Top 10 Healthy Foods For Kidney Patients

The kidneys are one of the most important organs of the body. They are two bean-shaped organs  about the size of a fist. Kidneys are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of our spine. Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, remove the extra toxic waste products and extra water to produce urine for the body. Without the kidneys, the body won't function at all.

FUNCTIONS OF THE KIDNEY

Apart from removing the toxic and waste products from the body and producing urine, the kidney does these 7 important functions for the body.

A – It controls the ACID-base balance

W – It controls the WATER balance

E – It maintains the ELECTROLYTE balance

T – It removes the TOXINS and waste products from our body

B – It controls the BLOOD PRESSURE of the body  

E – It produces the hormone ERYTHROPOIETIN

D – It activates vitamin D in the body. 

RENAL PROBLEMS 

Kidney Disease is one of the most commonly occurring diseases in the world. Around 10% of the 45 plus age group of people,worldwide, are engulfed in the clutches of a renal disorder.

Kidneys are the major organs of a body who are responsible for filtering the toxicant present in the blood, they release important hormones, maintain blood pressure, control body fluids and produce urine for the smooth functioning of body processes.

In today's busy lifestyle, people tend to follow unhealthy food habits, do minimal physical activities and resort to unhealthy habits such as smoking and tobacco etc. due to which the increased risk of many type of stone, such as uric acid stone, kidney stone develops in the long term.

Studies show that a specific high fat and a low carb diet generally known as Keto or the Ketogenic diet can possibly, to some extent reverse the kidney damage or the side effects caused by it. 

Controlling blood glucose and blood pressure shows the progression of diabetic kidney diseases but once the kidneys are damaged, there seems to be no permanent way yi repair them except from taking the required medications and most importantly taking the proper nutritious diet. 

Keto is one such diet, when consulted with the doctor and dietitian, they can plan a proper meal plan for the patient keeping in mind the allergies and the health conditions.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE KIDNEY STOPS WORKING?

When the Kidneys don't function properly the body tends to act against the body functions and diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases follow up leading to the worsening of renal problems.

The body stops responding to the hormones produced, is unable to filter the blood due to which the patients need to get dialysis twice, thrice or maybe more than that on a weekly basis, failing to do so leads to either death or other severe consequences.

People with type 2 diabetes have more risks of kidney stone formation due to low potassium citrate and high calcium oxalate levels in the body. Hence, it is necessary that before the disease becomes totally out of control, renal patients take up a healthy diet, stay hydrated which helps them in living a healthy and a long life. Dietary restrictions should be followed from the initial stages so that the further risk factors should be reduced.

EFFECTIVE KETO DIET FOR A HEALTHY KIDNEY

TOP 10 HEALTHY FOODS

Here are the top 10 healthy foods with their nutritional values which are perfect for the one's suffering from renal problems. Check it out soon if your loved ones need any kind of dietary help :)

Cabbage is one of the most nutritious vegetables of the cruciferous vegetables family. It is a superfood since it is loaded with vitamins, minerals and proteins.It is said to be a great source of vitamin B, C and K, and has adequate amounts of fiber. It is low in potassium, sodium and phosphorus which are meant to be avoided in kidney related problems and hence consuming cabbage as a part of the renal diet would be a good idea. 

Olive Oil is the best addition to every possible diet ever. With the low Na (Sodium), K (Potassium)and P (Phosphorus) contents it has, it is very effective for the patients of renal problems. It contains a lot of healthy monounsaturated saturated fats which makes it the appropriate cooking oil (extra virgin olive oil) for a kidney patient and otherwise for healthy people as well

Cauliflower is a very nutritious vegetable and a great source of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and the B vitamin folate. It is considered as a superfood due to all these. 

Cauliflowers can be used instead of potatoes for renal patients. It’s also full of anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles and is an excellent source of fiber which helps to prevent kidney related diseases and keeps in check the uric acid levels 

Blueberries are considered as super foods. They are one of the best sources of antioxidants and have a plethora of nutrients. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, which prevent heart diseases, some rare types of cancers, cognitive decline, and type 2 diabetes. Blueberries are absolutely kidney friendly owing to the low amounts of sodium, phosphorus and potassium in them.

Onions are the best alternative for the renal patients finding a sodium-free flavor and adequate protein intake. Onions are not only flavourful but also are rich in Vitamins B and C, manganese, zinc, iron and contain prebiotic fibers that help in keeping the digestive system healthy. Sautéing the onions with garlic and olive oil adds flavor to dishes without compromising on your renal health.

Garlic is a superfood. It contains all the needed antioxidants and nutrients needed for the healthy functioning of the kidneys. Garlic is also keto friendly! Since recipes typically use garlic to add flavor instead of bulk, the carbs in garlic probably won't max out the macros.

EGG WHITE

Egg whites provide a high quality, kidney-friendly source of protein for the body and the added advantage is that egg white are low in phosphorus which is what the renal system wants and is good for those on dialysis as well, since they need high amounts of protein but limited Phosphorus. 

Radish is a root vegetable which makes a great addition to a healthy renal diet. It is highly recommended for kidney patients since it is low in potassium and phosphorus and has adequate amounts of all the other nutrients which the body needs. Apart from this, radishes are rich in vitamin C which is known to decrease the risk of heart disease, cataracts and other side effects caused by kidney failure.

Bulgur is a whole grain wheat product which is a great kidney-friendly alternative to other whole grains that are high in carbs, phosphorus and potassium. Bulgur is a rich source of vitamin B, magnesium, iron, zinc , manganese and dietary fiber. 

Red grapes are kidney-friendly and delicious fruits with a powerpack of nutrition.They’re high in vitamin C and flavonoids, which are known to have to reduce body inflammation in the long term. Apart from this red grapes are high in resveratrol, a type of flavonoid which is great for heart health and protects the body against diabetes and cognitive decline.

BOTTOM LINE

Problems related to the kidney can certainly not get cured permanently unless you decide to get a kidney transplant.You can still live a healthy and fulfilling life by inculcating these five great kidney friendly diet options in your daily lives. 

These will not only cure your pre existing problems but also reduce the risk factors which your body might be prone to.Keep calm and make sure your loved ones get the best diet because at the end of the day, health is wealth.