Kidney health can get complicated at times. That’s especially true if we get into diets. For instance, salt can be bad for your kidneys, Yet, salt is more prevalent than ever. So, how can we tackle kidney health foods?
Naturally, the easiest approach is to talk about what’s good and bad. Kidney health is one of the reasons I dislike the Atkins diet. We can argue the same about carnivore diets.
That paints a clear picture. And, you’ll see that become clearer as this article goes on. Kidney health can be more about avoidance than seeking. Apparently, there are more harmful foods than beneficial ones.
Let’s see why that’s an issue.
What are the best kidney health foods?
According to Cleveland Clinic, three foods offer the most benefits. Let’s dive into what they say and compare it to existing research. Are bell peppers, berries, and fish really good for you?
Red bell peppers
The article states that red bell peppers are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Simultaneously, they’re low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. This is a huge advantage because those are harmful to your kidneys.
In fact, those three nutrients can contribute to chronic kidney disease. On the other hand, antioxidants can be a crucial aid in renal deficiency cases. Likewise, increasing fiber intake can slow down kidney disease complications.
Berries
Allegedly, berries are low in sugar and calories—as well as high in fiber. The same holds true for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They’re also low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.
As for reality, berries aren’t inherently good for kidney disease. Instead, they’re a safe food for patients. They’re a great way to obtain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. But, you don’t run into health risks.
Fish
Lastly, fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also low in sodium. The only issue, in this case, is its potassium and phosphorus content. Yet, the benefits might outweigh these issues.
And, science backs this up. Certain fish species have a high protein content as well. Due to this, they’re encouraged in kidney disease patients.
What are the worst kidney health foods?
Now, as I mentioned, there’s more prevention here. And, the National Kidney Foundation has a great article on this. Since I already used them as a reference, I won’t fact-check too hard. Thus, I’ll just summarize their points here.
Soft drinks
Soft drinks, or soda, have zero nutritional benefits. Instead, it’s packed with sugars. That translates into more calories and weight gain. Kidney disease is among the complications of soda overconsumption.
And, this article does corroborate that cola consumption could increase kidney disease risks.
Processed deli meats
Processed deli meats include cold cuts (i.e. bologna and ham) and more. The main problem with these meats is their sodium content. So, make sure to stick to lean meat—or fish! Even low-sodium lunch meats can undo the benefit with extra potassium.
Butter and mayonnaise
If you’re reaching for a sandwich, be mindful! Butter and mayonnaise are staples. But, these spreads are heavy on calories. Butter is also high in saturated fats. So, do your best to avoid these.
Frozen meals
Finally, we have frozen meals. These foods are as convenient as it gets. Yet, they can contribute to several conditions. They’re usually high in sugar and sodium. So, be careful when picking them. Always stick to low or no-added sodium.
The holistic takeaway
Speaking about kidney health and foods means splitting the good and the bad. However, it’s not as “black and white” as that suggests. It’s more about moderation than outright avoidance.
Therefore, make sure you’re not overdoing it with unhealthy choices. Sure, they’re convenient and affordable. But, that’s not an excuse for overindulgence.
Luckily, there’s an amazing supplement that can help you quite a bit. That’s The Kidney Disease Solution. This 100% natural supplement can help you reverse kidney damage. So, make sure to check it out!
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