Care for Your Kidneys

Your kidneys cleanse 120 - 150 quarts of your blood per day and are vitally important to your wellness. They are located on each side of your spine below your rib cage. They help regulate blood pressure and signal your bone marrow to make red blood cells. One of the best things you can do for your kidneys is to stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar stable. Here are some foods that can help you care for your kidneys.

Cucumber

Surprisingly, cucumber is a really healthy fruit to eat. You may think that is mostly just water, but it contains important vitamins and minerals. Plus it is full of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. It is best to eat it with the skin on so that you getthe extra fiber and nutrients that are in the skin. Because they are 96% water, eating cucumber is an easy low calorie way to stay hydrated and support your body's detoxification pathways.

Beetroot

The leaves and roots of beets are loaded with nutrition. They are naturally high in nitrates which are turned to nitric oxide in your body. Your body can use nitric oxide to relax your blood vessels and support healthy blood pressure levels. Beetroot also contains many antioxidant compounds that can help reduce inflammation. Although they are great for you if you are generally healthy and have not had kidney stones, they are typically avoided by people on dialysis because of the potassium they contain.

Berries

Berries like raspberries, blackberries and strawberries are low on the glycemic index and contain lots of antioxidants. They also have a high water content so can help you stay hydrated. Blueberries in particular, are great for your kidney health because they are low in sodium, potassium and phosphorous.

Lemons and Limes

The naturally occurring citric acid in lemons and limes can be beneficial for your kidneys. This is because it is thought to prevent the formation of kidney stones and may help break down small stones. Many people drink lemon water first thing in the morning as a way to detox and support the kidneys and liver.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are both alliums and support your wellness through their high antioxidant content. Onions are high in vitamin C and B vitamins. Both onions are and garlic are prebiotics and support your gut health by feeding the good probiotic bacteria. They have both been studied for their ability to support kidney health and are a great way to add flavor to a meal.

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