Introduction
If your kidneys are in good working condition, you probably don’t give a second thought about what foods are best for these two organs in your back. Even if you’ve been diagnosed with kidney disease—as many African Americans have been—you may not know how your diet can bolster kidney health.
Kidneys are crucial to help us maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and remove waste from our blood. When your kidneys are not working properly, fluid and waste build up in your body. Over time, the extra fluid and waste can lead to bone, heart and other health problems.
A kidney-friendly meal plan, however, can give you optimal kidney health.
Some of the Best Kidney-Friendly Foods to Eat
So it’s best to eat healthy foods that provide a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Add these to your list:
- Bell peppers. Red peppers are loaded with vitamins C and A, which improve the immune system. Folks with kidney disease may have a compromised immune system, so the more of these vitamins, the better. Peppers are an easy ingredient in a whole host of recipes, including fajitas, stuffed peppers omelets, pastas or sandwiches.
- Berries. All berries, but especially blueberries, are a great source of natural antioxidants. They’re also perfect for an ideal kidney diet because they are low in phosphorus, potassium and sodium, which you should avoid if you have kidney disease.
- Cabbage. Sure, cabbage is delicious and very affordable but more important: It’s packed with nutrients and minerals, including calcium; vitamins B6, C and K; fiber; manganese and folate. It’s also low in phosphorus and potassium.
- Cauliflower. Rich in antioxidants and loaded with vitamins C and K, calcium, iron and magnesium, cauliflower is a great source of fiber. Mashed cauliflower is easy to make and a better choice than mashed potatoes.
- Chicken. If you have kidney issues, you may need to be on a low protein diet, but if that’s not the case for you, chicken is a good source. Skinless chicken is best because it contains less fat, sodium and phosphorus than chicken with the skin.
Additional Information
For more information regarding good foods for your kidneys, visit this article on the Black Health Matters website. At The Difference App, we understand that maintaining your health depends heavily on your nutrition. Track all you eat, choosing from over 1.5 million foods on The Difference, and get real-time predictions of how your weight will change from day to day.