Tips to keep kidneys healthy

Healthy kidneys will help maintain normal levels of vital nutrients in your body. Also, expels the toxins through urine and keeps minerals such as sodium and potassium in perfect balance. In individuals with compromised renal function, there is also an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Following a healthy diet is one of the most important steps, so let’s start there. Eating nutritious foods for kidney health would be beneficial for individuals with renal disease.

Foods to Keep kidneys healthy

• Red Bell Peppers
• Cauliflower and Cabbage
• Garlic
• Cranberry
• Onions

1. Red bell peppers

In healthy individuals, potassium serves as an important mineral as it eliminates excess water out of the body. But, in individuals with kidney disease, high levels of potassium can cause increased thirst and frequent urination.
Red bell peppers are low in potassium which is good for your kidney health. Also, it is enriched with vitamin C and vitamin A, folic acid, as well as vitamin B6, and fiber which keeps your kidney cells healthy. Furthermore, the red bell peppers consist of an antioxidant called lycopene that protects your kidneys against cancer.

2. Cauliflower and Cabbage

Cauliflower, a kidney-friendly vegetable, is packed full of certain compounds that help the liver in neutralizing the toxic substances. Also, it is rich source of vitamin C, folate, and fiber. Including cauliflower in your diet would help promote optimal kidney function.
Cabbage is another superfood that consists of phytochemicals, chemical compounds that break down the free radicals before they can damage a cell. Some of these phytochemicals helps in fostering your cardiovascular health. It is also a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid.

3. Garlic

Garlic consists of antioxidants which help reduce the risk of inflammation of the kidneys and also removes extra cholesterol, making it an invaluable food for kidney cleansing. In addition to this, many research studies had proven that garlic prevents blood platelets from forming clots, and thereby reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. It also prevents the liver to produce excess bad cholesterol. It lowers high blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. Garlic also consists of allicin that has proven to be abroad spectrum anti-bacterial agent.

4. Cranberry

Cranberries protect you against bladder infections and also prevent the bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Also, the cranberries make your urine acidic preventing the growth of the bacteria. Cranberries are enriched with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Many research studies have proven that cranberries prevent cancer and heart disease.

5. Onions

Onion, a basic flavouring add-on to many dishes, consists of sulphur compounds that give it a pungent odour. It is enriched with flavonoids and also contains a powerful antioxidant, quercetin.
This antioxidant reduces the risk of heart diseases and also protects against cancers. Onions are low in potassium and therefore it is a kidney-friendly food. Also, it has chromium, a mineral that helps in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Of course, apart from consuming a healthy diet, there are a couple of other things we can do too.
These can complement our efforts and help fortify our kidneys for flawless functioning.