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6Food for the kidneys: useful and harmful products
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the EdaPlus.info project E-mail: eliseeva.t@edaplus.info
Abstract. The article discusses the main functions of the kidneys for normal human life and their relationship with the body. A systematic review of modern specialized literature and relevant scientific data was carried out. A list of foods useful for kidney function is indicated. Potentially unfavorable products for the activity of the kidneys are analyzed separately, general recommendations for maintaining their health are indicated.
Keywords: kidneys , health, healthy foods, dangerous foods, recommendations
The kidneys are vital organs. When they do not work well, toxins, excess fluid accumulate in the body. Therefore, diet is a key part of treatment. But, in such cases, it is not enough just to stick to a healthy diet, because many healthy foods recommended to healthy people become harmful.
Diet for kidney problems
In order for the paired organ to work without failures, it is necessary to follow a balanced diet low in fast carbohydrates, salt, and fat. It will prevent the accumulation of toxins, help control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, with an increase in which blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, their function worsens.
It is equally important to monitor the number of calories consumed, taking into account your own weight and nutrients in the diet - sodium (salt), potassium, phosphorus should be avoided. These compounds are present in many organic foods and cause swelling and increase pressure. [one]
Also be careful with salt substitutes - they are a poor alternative as they are often high in potassium. A classic healthy diet may also not be suitable if chronic diseases are diagnosed. In such cases, the diet is selected individually and includes only some vegetables and fruits.
Top 17 Foods for Kidney Health
1. Cruciferous vegetables
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C and K, folic acid, fiber, and anti-inflammatory indole compounds. It makes a healthier and safer mashed potatoes than potatoes. White cabbage has even less phosphorus, potassium and sodium than cauliflower. But feces have an average concentration of minerals and those who are on dialysis should avoid it. [2]
2. Berries
Cranberries are good for the urinary tract and kidneys. The tiny, tart berries contain phytonutrients that act as a natural antibiotic, preventing bacteria from sticking to mucous membranes. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries also benefit organs and protect against diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. [3]
3. Egg whites
It is better to exclude yolks from the diet due to the high percentage of phosphorus, and proteins should be left. It is one of the best sources of amino acids for those on a renal diet and an excellent choice for dialysis patients who have a particular need for protein.
4. Apples
Fruit satisfies sugar cravings and is also a super healthy snack due to its high fiber content. Pectin reduces some of the risk factors for kidney damage, such as high cholesterol and blood sugar. [four]
5. Garlic
The tangy vegetable is a great alternative to salt. It adds an unusual aroma to dishes, provides additional nutritional properties. From it, the body receives manganese, vitamins B6 and C, as well as sulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Buckwheat
Whole grains are usually high in phosphorus, so nephrologists do not recommend them to their patients. But buckwheat is an exception. It is also gluten -free and high in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and iron. [5]
7. Olive oil
The plant-based fat source is phosphorus-free, making it a superfood for people with advanced kidney disease. Most of the fat in olive oil is oleic acid. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is stable at high temperatures, making it great for cooking. [6]
8. Bulgur
Compared to other whole grains , wheat is low in phosphorus. At the same time, nutritious grains are rich in vegan protein, fiber, magnesium, iron, manganese, and B vitamins.
9. Bell pepper
Unlike many vegetables, bell peppers are low in potassium and high in vitamins C and A. The latter is
especially important for immune function, which is often impaired in people with kidney pathologies.
[7]
10. Bow
Onions add a spicy flavor to dishes and thus help reduce salt intake. It can be added raw, fried with garlic in olive oil. This "seasoning" has a pleasant aroma and replenishes the body's reserves of vitamin C, B, manganese. Onions also contain a lot of prebiotic fibers that are necessary to nourish positive intestinal bacteria and maintain the entire digestive system.
11. Arugula
Many types of leafy greens (spinach, parsley) are difficult to fit into the kidney diet due to the abundance of potassium, but it is almost absent in arugula . It contains enough manganese and calcium, which are important for bone health. It also contains nitrates, which lower blood pressure - an important benefit for people with diseased kidneys.
12. Red grapes
Sweet clusters are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids . These antioxidants repair damaged organs and effectively fight inflammation. Especially useful flavonoid resveratrol - benefits the heart, protects against diabetes and cognitive decline. [eight]
13. Macadamia
Most nuts are high in phosphorus, but macadamia has a different vitamin/mineral profile and fits better into a kidney diet than peanuts and almonds. A special variety is rich in safe fats, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese. To get the maximum benefit without harm to health, it is enough to eat 10 macadamia nuts a day.
14. Radish
The crunchy vegetable is a great source of the antioxidant vitamin C. It reduces the risk of heart disease and cataracts, while the pungent flavor of radish is a great addition to low-salt meals.
15. Oily fish
Salmon, tuna, and other cold-water oily fish are rich in omega-3s. Essential substances reduce inflammation, normalize high blood pressure. Keep in mind that all fish are rich in phosphorus, but sea bass has less of it than all seafood. [9]
16. Turnip
The root crop is good for the kidneys and can replace potatoes, pumpkin (vegetables are undesirable due to the abundance of potassium). It contains fiber, manganese, vitamins B6 and C. It can be fried, boiled, baked, eaten raw. To get rid of the sharp taste and smell, it is enough to cut fresh turnips into thin slices and season them with vegetable oil and lemon juice - the vegetable will become neutral in taste.
17. Pineapple
Unlike oranges, bananas and kiwis, the tropical fruit contains almost no minerals dangerous to the body. Not only does it taste and smell magical, it's rich in fiber, manganese, vitamin C, and the enzyme bromelain, which helps reduce inflammation.
How to keep the kidneys healthy and help them work?
Water is the main drink for the body. It helps cells transport toxins into the bloodstream. Subsequently, the kidneys use the water to filter out toxins, form urine, and expel waste. To maintain these functions, a healthy person needs to drink at least 30 ml of water per 1 kg of weight per day. People with chronic pathologies may follow a different drinking regimen recommended by their doctor.
But it is not enough to drink liquids and eat healthy vegetables, berries - you also need to minimize salt intake and abandon foods that are harmful to the kidneys:
• choose fresh or frozen vegetables over canned ones;
• avoid processed meats - ham, bacon, sausages, etc.;
• refuse sauces - soy, barbecue, ketchup, etc .;
• avoid trans fats and saturated fats - lard, butter, fatty meats;
• monitor the amount of protein in servings - for some diseases, you need to limit protein intake or change its source, as it creates an additional burden;
• although the diet should contain only safe carbohydrates, there are also exceptions among them - avocados, bananas, melons, oranges, prunes, raisins, zucchini, spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, bran, muesli, beans, brown rice contain a lot of potassium, phosphorus.
Expert comment
Tatyana Eliseeva, nutritionist, nutritionist
Too much of everything, even healthy foods, can be a problem. Therefore, it is necessary to control the size of portions, eat slowly - the stomach needs 20 minutes to tell the brain about satiety. Do not forget about physical activity and the fact that there is a different nutrition protocol for different chronic kidney diseases. To protect them from further damage, it is worth discussing your menu with your doctor, licensed dietitian, nutritionist .
Literature
1. The Effect of Diet on the Survival of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28505087/
2. Phytochemicals from Cruciferous Vegetables, Epigenetics, and Prostate Cancer Prevention, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3787240/
3. Survey of antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition of blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry in Nanjing, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3274736/
4. Dynamics of ascorbic acid content in apple ( Malus x domestica ) during fruit development and storage, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32197136/
5. Buckwheat as a Functional Food and Its Effects on Health, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26270637/
6. Role of oleic acid in immune system; mechanism of action; a review, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23165533/
7. Characterization of antioxidant compounds in sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under organic and conventional growing systems, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22368104/
8. Resveratrol and health--a comprehensive review of human clinical trials, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21688389/
9. Comparison of the effects of fish and fish-oil capsules on the n 3 fatty acid content of blood cells and plasma phospholipids, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18065578/
An extended HTML version of this article is available on the edaplus.info website. Food for the kidneys: useful and harmful foods
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the project EdaPlus.info E-mail: eliseeva.t@edaplus.info
Received 01.11.2021
Abstract. The article discusses the main functions of the kidneys for normal human life and their relationship with the body. A systematic review of modern specialized literature and relevant scientific data was carried out. A list of foods useful for kidney function is indicated. Potentially unfavorable products for the activity of the kidneys are analyzed separately, general recommendations for maintaining their health are indicated.
