List of foods that are good for 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.

However, she advised that people with kidney disease need to limit their intake since their yolks have a high phosphorus mineral.

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

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

Raw broccoli, carrots, and celery

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

High phosphorus levels remove calcium from 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 fiber.

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.

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 a kidney-friendly source of protein.

Egg yolks are nutritious but contain high amounts of phosphorus.

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 and 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 UTIs.

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

“People with kidney conditions have to consult their doctor before adding these foods to their diet. But other people can try incorporating them in their diets.”

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