There is a link between chronic kidney disease and food. Foods protect the body against fatty acid oxidation. Oxidation is a normal process for energy production but excessive oxidation of fatty acids may create free radicals responsible for the damage to the genes, proteins, and cell membranes. Heart disease, kidney disease, and various chronic conditions are linked to the excess of oxidation.
Foods that contain antioxidants help reduce the free radicals in the body and prevent the occurrence of disease. Many of such foods are included in the kidney-friendly diet during chronic kidney disease and dialysis.
Here are some of the foods that help repair kidney damage.
Cabbage
Green cabbage is a packet full of phytochemicals and chemical compounds that help break free radicals. Phytochemicals have been known to protect the body against various cancers and protect heart health. Also, high in vitamin K, C, fiber, folic acid, this food is a healthy and yet affordable edition to a kidney-friendly diet.
Half a cup of cabbage contains 6mg of sodium, 9mg of phosphorus, and 60 mg of potassium.
Cauliflower
Another green vegetable high in vitamin C, folate, and fiber is cauliflower. It is rich in glucosinolates, thiocyanates, and indoles that help the liver neutralize the toxic substances.
Garlic
1 single clove of garlic has 1 mg of sodium, 12mg of potassium, and 4 mg of phosphorus. It helps to reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and prevent plaque from forming.
Onions
A single cup of onion has 3 mg of sodium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 116 mg of potassium. It has a pungent smell because of sulfur compounds and belongs to the Allium family. They are rich in flavonoids called quercetin which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and include some of the cancers. Chromium another mineral in the onion promotes carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
Red bell pepper
It is a kidney repair food that is low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. This vegetable is also an excellent source of vitamin A, C, B6, folic acid, and fiber. Lycopene is an antioxidant that helps the body against various forms of cancer.
Apple
A single apple has 158 mg of potassium, 10 mg of phosphorus, and 0 sodium. They have been known to reduce cholesterol, protect heart disease, and the risk of cancer. It is also high in fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds preventing inflammation in the body.
Cranberries
These tasty berries protect bladder infections by preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. Cranberry also prevents the growth of ulcer-causing bacteria and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also a way to protect the body against cancer and heart disease.
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanidins, the reason for the blue color of them. It also helps reduce inflammation in the body, a cause of damage to the kidneys. Blueberries are a good source of manganese, fiber, and vitamin C.
Raspberries
A half serving of raspberries has 0 mg sodium, 93 mg of potassium, and 7 mg of phosphorus. It contains a phytonutrient called ellagic acid which prevents cell damage by destroying free radicals. Raspberries are a healthy source of manganese, fiber, folate, vitamin B, etc.
It is one of the healthiest fruits that prevent cell growth and tumor formation.
Strawberries
If you love strawberry because of its tangy taste, then learn that it is one of the healthy foods that help repair damage to the kidneys. They are believed to have two types of phenols called ellagitannins, and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins help the structure of the cell and prevent oxidative damage.
It is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. They are known to promote heart protection and some cancers.
Red grapes
Red grapes contain several flavonoids that reduce the formation of blood clots, reduce the risk of oxidation, and promote heart health. Resveratrol, a flavonoid may promote the production of nitric acid helping cells in the blood vessels to relax and promote blood flow. Another benefit of consuming red grapes is that they protect an individual against cancer by preventing inflammation.
So, these were some of the fruits and vegetables that help repair kidneys and promote their function. If you want to know more about diet during kidney disease, reach us at Karma Ayurveda.
