Kidney problems are pretty common and affect around 10% of the world’s population. Even though they are small, these bean-shaped organs perform many crucial functions.
They can filter out the waste, balance the fluids in the body, produce urine and release all the hormones that control the blood pressure.
Apart from that, they can do many other crucial tasks. But taking good care of these organs is essential as they can get damaged for many reasons.
High blood pressure and diabetes are the common risk factors of kidney problems, but age, genetics, obesity, and gender can also increase the risk. That’s why you must follow a healthy diet to take care of the kidneys.
But what are the food items you must include in the diet chart for kidney patients? Let’s find out.
Food Items to Include in the Diet Chart
When you wish to keep your kidneys in good condition, here are some food products you must include in your diet chart.
1. Cauliflower
Cauliflower contains many essential nutrients, such as B vitamin folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K. You can use mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes for a side dish with low potassium.
One cup or 124 grams of cooked cauliflower contains 19 mg of sodium, 40mg phosphorus, and 176mg of potassium.
2. Blueberry
You must include blueberries under the diet chart for kidney patients because it contains antioxidants. These antioxidants known as anthocyanins will protect you from diabetes, certain cancers, heart problems, and cognitive decline.
3. Red Grapes
The red grapes are tasty and offer many nutrients to the body. They carry vitamin C and antioxidants known as flavonoids, which can effectively reduce inflammation.
75mg or a half cup of these kidney-friendly fruits contain 15mg of phosphorus, 144mg of potassium, and 1.5mg of sodium.
4. Buckwheat
Buckwheat has a level of low phosphorus. It also contains magnesium, vitamin B, fiber, and iron. Buckwheat is also an excellent choice for people with celiac disease.
5. Bulgur.
Bulgur contains manganese, vitamin B, and fibre. It’s an outstanding kidney-friendly wholegrain, much better than other whole grains.
Bulgur is an excellent dietary fibre and a plant-based protein making it highly essential for digestive health.
91gm of bulgur contains 36 mg of phosphorus, 4.5mg of sodium, and 65gm of potassium.
6. Skinless Chicken
Little protein consumption is crucial for many people who have kidney problems. This is mainly because it will provide the body with high-quality protein, crucial for health.
Skinless chicken breast carries less sodium, potassium, and phosphorus when compared with skin-on chicken.
Taking 84gm or 3-ounces of skinless chicken will provide you with 192 mg of phosphorus, 63 mg of sodium, and 216 mg of potassium.
7. Macadamia Nuts
The majority of the nuts are high in phosphorus and are not recommended for the renal diet. But macadamia nuts are not like the other nuts. They are suitable for people with kidney problems.
These nuts contain a lower level of phosphorus than other nuts like almonds and peanuts. Macadamia nuts contain healthy fats such as manganese, iron, B vitamins, copper, and magnesium.
28 grams or 1-ounce of macadamia nuts contain 53 mg of phosphorus, 1.4mg of sodium, and 103 mg and potassium.
Conclusion
People with kidney issues must follow a healthy diet to keep their kidneys in excellent condition. You can get it done by including all these food items mentioned in this article right into your diet chart.
That way, you can keep not just your kidneys healthy but also your other organs.
