15 Foods Good for Kidney Health

We all know that a balanced diet is important for good health. The following 15 foods are not only good for overall health but also good for the kidneys.

1. Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are a good choice for people concerned about kidney health, because they are low in potassium. In addition, red bell peppers also contain vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and fiber.

Bell peppers also contain antioxidants such as lycopene, which helps protect against certain types of cancer. Red bell peppers can be mixed into tuna or chicken salad or eaten raw.

2. Cabbage



Cabbage contains chemical compounds that can break down free radicals in the body, helping to prevent cancer and support heart health.

Cabbage is an inexpensive food, and a great addition to your diet, as it is rich in vitamins K and C, fiber, vitamin B6, and folic acid, but low in potassium.

If you are on a dialysis diet, add cabbage to salads or serve it as a side dish to fish dishes.

3. Cauliflower

A kidney-friendly superfood is cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable is high in vitamin C, along with folate and fiber. It also contains compounds that help the liver neutralize harmful substances. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or blanched and added to salads. Steamed or boiled cauliflower is also a great side dish.

4. Garlic

Garlic helps reduce inflammation and lower blood cholesterol. Garlic also contains antioxidants and anti-clotting properties.

If you are on a dialysis diet, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt to add flavor to your meals without adding extra sodium. Garlic can be used with many different ingredients such as meat, vegetables or tomato sauce to add flavor to dishes.

5. Onions

A popular spice food is onions. Onions are full of flavonoids, especially quercetin. Flavonoids are natural substances that prevent the deposition of fat in the blood vessels. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of heart disease, protects against many forms of cancer and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Onions also contain chromium, a mineral that helps the body metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Onions can be eaten raw or cooked when processed into different dishes.

6. Apples


Eating an apple a day is really good for your health. The fiber and anti-inflammatory properties in apples lower cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect the body against heart disease and reduce the risk of cancer.

In addition to eating apples, you can also cook apples to create the perfect dessert. Drinking apple juice or cider is also good for your health.

7. Cranberries

Cranberries are great for preventing urinary tract infections, as they make urine more acidic and help prevent bacteria from sticking to the inside of the bladder. In addition, research has shown that cranberries can protect against cancer and heart disease. Enjoy cranberry juice every day to add vitamins and nutrients to your body.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries contain antioxidant compounds called anthocyanidins.

Blueberries are highly valued for their nutritional value, thanks to natural compounds that help reduce inflammation and are high in vitamin C and fiber. You can make a blueberry smoothie, or eat them as a dessert after a meal.

9. Raspberries

Raspberries contain a compound called ellagic acid, which helps neutralize free radicals. Raspberries contain fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and are high in folate.

Raspberries have properties that stop the growth of cancer cells and prevent the formation of tumors. You can add fresh raspberries to desserts, or add them to fruit smoothies.

10. Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, containing lots of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. Strawberries have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties, and also help keep your heart healthy.

11. Cherries

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that help protect your heart. Eating cherries every day can help your body fight inflammation. Fresh cherries or cherry pie are delicious desserts that are irresistible.

12. Red Grapes

Red grapes are rich in flavonoids, which are good for your heart, as flavonoids prevent oxidation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Resveratrol is a flavonoid found in grapes that can promote the body's production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow. Flavonoids also help protect your body from cancer and prevent inflammation.

13. Egg Whites

Did you know that egg whites are pure protein? Egg whites provide the highest quality protein along with all the essential amino acids. If you are on a kidney-friendly diet, egg whites are an option because they are lower in phosphorus than other protein sources such as egg yolks or meat.

14. Fish

Fish is a high-quality source of protein. Both the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend eating fish two or three times a week.

In addition to being a great source of protein, fish also contains anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. These healthy fats help prevent cancer and heart disease. Omega-3s also help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). The fish highest in omega-3s are salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and rainbow trout.

15. Olive Oil



Research has shown that people in countries that use olive oil instead of other cooking oils have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. This is a testament to the many good things in olive oil: oleic acid, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that protects against oxidation, and polyphenols that prevent inflammation and oxidation.