas, especially dark-colored ones, can adversely affect one’s kidney health. Sodas contain no nutrition. Additionally, they tend to contain chemicals and preservatives and undergo a lot of processing. Additionally, sodas contain loads of unwanted calories (every 12 oz. contains about 152 calories). Some of the health risks brought about by soda consumption include kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. Certain sodas that are deemed less unhealthy come with fewer calories but even more additives, such as artificial sweeteners. Instead of consuming soda, one should drink fresh fruit juices made at home for refreshment. - Frozen pizza
Frozen foods are among the worst when it comes to health. Pizzas are loaded with unwanted fat, fried content, and calories. When the two (frozen and pizza) are combined, one gets the perfect avoidable food combination. Frozen meals can cause type 2 diabetes in people. These foods are often old, pre-made, and highly processed in nature. Processed pizzas contain hidden sodium, fat, and other unsavory ingredients. As a result, it is always advisable for people to prepare and eat fresh and whole foods when they can. If one has no choice, one should purchase and consume only foods that say “low sodium” or “no sodium added” on the label. In fact, homemade pizzas are a decent, if not overtly healthy, alternative to frozen pizzas. They contain fresh dough, cheese, and vegetables. This makes them a solid appetite-satisfier and much better food than their frozen counterparts.
