The kidneys are a pair of super vital, fist sized organs; each located either side of the spine, in the back of the abdomen, and just below the rib cage. Our kidneys determine the quality of health in a major way by being active filters mopping toxins from our blood, maintaining the right water balance, and stabilizing critical mineral saturation in our blood.
How do they do it?
Wastes in the blood come from the normal breakdown of active tissues, such as muscles, and from food. After the body has taken what it needs from food, wastes are sent to the blood. If the kidneys did not remove them, these wastes would stay in the blood and re-circulate in the entire body, increasing the toxicity and damaging vital organs.
Am I at risk?
Kidney disease accounts for 26 million chronic kidney disease (CKD) adult cases, in the United States alone. People suffering from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and those who are older than 60 years old are more prone to this dilapidating disease. A family history of kidney disease can also put you at risk. Suffering from other ailments like Obesity, autoimmune diseases, and urinary tract infections also enhance your risk of developing kidney disease.
Healthy ways to say “Thank You”:
Apart from maintaining your weight, regularly monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose level, and exercising regularly, taking the effort to change to healthy dietary habits would improve your chances to stave off renal problems. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in salt or oxalate-rich food, can help prevent abnormal mineral build up. Additionally, drinking lots of water throughout the day, especially if you exercise frequently, is important for kidney health.
TOP 15 SUPER FOODS TO BOOST KIDNEY HEALTH:
- Cranberries: Makes urine more acidic, and prevents urinary tract infections, by depending against bacteria sticking to the inside of the bladder. Effective against cancer and heart disease.
- Cherries: Abundant in antioxidants and phytochemicals, providing heart protection through its anti-inflammation properties.
- Red Bell Peppers: These are low in Potassium, while packing a generous portion of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and fiber. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which protects against certain types of cancer.
- Garlic: Good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It has antioxidant and anti clotting properties.
- Olive Oil: Contains oleic acid, an anti inflammatory fatty acid which protects against oxidation, and polyphenols and antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation.
- Red grapes: Lots of heart-friendly flavanoids that prevent oxidation, reduce the chance of blood clots, and protects you from cancer and inflammation induced complications.
- Blueberries: A potent anti-inflammatory super food with lots of Vitamin C and fiber. Contain manganese which contributes to healthy bones.
- Raspberries: Ellagic acid, a phytonutrient, helps neutralize free radicals preventing cell damage. In addition to the Flavonoids (anthocyanins) these berries are an excellent source of manganese, vitamin C, fiber and folate, a B vitamin, and inhibit cancer cell growth and tumor formation.
- Onions: Low in potassium and chromium, it contains quercitin, a powerful antioxidant that prevents heart disease and many other forms of cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cabbage: These cruciferous vegetables are filled with phytochemicals, believed to combat cancer growth and support cardiovascular health.
- Cauliflower: Contains Vitamin C, folate, fiber, and compounds that help liver neutralize toxic substances, reducing the load on the kidneys.
- Apples: The combination of fiber and anti-inflammatory elements helps reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, and protect against heart disease.
- Strawberries: Rich in two types of antioxidants plus they contain lots of vitamin C, manganese and fiber. They have anti inflammatory and anti cancer properties and also keeps your heart healthy.
- Egg Whites: They provide the highest quality of protein along with all the essential amino acids. Egg whites have less phosphorus than other protein sources such as egg yolks or meats.
- Fish: Good source of protein and inflammatory omega 3 fats which prevent diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They also help lower the bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol.
