Not every fruit is healthy for those who suffer from chronic renal disease. These five fruits can improve the health of your kidneys.
Every year on the second Thursday of March, people mark World Kidney Day to raise awareness of the disorders that can impair kidney function and the need of maintaining good kidney health. The date of this year’s celebration is March 14. A carefully planned kidney diet is necessary to preserve kidney function and stop more harm to this vital organ. It is important for people with renal illness to keep an eye on their food and follow a low-sodium, low-potassium diet. (Also read: World Kidney Day 2024: The essential information, history, and date)
When it comes to kidney health, fruits that are high in antioxidants and low in sodium and phosphorus should be chosen. Kidney stones may result from a high-salt diet’s increased calcium loss in the urine. Extra phosphorus is eliminated from the blood by healthy kidneys, but if it stays in the system, it can raise the risk of heart disease, weak bones, joint discomfort, and even death.
Not every fruit is healthy for those who suffer from chronic renal disease. They have to stay away from foods strong in potassium, such as dates, bananas, cantaloupes, and apricots. In addition to being heavy in potassium and carbs, many dried fruits can raise blood sugar levels.
Foods that are beneficial for kidney disease patients include eggs, lean meats (fish and poultry), unsalted shellfish, berries, cherries, grapes, plums, apples, cauliflower, onions, eggplant, and turnips.
Fruits that are Best for Renal Health
“When you are focusing on kidney health, you must select foods that are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Low levels of vitamin C and K have been linked to kidney disease. Also ensure to select fruits that have antioxidant properties and are low in phosphorus and sodium to reduce stress on the kidney. The best fruits for kidney health are pomegranates, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, apples, and citrus fruits,” says Ayurveda expert Dr Dimple Jangda in an interview with HT Digital.
1. Pomegranate
Because of its abundance of antioxidants, pomegranates aid in lowering inflammation levels in the body. It is great for heart health and can lower cholesterol and raise blood pressure. It is perfect for kidney health since it is low in salt and phosphorus and high in potassium. Its bitter, astringent cleaning quality is beneficial to tissues.
2. Berries
Because they are low in phosphate and salt, berries are also very beneficial for kidney function. Their astringent properties aid in lowering water retention and tightening the tissues. Rich in antioxidants, manganese, folate, potassium, and vitamin C include strawberries, blackberries, and acai berries. You can have a small bowl of them every day because they are high in fiber and low in calories. Eat them throughout their seasonality, please.
3. Apples
Apples are safe and beneficial for kidney health because they are low in phosphorus and potassium. In the event that you are experiencing constipation, you can have either raw or cooked apples. It is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
4. Citrus fruits
Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are examples of citrus fruits that are a terrific addition to your diet to support healthy kidneys. They contain a lot of vitamin C, which helps keep kidney stones from forming. Drinking warm water with a squeezed lemon on an empty stomach is a common home remedy for clearing the urinary tract and digestive tract of waste products and toxins.
5. Avocado
Avocado is advised by the National Kidney Foundation; nonetheless, it contains a lot of potassium. See your physician prior to eating this fruit if you have any kidney health concerns. Because avocados provide beneficial fat, fiber, and antioxidants, you should eat them in moderation if you don’t have any specific renal conditions.
“Other fruits that are good for your kidney health include fruits like pears, peaches, nectarines, mandarins, watermelon, cherries, grapes, pineapples. Pineapples in fact contain bromelain, a digestive enzyme that can help dissolve kidney stones. It’s a good source of Vitamin C which prevents kidney related ailments and boosts your overall immunity and health,” concludes Dr Jangda.