Everyone knows that eating a balanced diet is important but so many of us equate "balance" to eating foods that are low in calories and fat content. It's not just about the amount of weight you gain or lose; it's about health and nourishing your body efficiently. If you don't follow a balanced diet, filled with a variety of nutrient rich food choices, you can end up with health issues, and some of the most prevalent problems affect the kidneys.
A well balanced diet needs to include what are often referred to as "super foods". Super foods are those that provide oxidation, protect you from the sun's damaging effects and include various antioxidants that can help your kidneys function at their best. The following "super food" choices provide a long list of benefits when it comes to kidney health including preventing chronic kidney disease and the possible need for dialysis in the future.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers are one of the best, antioxidant rich foods to indulge in when it comes to kidney health. Red bell peppers are packed with vitamin A, C and B6. There's also a large amount of fiber content in them that makes these even better for you. You can mix these hardy, slightly sweet tasting peppers into just about anything including eggs, salads, stir fried rice, or just sliced up and served with humus.
Garlic
Garlic can reduce inflammation, is hearty healthy and also lowers cholesterol. Garlic is brimming with antioxidants that are great for your kidneys and has some anti-clotting qualities. Garlic can be crushed up and cooked into all sorts of meals, thinly sliced into dishes, baked to spread on whole wheat bread or mixed in with a heart friendly spread.
Onion
Onions are great for seasoning absolutely any meal. Onions can help add a healthy hue to your skin and strengthen your blood vessels against all sorts of unhealthy fatty content. Onions are also low in potassium and high in chromium which can boost the health your kidneys. I'm guessing we all know how versatile onions are; what can't you put them in? For a delicious change, try baking a sweet onion with a dab of olive oil, a bit of garlic and a little thyme; fantastic!
Antioxidant Rich Berries
Blueberries, cranberries and raspberries are full of antioxidants and various properties that make not only improve your overall health but make the urine more acidic and can help strengthen your kidneys and bladder. They also have vitamin B, vitamin C and a high amount of fiber in them as well. They are delicious and can be made into a variety of desserts and also enjoyed raw alone or mixed into a tasty spring salad, perhaps with a light raspberry vinaigrette.
Fish
Fish has an endless amount of health benefits and that is why the ADA and the AHA both recommend fish at least twice a week. Fish also has a good amount of omega-3s in them which promotes kidney health. From Salmon to Tuna and more, you'll find fish to be very versatile; it can be bake, broiled, cut up and used in soups or casseroles.
Olive oil
Cook with olive oil! If you have olive oil in your diet you're bound to enjoy the benefits of its many antioxidants as well as its anti-inflammatory abilities. Virgin and extra virgin olive oil is even better so next time you're making a salad add some to the mix or find another way to incorporate it into your meal. Your kidneys and your heart will thank you for it!