Natural Diet for Healthy Kidneys

Kidneys are very important for our organism because they filter the extra water and the waste and help us eliminate the harmful toxins. When your kidneys are not healthy, they can lead to problems like swollen hand and feet, difficulty urinating and can even cause heart disease. In order to help your kidneys function properly, you must consume foods that contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene and flavonoids. We’ve prepared a list of these foods for you.

Berries

These incredible fruits contain folate, fiber, vitamin C and manganese. So, eating blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries is extremely beneficial for your kidneys. These berries also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can enhance the bladder functioning and reduce the inflammation. It doesn’t matter if you eat dried, frozen and fresh berries, because they all have the same medicinal properties. You can eat them with smoothies and cereals.

Cabbage

Eating cabbage is a natural way of nourishing and repairing your kidneys. It contains folic acid, fiber, vitamins K, C and B6 and phytochemicals that remove the free radicals and promote the detoxification of the body. This vegetable can be consumed both boiled and steamed.

Garlic

The anticlotting and antioxidant effects of the garlic are well-known since the ancient times. Thus, this small vegetable has the ability to reduce the risks of developing heart disease and kidney disease. You can eat raw garlic cloves every day to decrease the inflammation and the cholesterol levels. Garlic also eliminates the heavy metals that have harmful effects for your kidneys. Add garlic to your dishes for its aroma and its medicinal properties.

Onions

Onions make great pair with garlic. They also contain antioxidants and can promote kidney health by cleansing and detoxifying these organs. Onions are also rich in chromium, a substance that metabolizes carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Not to mention that these vegetables also have anti-inflammatory properties. You can enjoy onions cooked or raw, depending on your preferences.

Apples

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” – this saying is actually true. Apples have anti-inflammatory properties and fibers and can cleanse and detoxify the kidneys. These power-fruits can also diminish the chances of kidney stones and prevent the annoying urinary tract infections. Apples can also protect against cancer and heart problems and they are capable of reducing the blood cholesterol. Eat this juicy fruit raw or in desserts and juices.

Cauliflower

This vegetable contains fiber, folate and vitamin C and substances like thiocyanates, glucosinolates and indoles. They have the ability to eliminate the toxic substances that can damage the kidneys. Cauliflower also has anticlotting and antioxidant properties and can lower the cholesterol levels and the inflammation. You can eat it raw, baked, roasted, fried, boiled or steamed.

Olive Oil

Olive oil contains fatty acids and oleic acid that can promote kidney health and reduce oxidation. The antioxidant compounds and the polyphenols in the olive oil can also reduce and prevent inflammation. Try to use extra virgin olive oil when you cook or in salads to take advantage from its great health benefits.