Chronic Kidney Disease is a severe and long-term medical condition, where the kidney function reduces gradually. The kidney is a crucial organ in our human body which takes care of fluid balance, blood filtration, and the production of urine. CKD occurs when the kidneys fail to perform their activity leading to the accumulation of waste matters in our body. This toxic waste substance causes several life-threatening consequences and finally, dialysis and kidney transplant will be the only options to manage this condition and prevent complications. Therefore, the people undergoing the stages of CKD should follow a specific food diet to lead a quality life.
The kidney’s function is to balance the nutrients in our body. The Food diet is to be selected in such a way to protect the kidneys from damage by avoiding more stress to them. Here, is a list of the Top 20 kidney-friendly foods that protect your kidney from damage and improve its life.
1.Egg Whites
Egg Whites provides high-quality protein and amino acids for CKD. Unlike Egg Yolk, Egg white is low in phosphorus content which helps in limiting phosphorus intake for nutrient balance. Additionally, Egg whites are low in potassium and sodium content which is often required in the CKD diet. You can add egg whites to salads, smoothies, and omelets.
2.Olive Oil
Olive Oil is a good source of unsaturated fat and vitamin E for individuals with CKD. It has antioxidant-like polyphenols that help in the reduction of inflammation. Olive oil is a safer option for managing CKD as it contains less cholesterol. By intaking Virgin or Extra virgin olive oil in the diet will provide essential benefits and it also enhances the flavour of the food we cook. Add olive oil for salad dressing, stir fry, and for vegetable marination.
3.Cabbage
Cabbage is a kidney-friendly vegetable rich in Vitamin B6, C, and K, Folic acid, and Fiber. It is low in potassium and phosphorus, making it suitable for kidney-friendly diets. It has antioxidant property that helps to protect cells and its function. You can enjoy cabbage as raw, cooked, or as part of various dishes.
4.Apple
Apples are High in fiber, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory compounds, which is an excellent choice for the diet for chronic kidney disease. It is a kidney-friendly food due to its low potassium and phosphorus content in it. It also helps to reduce inflammation and improve health. You can eat apple has Apple salad, Apple Juice, Apple smoothie and apple sauce.
5.Cranberries
Cranberries are tangy and juicy berries essential to be added to the CKD Diet. It helps to prevent urinary tract infection, which is a common cause of CKD. It also protects the stomach from gut bacteria and promotes GI health. You can consume Cranberry juice, Cranberry Relish, and cranberry-apple salad for the meal.
6.Red Grape
Red Grapes are a reddish color fruit due to the presence of Flavonoids. The presence of flavonoids helps to protect from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, reduce blood clot formation, prevent inflammation and other health conditions. Take grapes as snacks or add them to fruit salads and make dishes like red grape juice, smoothies, and chutney.
7.Raspberries
Raspberries are soft red-colored berries that contain a phytonutrient called ellagic acid that helps to avoid cell damage. They also have anthocyanin flavonoids like red grapes to give a rich red color. Raspberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and folate which makes them an essential diet for kidney disease patients. Try Raspberry recipes like Raspberry smoothie, Raspberry Chia pudding, Raspberry Salad, and Raspberry Yogurt Parfait.
8.Fish
Fish is a great source of protein and is also loaded with minerals like vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Fishes like Salmon, Tilapia, Cod, Herring, Mackeral, and Trout, are generally recommended for the CKD diet due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 helps to fight against heart disease and cancer. Try making Baked Salmon, Grilled Cod, fish curry or fry with less oil.
9.Cherries
Cherries are rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and magnesium. It is available in both sweet and sour taste. They have antioxidant properties to protect the heart and reduce inflammation. Cherries can be added to the CKD diet as they contain only a small amount of sodium. You can make dishes like cherry smoothies, salads, desserts, and pudding.
10.Beans
Beans are plant-based food that contains fiber, protein, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It helps to protect the heart due to its low-fat content. Due to the presence of potassium, it has to be consumed in moderation. You can try different bean varieties to the diet like lentil soup, chickpea stew, and black bean salad.
11.Squash
Squash is a widely cultivated vegetable rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and B6. It is low in sodium and phosphorus content but high in potassium. It can be included in early diets of kidney disease patients. You can try different squash varieties in your diet by making dishes like butternut squash soup, squash and carrot puree, squash stir fry, and squash stuffed with rice.
12.Yogurt
Yogurt is food prepared by milk fermentation. It is a probiotic agent that supports your gut and aids in digestion. It has a high level of calcium, protein, and a special type of fat called conjugated linoleic acid. This helps in the formation of good bacteria in the gut. Yogurt recipes like salad dressings, dips, and creamy marinate for meats and sauces.
13.Garlic
Garlic is a pungent-smelling vegetable, which has natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in it. It can also help to lower your blood pressure. Garlic also contains compounds that may help protect kidney tissues from damage. It is good to consume garlic cloves directly chop them and use them as a dressing for salads or include an adequate quantity of them in gravies, sauces, mayonnaise, or any food that you prefer.
14.Skinless Chicken
Skinless Chicken is a rich source of protein for the CKD diet. A good quantity of chicken can be consumed with starchy vegetables. It is a great option due to its lower fat content and reduced risk of potassium and phosphorus buildup. You can have chicken dishes like chicken stir fry, chicken soup, lemon herb chicken, and grilled chicken salad.
15.Bell Peppers
Bell Peppers contain vitamins C, B6 and A, folic acid, and fiber. It has less potassium which is ideal for a kidney-friendly diet. It also contains a component called lycopene, which acts as an antioxidant to protect the cells from cancer. You can try roasted bell pepper with dip, add it to the omelet, and try dishes like bell pepper and chicken stir fry, grilled bell pepper salad, and bell pepper stuffed with quinoa.
16.Onion
Onion is a strong, pungent aroma vegetable that belongs to the Allium family, which is a staple in many kitchens. It has a rich antioxidant property to reduce heart disease and protect from cancer. Onion has low potassium and that acts as a taste enhancer by adding it to various dishes. You can try raw onions in burgers, sandwiches, and salads and also try dishes like onion and bell pepper stir fry, caramelized onion soup, and onion omelet.
17.Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that contains nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and fiber. It has a low potassium content, which is a great choice for people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Cauliflower can be tried in various delicious dishes that are both satisfying and suitable for a renal diet. You can try dishes like Cauliflower Mash, Roasted Cauliflower, Cauliflower Rice, and Cauliflower Soup. These dishes are easy to prepare and kidney-friendly.
18.Radish
Radish is a crunchy vegetable which is a great addition to the CKD diet. It has low potassium and phosphorus content that helps to reduce the kidney strain. It also has a diuretic effect that helps to promote the production of urine and the removal of waste. You can try simple radish recipes like radish stir fry, salad, and soup.
19.Turnip
Turnip may help to protect against kidney damage. It contains compounds like flavonoids, which may possess antioxidant activity and reduce oxidative stress in kidneys, thereby protecting it. You can try radishes by trying different cooking techniques like roasting, boiling, or mashing. Prepare dishes like turnip salad, turnip stir fry, and turnip soup for a kidney-friendly diet.
20.Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in fiber and vitamin A and it also contains a special enzyme called bromelain that reduces inflammation. It is a sweet treat for people with kidney conditions due to its low phosphorus, potassium, and sodium content. You can eat pineapple directly or cut into chunks and make pineapple salad, pineapple chicken stir fry, and pineapple juice.
