Ripe London is delving into the realm of kidney health and exploring the fruits that can support kidney functioning. Kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluids from your body. Healthy kidneys are essential for people with kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure - as well as anyone wanting to follow a typical healthy diet. We'll uncover the best fruits known for promoting healthy kidneys and discuss their benefits. We'll also touch on common questions surrounding kidneys and diet to provide comprehensive insights into maintaining your kidneys through dietary choices.
Let's dive into the world of fruits and their positive impact on kidney function!
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Diabetes
Kidney disease (also called chronic kidney disease) is a problem where your kidneys don't work as well as they should at filtering waste products from the body. Symptoms include fatigue, swollen ankles/feet/hands, shortness of breath, or blood in your urine (NHS). It can often be caused by high blood pressure (when your blood vessels become too narrow, which can damage the kidneys). Other causes include high LDL cholesterol, kidney stones, or diabetes. It can lead to end-stage kidney disease, in which the kidneys can no longer support the body.
Diabetes is a different kidney disease, in which the kidneys can't maintain a healthy blood sugar level. People with kidney disease are more likely to be diabetic, as diabetes causes diabetic nephropathy (damage to the kidneys).
Taking care of your kidneys is essential to lowering your risk of developing kidney disease. People with kidney disease can also use this list to create a kidney diet plan.
What Fruits Are Good for Kidney Health?
If you want to stay healthy, kidney-positive fruits are abundant. Let's take a look at some fruits that can be part of a kidney-friendly diet.
Berries
Dark berries, including strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and raspberries, are great for kidney disease.
This is because they're high in antioxidant compounds, which might help protect against oxidative stress and damage to the kidneys. They're also low in salt, which helps prevent kidney stone formation, and high in vitamin C - which can help lower inflammation in the kidneys.
Add some dried cranberries to your morning cereal for a kidney boost each day!
Cherries
Cherries are low in salt, and sour cherries are low in potassium levels (kidney disease makes it hard for potassium to be removed from the bloodstream, which can lead to dangerously high potassium levels). Cherries are also high in anti-inflammatory compounds, such as antioxidants, and vitamin C.
Grapes
High in vitamins C and K, grapes (and low-sugar grape juice) are great for preventing kidney disease. Incorporating grapes into a healthy kidney diet plan can be a useful way for kidney disease control.
Grapes are also high in antioxidants like resveratrol, which may contribute to kidney and heart health by reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative damage to blood vessels.
Apples
Apples are very low in phosphorus, sodium, and potassium content - none of which can be removed from the blood in people with kidney disease. Apples are also high in fibre, which has health benefits for the kidneys, as fibre can cleanse the digestive tract and lessen the work that the kidneys have to do!
Plums
Similar to apples, plums are extremely high in fibre. Black plums, especially, are high in antioxidants.
Plums are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which can support immune function and help regulate blood pressure, respectively.
Pineapples
Pineapples are superfoods for people with kidney disease. Low in potassium levels (for those having to watch their potassium intake), as well as phosphorus and salt. Pineapples are also high in fibre.
However, pineapples are high in vitamin A - which can build up in the bloodstream similar to potassium - so it's important to eat this fruit, like many foods, in moderation.
What Other Foods Are Good for a Kidney-Friendly Diet?
There are plenty of kidney-friendly foods that you can eat to look after your kidneys, or if you have kidney disease.
Cauliflowers
Cauliflower isn't high in potassium, salt, or phosphorus. It's also able to flush toxins from your body, thanks to its antioxidant nutrients, as well as help reduce and soothe inflammation.
Cauliflower's fibre content can also support digestive health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease!
Onions
Onions are great for people with kidney disease. This is because they're full of vitamins B and C, as well as prebiotic fibres - which can promote healthy gut bacteria and lessen the workload of the kidneys.
Onions contain compounds like quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and support kidney and heart health!
Aubergines
Aubergines, also called eggplants, are naturally low in salt and potassium. Steaming aubergine is great for people with kidney disease, as it adds no salt or oil to this delicious vegetable.
They're also rich in antioxidants, particularly nasunin, which may help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Turnips
Turnips are a root vegetable and might be high in flavonoids. These are compounds that might be able to reduce oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Turnips are also a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, which can support immune function.
Red Bell Peppers
Peppers contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of oxidative stress and inflammation. Red bell peppers are also rich in vitamin C, containing even more of this essential nutrient than citrus fruits!
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens, like the superfood kale, are great if you're starting a kidney diet plan.
Raw kale contains less potassium than boiled kale, so eating it without cooking it is even better for kidney health!
Fruits That Are Bad for Kidney Health
If you have diabetes or kidney disease, you've probably been told (either by your GP or a renal dietitian) that there are certain foods you should cut down on or avoid. These are normally foods high in potassium or salt - but here's a few foods you might not know are worth avoiding!
Bananas
If you have renal issues, bananas aren't the best choice for you. Bananas are infamously high in potassium, meaning people with kidney disease or kidney damage can't filter enough of it out. This can lead to potassium poisoning and can be potentially fatal (if enough potassium is eaten).
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruit isn't great for people with kidney disease.
Oranges (including orange juice) are high in potassium content, which can be very dangerous if it builds up in the blood. Potassium overdose (hyperkalemia) can lead to issues with heart rate and is potentially life-threatening. It's recommended that you should only eat citrus or drink orange juice in moderation.
However, lemons and limes are high in citrate - which can help prevent certain types of kidney stones - and most citrus is high in vitamin C.
Whole Grain Bread
It's usually recommended that people with kidney disease eat white bread over whole-grain bread. This is because whole-grain bread contains a lot more phosphorus and potassium than the white version.
Best Smoothie Recipe for Kidney Health
Getting enough fruit into your diet plan, especially when you're trying to look after your kidneys or fight kidney disease, can be tough. Luckily, we've got a quick and easy smoothie recipe to keep your kidneys healthy!
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- 1 cup kale leaves, stems removed
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup water or unsweetened milk
Once you've got your healthy kidney ingredients, it's smooth sailing from there:
- Place all the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add more water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
- Optionally, garnish with a slice of pineapple or a few fresh berries.
This smoothie is packed with kidney-friendly ingredients like apples, berries, kale, and pineapple, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support kidney health. Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious smoothie as part of your daily routine!
In Conclusion: Best Fruits for Healthy Kidneys
We've explored a variety of fruits that promote kidney health, including berries, cherries, grapes, and more. We've also discussed other foods beneficial for kidney health, as well as those to avoid. Incorporating these fruits into your diet can provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that support kidney function.
By making mindful dietary choices and prioritising fruits rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, you can contribute to the well-being of your kidneys. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for dietary advice tailored to your individual needs.
Your kidneys will thank you!
Ripe London: Take Care of Your Kidneys at Work
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