Your kidneys provide
vital service to your
body — they filter
waste from your blood and send it to
your bladder. They also regulate blood
pressure, manage water re-absorption,
control the acidity in the body, and
balance electrolyte levels. Considering
their importance, eating a diet to
promote kidney health could be one of
the best things you can do. The
following seven foods will support your
kidneys and make their job easier.
Foods to Support Kidney Function
1. Cherries
These tasty little fruits help reduce
redness and swelling and contain a
healthy amount of vitamin C as well as
vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6,
magnesium, and citrate. The tarter the
cherry, the higher the level of citrate.
Citrate reduces uric acid in the blood
stream which can lead to gout and
arthritis. Those who eat cherries have
been found to have lower uric acid
levels and a lower risk of gout attacks.
2. Cranberries
Cranberries also offer high levels of
vitamin C and manganese. Women
have traditionally used it to fight off
UTIs. Recent research has found pure
cranberry juice (not the sugary stuff)
diluted in water reduced urinary levels
of oxalate and phosphate which reduce
the formation of kidney stones.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known for its ability to
help regulate glucose levels. This can
help the body manage glucose better
and offer protection from blood sugar
disorders. Excess glucose that results
from diabetes can cause damage to the
kidneys. Another study confirmed that
cinnamon can be used as a supplement
without concern for increased oxalate
risk.
4. Kidney Beans
The shape and name of these beans
may suggest which organ benefits most
from its healing potential. Kidney beans
are known for as an effective home
remedy for kidney stones. In ancient
times, the pods served as medicinal
tonic.
To reduce kidney stone pain, remove
the beans from the pods and in a slow
cooker, boil the pods in purified water
for 6 hours. Once finished, strain the
liquid and let it cool before drinking.
Drink throughout the day.
5. Olive Oil
Like fish, olive oil provides a healthy
serving of nutrient dense, unsaturated
fats. Olive oil is also the basis for the
‘Mediterranean Diet.’ A recent study
found individuals suffering from
chronic kidney disease who adopted
this diet experienced improvements in
both symptoms and survival. The active
components in olives improve the life
of those suffering from chronic kidney
disease and will certainly provide
kidney support to those looking to
maintain kidney health.
6. Java Tea
Also known as Orthosiphon stamineus,
this herb has been a standard of folk
medicine for a long time. It has
typically been used for kidney
disorders. A recent study has confirmed
it to support the kidneys, as well as the
flushing the liver and gastro-intestinal
tract. It also offers potentials for blood
sugar stabilization, antioxidant
protection, and blood pressure
stabilization.
7. Onions (and garlic!)
Both onions and garlic contain
quercitin. Quercitin is a powerful
flavonoid associated with antioxidant
benefits and potency against redness
and irritation. Research has found
quercitin helps provide a protection
against kidney damage for smokers. For
non-smokers, the bonus protection
provided by quercitin combined with
improved fat metabolism helps protect
the body’s filters.
If you enjoy these foods regularly,
know that you’re doing your kidneys a
favor. If you’re looking for ways to
improve kidney function, adding these
foods to your diet can help!
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