5 foods that are believed to be able to maintain kidney health

PMJ NEWS – The kidney is one of the organs of the body that has an important function in life. This organ produces hormones and helps the body balance nutrients and minerals.

If the kidneys don’t function optimally, waste and excess fluid can accumulate in the body resulting in various diseases, one of which is chronic kidney disease.

As reported by Yahoo, Friday (12/1/2023), a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing kidney disease or maintain kidney function in general. Here are six foods to improve kidney health.

1. Cabbage
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable and an excellent source of vitamin C, which may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It is low in potassium, sodium and phosphorus but high in fiber.

High-fiber foods can help regulate the gut, reduce bad cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight.

2. Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods because of their high levels of antioxidants, blueberries are considered a superfruit and can help control blood sugar, reduce the risk of some types of cancer, improve brain health and protect the heart.

Blueberries are low in potassium, calcium and sodium, so they are safe to eat even if you have kidney stones or a kidney transplant.

3. Hot Chili
Spicy food lovers, there is no need to avoid it if you have kidney disease. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, increases blood flow which can speed healing and protect against high blood pressure and heart disease.

Capsaicin also causes the body to burn more calories and reduces appetite, making it ideal for people trying to lose weight.

4. Paprika
If you prefer sweet peppers to hot ones, you can still enjoy them as part of a kidney-healthy diet. Bell peppers are rich in immune-boosting vitamin C, which is especially important because kidney disease can weaken the immune system.

Antioxidants in bell peppers including vitamins C and E and beta-carotene may also help protect against heart disease and cancer.

Red bell peppers are especially rich in capsanthin, a polyphenol that gives them their red color and can help prevent diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.

5. Egg White
Protein plays an important role in many body functions, including building muscle, repairing tissue and fighting infection. But too much protein can be bad for people with kidney disease.

The kidneys may not be able to filter the excess waste that accumulates in the blood when the body eats a lot of protein.

Egg whites are a great way for people with kidney problems to get the right amount of protein. They are low in potassium and phosphorus and high in protein.