Is Kale Ok For Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a common problem affecting about 10% of the world’s population (1).The kidneys are small but powerful bean-shaped organs that perform many important functions.They are responsible for filtering waste products, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, balancing fluids in the body, producing urine, and many other essential tasks ( 2 ).Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common risk factors for kidney disease.However, obesity, smoking, genetics, gender, and age can also increase the risk ( 3 ).If you have kidney disease, your health care provider will determine the best diet for your needs.For most people with advanced kidney disease, it’s important to follow a kidney-friendly diet that helps decrease the amount of waste in the blood.Damaged kidneys can’t filter out excess sodium, causing its blood levels to rise.However, those with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis, a treatment that filters and cleans the blood, have greater protein needs ( 15 , 16 ).Each person with kidney disease is different, which is why it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your individual dietary needs.Luckily, many delicious and healthy options are low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.Plus, mashed cauliflower can be used in place of potatoes for a low potassium side dish.In particular, these sweet berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which may protect against heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline, and diabetes (20).They also make a fantastic addition to a kidney-friendly diet, as they are low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.While all fish are high in phosphorus, sea bass contains lower amounts than other seafood.However, it’s important to consume small portions to keep your phosphorus levels in check.They’re high in vitamin C and contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation ( 26 ).Additionally, red grapes are high in resveratrol, a type of flavonoid that has been shown to benefit heart health and protect against diabetes and cognitive decline ( 27 , 28 ).Egg whites provide a high quality, kidney-friendly source of protein.Plus, they’re an excellent choice for people undergoing dialysis treatment, who have higher protein needs but need to limit phosphorus.Garlic People with kidney problems are advised to limit the amount of sodium in their diet, including added salt.Buckwheat is highly nutritious, providing a good amount of B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and fiber.It’s also a gluten-free grain, making buckwheat a good choice for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.Frequently, people with advanced kidney disease have trouble keeping weight on, making healthy, high calorie foods like olive oil important.What’s more, monounsaturated fats are stable at high temperatures, making olive oil a healthy choice for cooking.This nutritious grain is a good source of B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and manganese.It’s also an excellent source of plant-based protein and full of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.Sautéing onions with garlic and olive oil adds flavor to dishes without compromising your kidney health.Arugula Many healthy greens like spinach and kale are high in potassium and difficult to fit into a renal diet.However, arugula is a nutrient-dense green that is low in potassium, making it a good choice for kidney-friendly salads and side dishes.Arugula is a good source of vitamin K and the minerals manganese and calcium, all of which are important for bone health.This nutritious green also contains nitrates, which have been shown to lower blood pressure, an important benefit for those with kidney disease ( 44 ).They are also packed with healthy fats, B vitamins, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.Radishes are a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease and cataracts ( 47 , 48 ).They can be roasted or boiled and mashed for a healthy side dish that works well for a renal diet.Pineapple Many tropical fruits like oranges, bananas, and kiwis are very high in potassium.Fortunately, pineapple makes a sweet, low potassium alternative for those with kidneys problems.Plus, pineapple is rich in fiber, manganese, vitamin C, and bromelain, an enzyme that helps reduce inflammation ( 51 ).This is helpful for those with kidney disease, as they have an increased risk of urinary tract infections (55)