7 foods that are good for the kidneys

 People with kidney disease should eat nutritious vegetables and fruits low in potassium such as apples, grapefruit, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, prioritize vegetable protein, drink black coffee and unsweetened green tea.

The kidneys are responsible for removing waste, removing excess fluid from the blood, balancing fluids in the body, and controlling blood pressure. People with kidney disease may have limited fluid, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus intake. Therefore, eating the right foods is important because the kidneys are not working well and have difficulty removing waste from the body.

Fruit

Fruits are good for the kidneys because they provide important nutrients that the body needs without putting too much pressure on the kidneys. People with kidney disease need to monitor their potassium intake, so they should choose fruits that are low in potassium. They are also high in fiber, which is good for digestion and keeps blood sugar levels stable. Eating a variety of fresh fruits can provide vitamins and minerals that support the kidneys and overall health. Some recommended types are apples, blueberries, cherries, grapefruit, oranges, and pomegranates.

Vegetable

Vegetables also provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Many vegetables are low in potassium and high in fiber. Adding vegetables to your diet supports kidney health, energy levels, and the immune system. Some helpful ones include beets, bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, leafy greens, potatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Bell peppers are suitable for the diet of people with kidney disease. Photo: Ngoc Pham

Protein

Protein is an important part of a kidney-friendly diet, but people with kidney disease need to control the amount and type of protein (animal or plant). The body needs protein to build and repair muscles and support other functions, but too much can put stress on the kidneys. Good protein options for kidney disease include beans, chia seeds, chicken, eggs, fish, flax seeds, tofu, and yogurt.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates provide fuel for the body without putting too much strain on the kidneys. However, people with both kidney disease and diabetes should monitor their carbohydrate intake. It is best to focus on whole food sources rather than processed foods. Carbohydrate sources can include fruits, legumes (peas, beans, lentils, peanuts), vegetables, and whole grains.

Nuts and nut butters

Nuts and nut butters contain healthy fats, protein, and other nutrients. However, they can also be high in phosphorus and sometimes potassium , which may need to be limited for some people. It is better to choose unsalted nuts. Some kidney-friendly varieties include almond butter, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanut butter, peanuts, pecans, and sunflower seed butter.

Healthy Oils

Oils like olive oil contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and support overall health. They are suitable to add to a kidney diet because they provide essential fats. Some healthy oils include avocado oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc.

People with kidney disease should choose unsalted nuts. Photo: Ngoc Thi

Beverage

Fluid balance is important for kidney health. Plain water is often the best choice for rehydration because it does not contain added sugar, sodium, or phosphorus. Other drinks that are good for the kidneys include black coffee and unsweetened green tea.

Foods to avoid

People with kidney disease should avoid or limit certain foods and drinks to ensure that this organ functions properly. Among them, foods that contain high levels of sodium, because they can change the fluid balance and cause water retention. Examples include canned soups, processed foods, and snacks.

In addition to sodium, potassium is another electrolyte that should be avoided or used in moderation. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, dairy products, orange juice, and tomatoes. Phosphorus is another nutrient that may need to be limited because poor kidney function makes it difficult to process it. Milk, nuts, soft drinks, dark-colored soft drinks, and poultry are high in phosphorus.