Foods to Promote Kidney Health

Your kidneys are small but mighty—they're responsible for many functions throughout the body. To keep your kidneys healthy and working efficiently, consider adding these foods to your diet.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like kale and spinach are nutrient-dense foods that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help to support kidney function as well as overall health. Leafy greens contain vitamins A, C, and K as well as carotenoids and flavonoids. These nutrients translate to anti-cancerous effects and give an extra boost to the immune system.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that support cell function. They are part of the cell membrane and also affect the function of cell receptors in said membranes. Omega-3’s are also responsible for providing a starting point for making hormones that regulate functions throughout the body such as blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation.

The body cannot produce these on its own—we stock up on this essential nutrient from the foods we eat. The following foods are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids:

• Walnuts

• Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel

• Canola oil

• Chia seeds

• Soybeans

Berries

Berries like strawberries and blueberries are low-calorie snacks that are powerhouses when it comes to fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These nutrients have anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Drink Plenty of Water

In addition to eating healthy foods, drinking water is crucial to proper kidney function. Drinking enough water and fluids is essential for supporting your overall health, but it also helps to support kidney health. According to the National Kidney Foundation, water helps the kidneys to remove waste and toxins from your blood through urine. Water also helps to keep blood vessels open, efficiently delivering blood and essential nutrients to the kidneys. When the body becomes dehydrated, this may negatively impact kidney function and can even lead to kidney damage.

Primary Care in Ridgecrest, California

At Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, our team of highly trained and experienced family physicians is dedicated to providing services to patients of all ages in Ridgecrest and surrounding areas. To learn more about our primary care services or schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at (760) 446-3551 (Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM).