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Kidney disease is a real threat to men and women across the world. If you are one of the unlucky people suffering from any type of kidney disease, do know that diet can play a large role into your long term health and care of your kidneys. Foods that are antioxidant rich can help protect the body and neutralize free radicals, and many of these foods are part of kidney diets and also are recommended for people on dialysis or anyone with chronic kidney disease (CKD.) When you eat properly, and follow the advice of a renal dietitian, you can consume foods that are kidney friendly, you actually help your situation greatly, mostly because of the correlated risk of cardiovascular disease.
Also read: Types of Kidney Diseases
Which Foods are the Best for Kidney Disease Patients?
According to Davita Kidney Care, this is is the list of the best foods you can eat to protect your kidneys.
#1: Red Bell Peppers
These are low in potassium, which is important if you have kidney disease, and also taste amazing. Packed full of vitamins C and A, they also have a solid amount of fiber. Fiber is of uber importance for people with CKD. They also contain lycopene, which will help against many forms of cancers.
Red bell peppers can be used as a snack, paired with dip, (I like spicy hummus), or they can be used as a grilled side or addition to a salad or sandwich. Don’t forget to add them to your favorite omelet recipe or even stuff them for a tasty meal filled with your favorite fillings.
#2: Cabbage
Low in sodium, protects against cancer, and high in vitamins K and C. Also very high in fiber. Use as a topping on tacos or add to a salad.
#3: Cauliflower
Another cruciferous vegetable loaded with vitamin C and fiber, you can eat these raw with your favorite dip. Also add it to salad or make pasta out of it. This is a solid diet replacement for mashed potatoes.
#4: Garlic
What an easy addition to just about any meal, and there are many other side benefits to using garlic, like lowering your blood pressure. Garlic will help reduce inflammation, and it’s so versatile you can use it in meat dishes, on toast, in pasta, or even simply on bread. It’s delicious, and nutritious. Just remember to keep some gum around for afterwards to clean your breath!
#5: Onions
Rich in flavinoids, onions protect against many forms of cancer and are an easy to incorporate food into dishes like burgers, salads, or even raw. They also help with metabolism, and we all want to burn fat, am I right?
#6: Apples
My nutritionist has me on a low sugar diet, and while I am limited to one apple per day, I must say, I look forward to it on a daily basis! Very high in fiber, which is crucial for kidney disease patients, you’ll also get the bonus of the anti-inflammatory compounds, and as they say, “an apple a day will keep the doctor away.” Since us kidney disease sufferers see our doctors enough as is, this is a good thing.
I eat apples raw after rinsing them. You can also use them in salads, eat with dip, or even hummus.
#7: Cranberries
Normally known to help with UTI or bladder issues, cranberries protect your stomach from bacteria that can cause ulcers, so in short, they are great for gastrointestinal health. They also show signs of helping protect against cancer and heart disease, which is important for CBK sufferers. It’s super easy to consume via juice, or even raw.
#8: Blueberries
Perhaps my favorite on this list because I love the taste, these are high in vitamin C, and also antioxidants. Reducing inflammation is the common theme here, and blueberries do just that. They also have fiber, and if I haven’t harped on the importance of fiber enough, well, you’ll continue seeing it in subsequent recommended foods so get used to it!
#9: Raspberries
Benefits include vitamin c, fiber, vitamin b, and antioxidants. I personally sprinkle them on oatmeal and eat them raw.
#10: Strawberries
Pretty much the same as raspberries, with the added bonus that they provide heart protection. I eat them raw and top oatmeal with them, but they can also be added to salads and desserts.
#11: Cherries
Is there any fruit better than a cherry? As a kid I used to order cherry coke by the dozens in bars that my parents would hang out at.
When consumed daily, these can reduce inflammation and also protect the heart. Use them raw, or consume as cherry juice.
#12: Red Grapes
Grapes, which of course, make wine, are high in resveratrol, which has no shortage of press behind it showing it’s anti-aging qualities. Read this WebMD entry and you’ll see why it’s one of the best things you can put in your body. Buy red or green grapes for the best health benefits.
Also Read: A kidney diet for IgA
#13: Egg Whites
These are one of the best sources of pure protein, and you’ll find a lot of other benefits like essential amino acids when you consume egg whites. The protein is solid because it comes with less phosphorus when compared to meats or even egg yolks. Eggs are very versatile and can be paired with just about anything.
#14: Fish
High in protein, low in calories and fat, fish also has a lot of anti-inflammatory fats that are called omega-3s. Omega 3s assist in fighting cancer and heart disease, which are things kidney disease patients have to look out for. Fish are easy to prepare, and pair well with vegetables.
#15: Olive Oil
Using olive oil versus other oils can lower rates of cancer and heart disease, and if you are picking up that these foods follow a common theme, kudos to you, it’s important.
Also featuring an anti-inflammatory fatty acid, the fats in olive oil protect against oxidation.
There you have 15 foods you can safely eat while dealing with kidney issues. Any renal dietitian will agree that these foods are not only kidney friendly, but also very healthy.
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