Kidneys are one of the vital organs of the body. They filter out waste and maintain water homeostasis. Certain foods can cause kidney damage.
And fortunately, certain foods play a beneficial role in renal health. Read on to know which foods are best for the kidneys.
Kidneys and their vital role in the body
Kidneys in the body play an important role. They help in the excretion of waste. The waste is made soluble in water and this then gets excreted out of the body in urine.
Kidneys also assist in the maintenance of the water balance and electrolyte balance of the body. Any excess salts are thrown out of the body in urine. Too much load on the kidney can damage it. Award-winning dietitian Toby Amidor is also an author. She says:
“The kidneys are a complicated organ,”
Renal health is vital (Source: Metropolis health care)Kidney damage can occur due to various reasons: some congenital, some genetic, and some acquired. They require different nutrition therapy along with medicines.
For renal health and also to prevent further damage to ailing kidneys, one should avoid processed foods and meat. Instead, consume whole foods and plant-origin foods for better outcomes.
Dark green leafy vegetables have high levels of minerals and phytocompounds that are good for the kidneys.
Green leafy vegetables and renal health
The proper balance of water and minerals is essential for prolonging the life of the kidneys. Toby explains:
“The leafy greens in your diet should help maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals like sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in your blood,”
Green leafy vegetables are good for kidneys (Source: very well fit)These green leaves have more potassium and less sodium. Hence, blood pressure control is better with a diet rich in green leafy vegetables.
High blood pressure is bad for the kidneys and can damage their end arteries leading to kidney failure. The function of the kidneys lessens and it is unable to excrete water and electrolytes properly.
Diabetes also hurts these excretory organs of the body. Hence avoid salty and sugary foods to keep them healthy.
Arugula or rocket plant
Arugula is s type of edible green leaf. It has good amounts of healthy substances like magnesium, vitamin K, and calcium. What makes it the best among green leafy vegetables is its low phosphorus content.
Hence even if the kidneys are poorly functioning, phosphorus accumulation is not so much of a risk with arugula consumption.
Read more: The best drinks to control elevated blood pressure!
Arugula (Source: The conversation)Studies have also shown that high phosphorus in foods can damage kidneys. With arugula, this risk is low. Therefore arugula is good for both normal people as well as those with renal compromise.
Additionally, this green plant has high levels of nitrates that lower blood pressure. Hence kidneys are saved from damage due to hypertension. Toby admits:
“no food is toxic to the kidneys, as the kidneys are built to filter out toxins,”
She adds:
“folks with certain types of kidney disease that need to watch certain foods,”