Foods to Eat

Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are low in potassium and high in flavor, but that is not the only reason they are perfect for the kidney diet. This tasty vegetable is 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. 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 is 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 is 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

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, an apple a day may really keep the doctor away.

Egg whites

Egg whites are pure protein and provide the highest quality of protein with all the essential amino acids. For the kidney diet, egg whites provide protein with less phosphorus than other protein sources such as egg yolk or meats.

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.

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.

Olive Oil

Olive oil contains a great source of nutrients and unsaturated fats. A recent study found out that including olive oil in the daily diet can give a significant improvement in kidney failure and disease. Olive oil contains the active components that are beneficial in improving the life of patients with chronic kidney failure and boost the kidney health. Extra virgin olive oil is the most expensive with a low acidity rate. It is added to salads. Do not cook extra virgin olive oil because the flavor and nutrients of this oil are affected by the heat.

Cherries

Eating cherries can improve the kidney's function. It is advisable for patients with kidney failure to include cherries in their regular diet. This fruit contains a great source of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, citrate, and magnesium. In addition to treating kidney failure, citrate content of cherries is effective in decreasing the uric acid in the blood stream and hence, reducing the risk of developing arthritis and gout.

Blueberries

Blueberries are packed with anthocyanidins, an antioxidant that helps to cleanse the body of toxins. Blueberries have high nutrition value that can help to reduce inflammation. They also contain vitamin C, fiber, manganese. Blueberries work wonders for our bones too.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese and fiber. They contain anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and are a good choice for a healthy heart and kidney.

Coriander

It is packed with fiber, calcium, iron, manganese, and selenium, which are not only good for the kidneys but for the whole body too.