Checkout 7 Best Foods That Supports Kidney Function

Your kidneys provide vital service to your body — they filter waste from your blood and send it to your bladder. They also regulate blood pressure, manage water re-absorption, control the acidity in the body, and balance electrolyte levels. Considering their importance, eating a diet to promote kidney health could be one of the best things you can do. The following seven foods will support your kidneys and make their job easier.

Foods to Support Kidney Function

1. Cherries

These tasty little fruits help reduce redness and swelling and contain a healthy amount of vitamin C as well as vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6, magnesium, and citrate. The tarter the cherry, the higher the level of citrate. Citrate reduces uric acid in the blood stream which can lead to gout and arthritis. Those who eat cherries have been found to have lower uric acid levels and a lower risk of gout attacks.

2. Cranberries

Cranberries also offer high levels of vitamin C and manganese. Women have traditionally used it to fight off UTIs. Recent research has found pure cranberry juice (not the sugary stuff) diluted in water reduced urinary levels of oxalate and phosphate which reduce the formation of kidney stones.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its ability to help regulate glucose levels. This can help the body manage glucose better and offer protection from blood sugar disorders. Excess glucose that results from diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys. Another study confirmed that cinnamon can be used as a supplement without concern for increased oxalate risk.

4. Kidney Beans

The shape and name of these beans may suggest which organ benefits most from its healing potential. Kidney beans are known for as an effective home remedy for kidney stones. In ancient times, the pods served as medicinal tonic.

To reduce kidney stone pain, remove the beans from the pods and in a slow cooker, boil the pods in purified water for 6 hours. Once finished, strain the liquid and let it cool before drinking. Drink throughout the day.

5. Olive Oil

Like fish, olive oil provides a healthy serving of nutrient dense, unsaturated fats. Olive oil is also the basis for the ‘Mediterranean Diet.’ A recent study found individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease who adopted this diet experienced improvements in both symptoms and survival. The active components in olives improve the life of those suffering from chronic kidney disease and will certainly provide kidney support to those looking to maintain kidney health.

7. Onions (and garlic!)

Both onions and garlic contain quercitin. Quercitin is a powerful flavonoid a$$ociated with antioxidant benefits and potency against redness and irritation. Research has found quercitin helps provide a protection against kidney damage for smokers. For non-smokers, the bonus protection provided by quercitin combined with improved fat metabolism helps protect the body’s filters.

If you enjoy these foods regularly, know that you’re doing your kidneys a favor. If you’re looking for ways to improve kidney function, adding these foods to your diet can help!

Did I miss a food that you eat to support your kidneys? Please weigh in and leave a comment below!