Foods that work 'miracles' on your kidneys

When it comes to a good choice of food for your kidneys, egg whites are a hit.

Nutritionist Wincate Wangari says eggs are particularly good for your kidneys since they are low in phosphorus.

This is a mineral that you need to limit when you have chronic kidney disease.

Kidneys are the two organs, shaped like beans whose main job is to cleanse the blood and transform waste into urine.

Wangari advises that some foods may save you from the hustle of anaemia, kidney stones and high blood pressure as they work magic.

Proteins

Wangari says animal proteins like meat, fish and eggs are easy for the body to break down and use, compared to plant-based proteins like legumes.

“When it comes to proteins, it is not about how much protein you eat, it’s about how protein-rich the food is,” she told the Star on Friday.

Wangari recommended that people with chronic kidney diseases opt for egg whites which are kidney-friendly source of protein.

Egg yolks are nutritious but contain high amounts of phosphorus.

“With kidney disease, limit the intake of phosphorus, as your body cannot remove phosphorus very well,” she advised.

High phosphorus levels remove calcium out of your bones and can make them weak.

Cauliflower, cabbage and green leafy vegetables

With the right preparation, like steaming, boiling or adding it to salads.

 Wangari says these vegetables are a high source of vitamin C, folate and fibre.

These can substitute rice and potatoes which are high in potassium.

“Potatoes can be soaked in water to reduce their potassium content for people in the kidney diet, soaking helps to leach the potassium load,” she said.

She advised them to soak the potatoes in warm water for two hours before cooking.

Garlic and ginger

Wangari said that not only are they a good food season but also, garlic reduces the need for extra salt.

“Ginger herb improves digestion as well as improves blood purification, this will increase the flow of oxygenated blood towards the kidneys,” she said.

She advised, however, for people to use them moderately.

She advised a glass or two of sugarcane and ginger juice which is pressed naturally, which is an effective diuretic.

Water and berries

Low in sodium, phosphorus and potassium, Wangari said that berries are good antioxidants and can help reduce blood pressure.

“Berries ensure the toxin level is low, with their strong antioxidants and with their low sodium and phosphorus they are also safe for people with kidney conditions,” Wangari said.

She said that water helps to remove waste in the blood and reduces the chances of developing kidney stones and UTI’S (urinary tract infections).

“UTI’S and Kidney stones damage the kidneys, so try hydrate moderately to clear the excess sodium and urea and also hydrate those kidneys,” she said.

She advised, however, that for people undergoing dialysis, water can be a little restricted.

Edited by D Tarus