Despite being easily preventable, kidney disease is a common health problem that affects around 10 percent of the world's population. You might even be at risk for developing kidney disease if you have other existing health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or other kidney-related problems. Other possible risk factors may include obesity, smoking, genetic predisposition, gender, and age. Following a renal diet or kidney-friendly diet can help lower your risk of getting kidney disease. There are also a number of homeopathic remedies you can use to support kidney health naturally. (Related: A homeopathic guide to healthier kidneys.)
Best foods to eat to support kidney health
Foods that can provide beneficial nutrients and are easy to process can do wonders for your kidney. These tend to be food items that are low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, but are packed with phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Here are a few useful vegetables that you can eat to avoid health problems relating to your kidneys:
- Cauliflower. Instead of eating mashed potatoes, try eating some mashed cauliflower instead. It's loaded with vitamins, such as vitamins C, K, and the B vitamin, and folate. Cauliflower also contains plenty of fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds, called indoles.
- Cabbage. This cruciferous vegetable is full of powerful plant compounds and phytonutrients that can help promote your overall health and well-being. Eating cabbages can help regulate your bowel movement due to its high content of insoluble fiber. Cabbages are also rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help lower levels of free radicals in your body.
- Bell peppers. Bell peppers are another antioxidant-packed vegetable that contains vitamins A and C. In fact, eating just one small red bell pepper with a weight of around 74 grams can already provide you with 158 percent of your recommended intake of vitamin C.
- Garlic. If you need to add some extra flavor to your dishes, ditch the salt and try garlic powder or garlic cloves instead. Garlic is good for your body due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If you suffer from high blood pressure, it can cause damage to the small blood vessels in your kidneys. Consume garlic to reduce inflammation and protect your kidneys from unnecessary damage.
- Onions. Onions are another useful salt alternative. You can sautée onions with some garlic and olive oil for a flavorful addition to your renal diet. Onions are rich in vitamin C, manganese, B vitamins, and prebiotic fibers that can help feed your gut flora and promote healthy digestion.
- Asparagus. This amazing green vegetable can serve as a natural cleanser for your kidneys. A buildup of uric acid may cause kidney stones to form. Regularly consuming asparagus can help to break up uric acid in your body and inhibit the formation of kidney stones.
- Cucumbers. Cucumbers are another useful vegetable for eliminating excess uric acid in the body. They can also help promote hydration due to being composed of nearly 90 percent water. Drink some refreshing cucumber juice to increase your intake of vitamins A and C.
Learn more about the health benefits of vegetables for good kidney health by going to Veggie.news.
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