Olive
oil
Olive oil is a great source of oleic
acid, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid. The monounsaturated fat in olive oil
protects against oxidation. Olive oil is rich in polyphenols and antioxidant
compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation.
Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are low
in potassium and high in flavor, but that’s not the only reason
they’re perfect for the kidney diet. These tasty vegetables are also an
excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as vitamin B6, folic acid
and fiber. Red bell peppers are good for you because they contain lycopene, an
antioxidant that protects against certain cancers.
Cabbage
A cruciferous vegetable,
cabbage is packed full of phytochemicals, chemical compounds in fruit or
vegetables that break up free radicals before they can do damage. Many
phytochemicals are also known to protect against and fight cancer, as well as
foster cardiovascular health.
High in vitamin K, vitamin
C and fiber, cabbage is also a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Low in
potassium and low in cost, it’s an affordable addition to the kidney diet.
Cauliflower
Another cruciferous
vegetable, cauliflower is high in vitamin C and a good source of folate
and fiber.
It’s also packed full of indoles, glucosinolates and thiocyanates—compounds
that help the liver neutralize toxic substances that could damage cell
membranes and DNA.
Garlic
Garlic helps prevent plaque
from forming on your teeth, lowers cholesterol and reduces
inflammation.
Onions
Onion, a member of the
Allium family and a basic flavoring in many cooked dishes, contains sulfur
compounds which give it its pungent smell. But in addition to making some
people cry, onions are also rich in flavonoids, especially quercetin, a
powerful antioxidant that works to reduce heart disease and protects against
many cancers. Onions are low in potassium and a good source of chromium, a
mineral that helps with carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
Apples
§
1 medium apple with skin = 0 sodium, 158 mg
potassium, 10 mg phosphorus
Apples have been known to
reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and
reduce the risk of cancer. High in fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds
This kidney diet can be paired with the previous good-for-you
food, onions, to make a unique Apple Onion Omelet. With versatile apples
you can eat them raw, make baked apples, stew apples, make them into apple
sauce, or drink them as apple juice or apple cider.
Cranberries
protect against bladder
infections by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. In a
similar way, cranberries also protect the stomach from ulcer-causing bacteria
and protect the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, promoting GI health.
Cranberries have also been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease.
Cranberry juice and
cranberry sauce are the most frequently consumed cranberry products. You can
also add dried
cranberries to salads or have them as a snack.
Blueberries
Blueberries are high in antioxidant phytonutrients called
anthocyanidins, which give them their blue color, and they are bursting with
natural compounds that reduce inflammation. Blueberries are a good source of
vitamin C; manganese, a compound that keeps your bones healthy; and fiber. They
may also help protect the brain from some of the effects of aging. Antioxidants
in blueberries and other berries have been shown to help slow bone breakdown in
rats made to be low in estrogen.
Raspberries
Raspberries contain a phytonutrient called ellagic acid which
helps neutralize free radicals in the body to prevent cell damage. They also
contain flavonoids called anthocyanins, antioxidants which give them their red
color. An excellent source of manganese, vitamin C, fiber and folate, a B
vitamin, raspberries may have properties that inhibit cancer cell growth and
tumor formation.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in two types of phenols: anthocyanins
and ellagitannins. Anthocyananins are what give strawberries their red color
and are powerful antioxidants that help protect body cell structures and
prevent oxidative damage. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and
manganese and a very good source of fiber. They are known to provide heart
protection, as well as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory components.
Cherries
Cherries have been shown to reduce inflammation when eaten
daily. They are also packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect
the heart.
Red
grapes
Red grapes contain several flavonoids that give them their
reddish color. Flavonoids help protect against heart disease by preventing
oxidation and reducing the formation of blood clots. Resveratrol, a flavonoid
found in grapes, may also stimulate production of nitric oxide which helps relax
muscle cells in the blood vessels to increase blood flow. These flavonoids also
provide protection against cancer and prevent inflammation.
Fish
Fish provides high-quality protein and contains
anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. The healthy fats in fish can help fight
diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Omega-3s also help lower low-density
lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol, and raise
high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol, which is good cholesterol.
Sweet Potatoes**: These super spuds are
packed with beta-carotene and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamin B-6 and potassium. One medium
(5-inch long) sweet potato contains 112 calories and nearly 4 grams of fiber,
according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. You can eat them mashed or
even make your own oven-baked fries.
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 could be used as a supplement
without concern for increased oxalate risk
Herbs
“Chanca Piedra (herb) – Rich with phytochemicals
and biological activity, Chanca piedra has a firm position in the herbal
medicine systems of everywhere it grows. The Spanish name of the plant
literally means “stone breaker” and it’s been used by South American people to
promote kidney and gallbladder health for centuries.
Hydrangea (root) – Hydrangea is well
known in Native America folk medicine as a remedy for kidney stones. With
incredible solvent properties, Hydragnea root is thought to dissolve the sharp
edges of stones to make them easier to pass.
Uva Ursi (lichen) – Uva ursi gets its
effectiveness from a glycoside known as arbutin. Uva ursi is a well known
herbal remedy for urinary and bladder problems. It encourages a clean urinary
tract and normal urine flow.
Gravel Root (root) – Also known as Joe-Pye weed,
gravel root is appreciated by Indian tribes for urinary tract health.It’s
traditionally believed to dissolve deposits and offer restorative qualities to
the kidneys.
Goldenrod (root) – Also popular in Native
American medicine, goldenrod is traditionally used to support the urinary
system. It tightens and tones urinary tissues and strengthens the kidneys.
Marshmallow (root) – Marshmallow has a variety
of applications and its diuretic qualities are among the most appreciated. Able
to stimulate urine production and soothe the urinary tract, marshmallow gently
and effectively supports the kidneys.