The best foods for your kidneys

Diet and kidney health go hand in hand.

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Today's Ingredients Your kidneys are pretty cool, to say the least. They perform many vital functions in your body, including filtering waste and impurities from your blood, maintaining the balance of minerals and electrolytes, and supporting red blood cell production. Keeping your kidneys healthy and functioning is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. And it probably won't come as a surprise to know that your diet plays an important role in the maintenance of these oh-so-important organs. Today, Kelli McGrane, a registered dietitian at Healthline, is back with some pointers for how to eat for optimal kidney health — today and for many years to come. (Want more evidence-based guidance for taking care of your kidneys? Join the waiting list for our new Kidney Disease newsletter launching this summer. Sign up now!)   • Food to live well: How much protein is OK to eat with chronic kidney disease?   • News to know: Nutrients in these foods may help slow brain aging   • Exercises to try: Do these 18 exercises to strengthen your back Hope this helps! Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Ginger Wojcik June 4, 2024 • 3 min read Let's Ask the Dietitian Q: What should I eat to take care of my kidneys? A: The best way to take good care of your kidneys and ward off chronic kidney disease (CKD) is to prevent diabetes, hypertension, and obesity — the major contributors to CKD. When it comes to your diet, that means eating mostly whole and plant-based foods while limiting foods that are processed and high in added sugars and trans and saturated fats (basically, diet guidance we should follow anyway!). In fact, research shows a link between eating primarily plant-based foods and a decreased risk of CKD. Once a person develops CKD — the progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function — they often need to follow a renal diet, which limits the intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and (at certain stages) protein. These nutrients may do more harm than good if your kidneys aren't operating at full capacity. Here are some foods that are both low in those restricted nutrients and high in other valuable nutrients that may be recommended when following a renal diet: cauliflower blueberries sea bass red grapes egg whites garlic buckwheat olive oil bulgur cabbage chicken peppers onions arugula macadamia nuts radish turnips pineapple cranberries mushrooms While a renal diet may not be able to repair your kidneys, it may help slow the progression of the disease and support your kidney health. Renal diets should be tailored to the person, so it's important to work with a registered dietitian and your nephrologist to create a plan that's right for you. Kelli McGrane, Registered Dietitian Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) Kitchen Kit Waste less       OXO Good Grips Produce Keeper Wasting food is one of my top pet peeves. I'm careful about not buying too many groceries and planning ahead, but I still find myself occasionally tossing rotting veggies. This handy food storage container keeps produce fresh by promoting airflow and trapping ethylene gas that contributes to the aging process. All you have to do is replace the carbon filter every 90 days and wash it from time to time! SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.       Sustainable Change Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Wellos is a sister brand of Healthline.   Transform your eating habits to regain your energy and your confidence. Wellos' tracking tools and personalized guidance can help you reach your goals. Start your 14-day free trial now. GET STARTED the takeout What we're digesting 🇺🇲 These 10 states have the highest rates of obesity in the U.S. But why is that? ❌ 8 foods to avoid with a gluten intolerance. Plus, seven more that are safe to eat. 💊 Minerals, vitamins, and supplements for migraine relief. Is a deficiency contributing to your migraine symptoms? 💓 How to find support when you live with kidney disease. You don't have to manage this condition on your own. Thanks for reading, friends! I'm planning a camping trip for later in the summer, and I need some ideas for how to easily feed a crowd. Got any ideas? Let me know at nutritionedition@healthline.com! (We may use your name in an upcoming newsletter.) Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by grain bowls.

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