This article amazing article was written by Nicole, a holistic nutritionist with a strong belief that it is possible for everyone to discover how good their body is designed to feel. Nicole works in partnership with her clients to achieve a lifestyle that is both balanced, fulfilling and nourishing. Go check out her fantastic blog with healthy recipes, or follow her on Facebook!
Our kidneys are about the size of a fist, and are the shape of a kidney bean!
These little guys are apart of the urinary system but they also have a role in managing blood pressure due to their regulation of sodium levels.
Our kidneys work hard to remove waste from our bodies. Excreted waste can be from the breakdown of active muscles (creatinine) and also from the foods we eat.
Our kidneys also keep the body’s sodium, phosphorus and potassium in balance. Our kidneys also help to maintain the bodies’ water balance.
‘Renal Function’ is a term used for describing how your kidneys work, if you have two healthy kidneys, then you have 100% of your renal function. However you can be healthy with only 50% of your renal function or with only one kidney, if its function remains stable.
Many people with only 50% renal function have a kidney disease, if this number continues to drop below 20%, life can be threatening without some form of renal replacement therapy.
Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Your Kidneys can become damaged through a number of different ways, some you have control over, whereas other areas we cannot control.
Pharmaceutical Drugs (including OTD drugs)
Toxins in Foods
Chemicals in Cleaning and Personal Care Products
Heavy Metals
Chemotherapy
Snake or Insect Venom
Poisonous Mushrooms
Pesticides
Kidney failure can also be due to many other conditions, such as:
Congestive Heart Failure
Diabetes
Chronic Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Liver Disease
Lupus
Sickle-cell Anemia
While there are a number of physical signs of kidney disease, these symptoms can be related to many other conditions. Those with a kidney disease often don’t attribute symptoms to the condition until in later stages.
So how can you be proactive and keep your kidneys healthy? They are pretty important after all, they are essential for cleansing and detoxifying the body!
Foods for the Kidneys
An organic diet will be most beneficial for being proactive with your kidney health. Organic low-glycemic fruits and vegetables are free from harmful and toxic pesticides, herbicides and fungicides which are hard on the kidneys (and liver). Organic foods also cannot be GMO.
Focus on using whole, healing foods that are close to their natural state. Avoid packaged foods and only buy things with a small ingredient list (less than 10 ingredients).
Natural Diuretics
Damaged kidneys cannot efficiently remove excess water and sodium from the body, which will lead to high blood pressure. Natural diuretics will promote natural urination which can reduce swelling and high blood pressure.
Natural Diuretics to include are:
Parsley
Celery
Watermelon
Tomatoes
Grapes
Cucumber
Dandelion greens
Other useful foods for the kidneys are:
Pineapple: High in the enzyme bromelain, which is a protein digesting enzymes. Pineapple helps to fight and reduce inflammation.
Turmeric: A bright orange-yellow spice with powerful anti-inflammatory effects, inflammation is a large contributor to developing kidney disease.
For people with kidney disease, Potassium can build up to high levels in the blood, which can be dangerous for the heart. Potassium is a mineral found in foods we eat, and it is necessary in the diet for muscle movements and keeping a healthy nervous system. Potassium levels in the blood are controlled by the kidneys.
Another mineral, Phosphorus, which aids us in building strong bones and teeth as well as helps convert food into energy. Our kidneys normally release extra phosphorus in the urine, but with a kidney disease, buildup may occur and this can cause problems for the bones and heart.
In a “Renal Diet” it is necessary to know the effects of potassium and phosphorus in the body and why they should be limited to prevent further complications.
Mineral Conscious
With kidney disease, the body will not effective at regulating levels of the following minerals, if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease then you should be aware of mineral intake for:
Sodium
Potassium
Phosphorus
High Potassium and Phosphorus Foods To Avoid Are:
Dairy (cheese, milk, cream, ice cream, yogurt, kefir)
Chocolate (cocoa)
Beans
Peas
Soybeans (soybean oil)
Lentils
Peanuts
Canola Oil
Corn Oil
All soda (contains phosphoric acid)
All processed and packaged foods
Potassium Bicarbonate (used in baked goods)
High Potassium and Phosphorus Foods To Consume In Moderation:
{These foods have amazing health benefits and should not be eliminated completely due to their healing potential}
Beet Greens
Swiss Chard
Sweet Potato
Spinach
Pumpkin Seeds
Tempeh
Bananas
Sodium coming from natural sources such as pink Himalayan rock salt or seaweeds, will be the most beneficial form of sodium, as it will contain other organic minerals necessary for life and optimal bodily functions.
The forms of sodium to avoid, which will be in processed foods can be any of these terms:
Hidden Names and Sources of Sodium:
“Na”
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Baking Powder
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Disodium Phosphate
Sodium Chloride
Celery Salt
Onion Salt
Sodium Alginate
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium Bisulfate
Sodium Propionate
Soy Sauce
Now that you know which foods to watch out for, here are some of the nutrient rich foods you should focus on consuming more of!
Top Foods for Kidney Disease
Red Bell Peppers Low in potassium, but an excellent source of vitamins C, A, B6, folic acid and fibre. Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, a form of antioxidant which can help prevent against certain cancers.Eat raw or enjoy with a dip, include in egg salads, stir-fry’s, and omelettes, roast them, stuff them and add them to smoothies.
CabbagePart of the cruciferous family, cabbage is low in potassium and filled with phytonutrients that can break up “free-radicals” before they cause any damage. High in vitamins K, C, B6 and folic acid.Make into coleslaw or steam and add grass-fed butter and cracked pepper and serve as a side dish
CauliflowerAnother cruciferous vegetable, high in vitamin C and a great source of folate and fibre. Cauliflower supports the liver by neutralizing toxins that could damage cell membranes and DNA.Serve it raw, add it to salads, make “cauliflower rice”, or steam and add coconut oil and nutritional yeast.
GarlicLowers cholesterol and reduces inflammation! Garlic also strengthens the immune system.Always buy fresh organic garlic and enjoy it in a raw form when possible, add it into salad dressings or press it onto warm dishes to maintain all of its healing potential.
OnionsA member of the allium family, onions contain natural sulphur which gives it a pungent smell. Rich in flavonoids, especially quercitin which is an antioxidant that works to lower heart disease and protects against many cancers. Onions are low in potassium and a good source of chromium, a mineral that stabilizes blood sugar.Consume raw onions when possible, add to salads, hummus, and cooked dishes for flavour.
ApplesAn apple a day does keep the doctor away. Known to reduce cholesterol naturally, prevent constipation and protect against heart disease and cancer.Make an apple a snack, add to oatmeal, cereal or salads.
CranberriesThese tangy, tasty berries are known for protecting against bladder infections by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. In a similar way, cranberries also protect the stomach from ulcer causing bacteria and protect the lining of the digestive tract.Only drink pure, organic cranberry juice with no sugar or sweetener added. When buying dried cranberries to add to muffins and salads, buy unsweetened, or a fruit juice sweetened version
BerriesInclude blueberries, raspberries and strawberries in the diet for kidney health. These berries are lower in sugars in comparison to other fruits. They also contain antioxidants which can prevent cell damage. They contain vitamin C which supports the immune system and they contain fibre.Eat raw, add to salads, add to cereal or oats or add to smoothies.
CherriesCherries have been shown to reduce inflammation when eaten daily. They are another fruit that is packed with antioxidants which protects the heart.Eat as a snack, or add to smoothie’s salads and desserts. If buying cherry juice, look for organic tart cherry juice, which will be the best option for reducing inflammation and supporting the kidneys.
Work with Holisticole
When you work with Holisticole you will be able to uncover a deeper knowledge and understanding of the appropriate steps that are required for restoring kidney function.
After your First Appointment with Holisticole you will be able to take home your very own Customized Wellness Plan for Kidney Health, this will include:
How to overcome the root causes for kidney disease
Everything you need to know about the healing process
Foods that will be the most nourishing for you and your kidneys
Which supplementation will be needed to restore kidney function
Recipes and meal planning tips that will suit your lifestyle
Daily tasks and informative guides for your health + wellness
This article was republished with permission from holisticole.com.
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