March is acknowledged as the National kidney month. The main objective of celebrating this month is to create awareness among people about kidney diseases. Kidney is the filtration unit of our body. Therefore, it is our duty to nourish this vital organ with healthy foods in order to prevent and protect from various kidney diseases. It is usually recommended that people with a kidney disease should limit the intake of nutrients like sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein. In this article, we will focus on certain natural superfoods which are healthy for kidney patients.
Water
Water is the main component of our body as it accounts for 70% of the body weight. It is important for the proper functioning of the vital organs. The suggested daily intake of water is 8 glasses for women and 13 glasses for men.
Fruits and vegetables
- Apples
Apple contains phytochemical in a high amount which exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this protects organs from any free radical damage. Alongside, reduces the risk of kidney diseases, cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. It also contains vitamins, minerals and fibre in an abundant amount. You can eat a raw or cooked apple, apple juice and apple cider vinegar.
- Berries
Raspberries, blackberries, cherries, cranberries and strawberries contain a phytochemical (ellagic acid) which neutralises the harmful free radicals present in the body. They are also a rich source of vitamin C, manganese, folate and dietary fibre. They are packed with antioxidant, anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Red Grapes
Red grapes are laden with natural polyphenolic compounds like resveratrol, which imparts a wide spectrum of health benefits such as improving heart health and protecting the kidney from damage.
- Watermelon
It is a superfood for the kidney as it is laden with a potent antioxidant, lycopene which helps in removing free oxygen radicals.
- Cabbage and Cauliflower
It is rich in vitamins but low in potassium that’s why it is good for kidney. It is also loaded with the goodness of phytochemical.
- Red Bell Peppers
They are stacked with flavour, colour and vitamins but lack in potassium. Therefore, it is considered as kidney-friendly food.
Herbs
- Celery Root and Dandelion Root
- They have a diuretic property which helps in eliminating toxins from the body.
- Parsley
It is another commonly used herb that aids in flushing out excess fluids from the body. Therefore, maintain a kidney function by diminishing the toxin accumulation in the kidneys.
- Ginger and Turmeric
Gingerol (an active compound in ginger) and curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) exhibits antibacterial properties which prevents kidney from various bacterial infections.
- Milk Thistle
It is widely used for detoxification of liver and kidney as it eliminates the toxins.
- Garlic
Garlic contains active compound allicin which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. It is an effective home remedy for the cleansing of kidney.
Fish
Intake of fish twice or thrice a week is found to be beneficial for maintaining kidney health. As they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fatty acid for our body. Small fishes (sardines, salmon, tuna and anchovies) are an excellent source of omega 3 as they are low in mercury and other heavy metals.