Kidneys plays a vital role of filtering the waste products from the blood and send them out of the body through the urinary tract. Knowing what to eat for keeping your kidneys healthy is very important. Many foods may help support an already healthy kidney and prevent damage to this organ but some foods may not be healthy for kidneys.
Your body needs protein for the growth and maintenance of body tissues and muscle. Protein is a key component of any diet but if you are suffering from kidney disease, your body may not be able to remove all the waste from the protein in your diet. Excess protein waste can build up in your blood causing various health issues such as nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, and taste changes.
The Right Amount of Protein
The amount of protein you should take to keep your kidneys healthy can be depend on the type and level of kidney damage.
Here are the list of 6 best protein rich foods for keeping your kidneys healthy:
Animal-protein foods:
1.Egg whites
Eggs are a simple protein, but the yolks contains high amount of phosphorous. People suffering from CKD can make egg whites omelets or scrambled eggs.
2.Skinless chicken
Skinless chicken breasts contains low phosphorus, potassium, and sodium as compared to skin-on chicken. Avoid eating pre-made roasted chicken, it can be very unhealthy for you due to its high sodium and phosphorus content.
3. Fish
Fish are rich source of high-quality protein and contains anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. Omega-3s helps in lowering low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol, and raise high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol, which is good cholesterol.
You can include a cooked portion of chicken and fish of about 2 to 3 ounces or about the size of a deck of cards.
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Plant-protein foods:
1. Drumstick
People with diabetes have high sugar levels which damages the small capillaries of the kidneys. Including drumsticks in your diet can help to control blood sugar levels and also enhances gallbladder function, which is very beneficial for your kidneys health.
2. Green Gram
Moong dal or green gram packed with protein and low on carbs, moong dal considered as one of the best vegetarian super foods. The sprouted moong dal contains fewer calories and contain more free amino acids and antioxidants than the unsprouted ones which may help your kidneys.
3. Horse Gram
It is a vegetarian source of protein and also rich in dietary iron and calcium. Horse Gram plays an important role in treating kidney stones. It helps to break the stones into smaller size which would come out of the urinary tract easily.
Summary
The kidneys play an important role in filtering the blood and eliminating waste products in the urine. You have many healthy food choices for keeping your kidneys healthy. However, people with chronic kidney disease will need to follow a healthy kidney-friendly diet to protect their kidneys from further damage.
Talk with your dietitian about the amount of protein and the sources of protein in your diet before moving forward with any dietary changes mentioned above.
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