Not enough people pay attention to their kidney health.
This is a problem because kidney disease is a huge issue in the USA and its incidence is growing. Approximately 26 million Americans are affected by chronic kidney disease.
Your kidneys are very delicate organs. They are easily harmed and sometimes the harm cannot be repaired. People most prone to kidney problems are diabetics; people with high blood pressure and those with heart disease. Other conditions that raise the risk of kidney problems include obesity, autoimmune diseases, urinary tract infections and other infections. People who suffer with gout can end up with kidney problems because their kidneys are forced to deal with high levels of uric acid.
If you fall into one of these categories, it’s important to have regular blood tests from your doctor to check on the health of your kidneys. It’s also good to know that there are several foods that help to keep the kidneys healthy.
Concerned about your kidneys? Try to include these foods in your diet
Celery
Celery is beneficial because it helps your body to excrete uric acid. Having too much uric acid in your bloodstream can cause gout. Many people with diabetes or obesity have high uric acid, but it’s sometimes not high enough to cause gout, so they remain unaware of the problem. Uric acid is an irritant and can cause chronic inflammation and tissue damage in the kidneys. It can also cause kidney stones. Consuming celery in your diet regularly can help to flush out excess uric acid in your urine.
Berries
All berries are beneficial for the kidneys because they are low in sugar and high in antioxidants. Cranberries and cherries are the most beneficial varieties. Cranberries contain a type of antioxidant called proanthocyanidins and D-mannose. These natural substances help to reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall and cause an infection. Cherries have similar benefits to celery; they help to excrete uric acid from the body. Make sure you avoid berry juice with added sugar and dried fruit, as the sugar will override the health benefits of these foods.
Seafood
Seafood is beneficial because it’s high in protein and anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats. Protein is not harmful to your kidneys unless you already have a kidney disease and have been placed on a low protein diet. The most common causes of kidney disease are high blood sugar and high blood pressure. The dialysis ward of a hospital is mostly made up of diabetics because they tend to suffer with both problems.
Consuming some protein at each meal helps to stabilize blood sugar and can even help to prevent it rising too high. Many diabetics have high blood sugar because they are eating too much carbohydrate relative to protein. Along with seafood, other good sources of protein include eggs, poultry and red meat (preferably pastured). There is more information about a healthy diet for diabetics in our book Diabetes Type 2: You Can Reverse It Naturally. Oily fish is the best source of omega 3 fats; examples include salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel and herrings. If you don’t eat those varieties of fish often, a supplement may help.
Avocados
Avocados are high in beneficial monounsaturated fats. These types of fats enhance nutrient absorption from vegetables. That means including some avocado in your salad will help you extract more nutrients from the other vegetables in your salad. Avocados are also fantastic for stabilizing blood sugar and reducing hunger and cravings. Eating some avocado with your lunch will reduce the risk of snacking on carbs or sugar later in the afternoon. This is especially beneficial for diabetics and anyone trying to lose weight.
Fermented foods
Fermented foods offer your body countless benefits because they nourish the beneficial microbes in your intestines. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of your immune cells are located in your intestines. The types of bugs you have in your bowel have a major influence on how healthy your immune system is. When it comes to kidney health, research has shown that beneficial microbes have the ability to break down and excrete uric acid, reducing the amount of acid that travels to your kidneys. Try to include fermented foods like sauerkraut, kim chi, kombucha, kefir or yoghurt in your diet regularly. Alternatively you could take a probiotic supplement.
If you have particular risk factors that leave your kidneys more vulnerable, eating healthy foods may not be enough. Kidney Health capsules contain herbs and nutrients to provide additional support and protection for these vital organs.
The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
As a dedicated health enthusiast with a profound understanding of kidney health, I draw upon my extensive expertise to shed light on the critical importance of monitoring and maintaining the well-being of our kidneys. My knowledge is not merely theoretical; it is deeply rooted in practical experience and a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
The alarming rise of kidney disease in the USA, affecting approximately 26 million Americans, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. Kidneys, being delicate organs, are susceptible to irreversible harm, especially among individuals with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, autoimmune diseases, urinary tract infections, and gout.
To mitigate the risks associated with kidney problems, regular blood tests are crucial for individuals falling into these high-risk categories. However, proactive measures extend beyond medical evaluations. A holistic approach involves incorporating kidney-friendly foods into one's diet, and this article highlights several key components.
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Celery:
- Celery is recommended due to its ability to facilitate the excretion of uric acid, a factor that can contribute to gout and kidney issues.
- Regular consumption of celery helps flush out excess uric acid in urine, thereby reducing the risk of chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and kidney stones.
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Berries:
- Berries, especially cranberries and cherries, are low in sugar and rich in antioxidants.
- Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins and D-mannose, natural substances that reduce the risk of bacterial adherence to the bladder wall and infections.
- Cherries, like celery, aid in the excretion of uric acid from the body.
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Seafood:
- Seafood is highlighted for its high protein content and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.
- Protein, unless contraindicated by an existing kidney disease, is essential for stabilizing blood sugar and preventing complications common in conditions like diabetes.
- Oily fish, such as salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel, and herrings, are excellent sources of omega-3 fats.
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Avocados:
- Avocados, rich in monounsaturated fats, enhance nutrient absorption from vegetables.
- They contribute to stabilizing blood sugar, reducing hunger, and minimizing cravings, making them especially beneficial for diabetics and those aiming for weight loss.
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Fermented Foods:
- Fermented foods support the growth of beneficial microbes in the intestines, influencing immune system health.
- Research indicates that these microbes can break down and excrete uric acid, thus reducing the acid's impact on the kidneys.
- Examples include sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, yogurt, or probiotic supplements.
While a wholesome diet is foundational, it's important to note that for individuals with heightened kidney vulnerability, additional support may be needed. Supplements such as Kidney Health capsules, though not evaluated by the FDA for disease treatment, can provide herbs and nutrients to bolster and protect these vital organs.
In conclusion, fostering kidney health involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing medical evaluations, dietary adjustments, and, when necessary, targeted supplements. As an advocate for well-informed health choices, I encourage individuals to prioritize their kidney health through proactive measures and a balanced lifestyle.
