6 Foods That Are Good for the Kidneys

If your taste buds are saying “yes” to that cheesesteak with extra Whiz, stop for a moment to consider what your kidneys would prefer you eat.

You probably don’t look for foods that are good for the kidneys when reading a menu or shopping at the supermarket. But everything that enters your belly also enters your kidneys, in a way, because the kidneys’ tiny filter (tubules) screen waste and excess water from everything that enters your blood stream.

This process makes your kidneys responsible for regulating the nutrients that enter your body, including protein, potassium, and phosphorous – a mineral you’ll find plenty of in cheesesteaks.

Too much of certain foods may hurt the kidneys, especially if you are among the one in three U.S. adults at risk of kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Your food choices also can contribute to kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney cancer.

Knowing the foods that are good for the kidneys and which should be moderated, could help manage this risk.

6 Kidney-Friendly Food Tips

Each of your kidneys is only the size of fist, but they pack a punch when it comes to your health. Every day your kidneys clean about 200 quarts of blood, pass off the excess fluid to the bladder as urine, and return the clean blood to circulation.

These food groups include nutritional profiles that studies show are good for the kidneys.

1. Plant fuel – The proteins in beans, nuts, and seeds are lower in fat and higher in fiber than animal proteins – good for regulating blood sugar and making the kidneys’ job easier. Some nuts, seeds, and even tofu pack omega-3, a healthy fat. But be aware: Chia seeds are high in oxalates, a contributor to kidney stones, so eat them along with high-calcium foods.
2. Lean animal fuel – The acids and other waste from metabolized animal proteins and fat can overtax the kidneys, so be mindful of the amount and kinds you eat. Proteins that are good for the kidneys include skinless chicken, fish and shellfish, eggs, and low-fat yogurt.
3. A spectrum of vegetables – Eat not just greens, but reds, yellows, and even purples – each holds different nutrients. Some veggies pack a lot of vitamin C, while others are higher in vitamins A, B, or K (for blood clotting). Leafy greens, root vegetables, and broccoli are rich in antioxidants that support immunity and reduce inflammation.
4. Fruits with punch – Like vegetables, fruits are an excellent delivery system of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. When you want a sweet snack, go for an apple, orange, berries, cherries, or pineapple. Bananas are a good choice if you do not have kidney disease – they are high in potassium, which your kidneys would have trouble filtering it out.
5. Grainy foods – Research suggests that whole grains, including oats, brown rice, and quinoa, can help manage and treat kidney disease. They also support the organs that support the kidneys because they are a significant source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Bonus: Whole grains can help you manage weight while maintaining energy.
6. A little seasoning – Spices such as ginger, chili powder, cumin, and turmeric are a nourishing option for livening up flavor. They tend to be high in antioxidants and minerals but are low in salt, which is especially good for the kidneys and people prone to kidney stones.

In short, foods that are good for the kidneys typically are good for your whole-body health.

How to Know If You Have a Kidney Condition

Chances are you know someone with a kidney illness and neither of you know it. This is because of the one in seven U.S. adults who have kidney disease, 90% are unaware, the National Kidney Foundation reports. The following conditions can contribute to kidney disease:

Kidney stones – When your kidneys do not get enough liquid to dissolve certain minerals, the composites can bind and form crystals. Stones can go unnoticed for years, but if one obstructs urine flow, a painful infection could develop. Common symptoms include acute pain on the side of the back and blood in the urine.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) – At least 50% of women and one in 10 men will experience a UTI in their lifetimes, but this likelihood does not make them less serious. While most UTIs occur in the urethra and bladder, they can spread to the kidneys and trigger a more serious infection characterized by severe pain in the lower back, fever, and nausea.

Kidney cancer – Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common forms of cancer in men and women, with men being two to three times more likely to develop it. Because these malignant tumors develop in the tubules, kidney cancer raises the risk of kidney disease, and vice versa.

Become a Real “Wiz” at Kidney Health

Your kidneys might not have a direct say in what you eat, but if you choose foods that are good for the kidneys, they will be good to you. And you’ll feel good. Possibly even better than after eating a cheesesteak with extra Whiz.

Ask your doctor if you’d like dietary guidelines.

If you want to consult one of our urologists about your kidney health, call for an appointment at a nearby MLU location. You can also replay our free videos on kidney health and other urology conditions.