Boost Your Kidneys
If you or someone you know suffers from poor kidney function. It’s essential to pay close attention to what you eat. Some fruits are particularly good at supporting your kidneys and helping them achieve optimal health, including improving their function and clearing out harmful toxins from your body. Let’s look at ten fruits that will give your kidneys a boost if you have the condition. Or if you want to help the ones you love have healthy kidneys as well!
1) Apples
An apple a day keeps doctors and your kidneys at bay. The antioxidants in apples—particularly quercetin and phloridzin—protect your kidneys from disease. A 2012 study published in Nutrition Research showed that mice who consumed compounds similar to those found in apple peels for 15 days had increased levels of glutathione-S-transferase and catalase—two proteins that help protect cells from damage. And when these animals were then exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, they had better kidney function than those that did not receive apple compounds before exposure. Don’t have an apple on hand?
2) Oranges
Though most commonly associated with Vitamin C, oranges are also an excellent source of potassium. Potassium helps reduce blood pressure, as well as protect against kidney stones. Incorporate them into your diet by eating fresh orange slices or enjoying a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Eating regularly will help naturally boost your kidneys.
3) Pears
In addition to being one of Nature’s top feel-good foods, pears are also excellent sources of antioxidants. Research shows that polyphenols found in pears may help maintain kidney health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
4) Mango
High in antioxidants, manganese, and vitamin C, mangoes are suitable for your kidney’s health. Lychee: Vitamin C is essential for healthy kidneys. Lychee has over ten times more than an orange. Cranberries: As much as cranberries might stain your toothbrush red when you brush your teeth with them, they’re also good for your kidneys because of their antioxidant value.
5) Strawberries
Strawberries are known for their vitamin C content, but they’re also chock-full of potassium, which is good for your kidneys. Potassium helps flush excess sodium from your body, which can help prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. You’ll find about 366 milligrams of potassium in a cup of strawberries—nearly 20 percent of your daily recommended intake.
6) Bananas
Bananas can be a great way to give your kidneys a boost. They contain lots of potassium, which is essential for good health as it helps remove toxins from your body. They also have plenty of vitamins and antioxidants to help strengthen your immune system, giving you long-term protection against kidney damage. Potassium also helps fight back against high blood pressure, another common cause of kidney problems. Bananas are packed with fiber, so they’re great at keeping your cholesterol levels healthy and lowering your risk of heart disease too.
7) Grapes
The antioxidant flavonoids in grapes fight against oxidative stress and protect your kidneys from further damage. Oxidative stress has been shown to cause kidney problems and contribute to kidney failure. Start eating red or green grapes every day, fresh if possible, and you may be able to prevent some of those issues before they even start.
8) Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, etc.)
Eat berries. Eat a lot of berries. Blueberries and raspberries are particularly rich in antioxidants, benefiting those with kidney damage or disease. Berries may also help protect against kidney stones, another common problem for people with damaged kidneys. They’re sweet and delicious, so you have no excuse to eat them!
9) Watermelon
Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene, which may help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. The fruit is also high in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. Watermelon’s citrulline content helps support healthy blood pressure levels. Like all water-rich foods, watermelon can help promote hydration by retaining fluids in your body longer. This helps flush out toxins and other waste products to prevent buildup and improve kidney function over time.
10) Cantaloupe
The perfect fruit for kidney-protecting antioxidants, cantaloupe is rich in vitamins C and E, lutein, and beta-carotene. This powerful antioxidant has been proven to protect against oxidative stress, which can damage proteins in your cells and blood vessels. Cantaloupe has even been shown to help boost kidney function by improving blood flow to kidneys; a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe are vital in helping prevent kidney disease later on in life.
