First and foremost, let’s cover why Kidney Health is important and then I want to leave you with the Top Five foods you should include in your diet to help prevent and/or manage, kidney disease which includes (not limited to); Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, Acute Lobar Nephronia, Acute Tubular Necrosis, and Abderhalden–Kaufmann–Lignac syndrome. 

Your kidneys are responsible for three (3) essential things in your body;

1. They regulate water –  One of the important jobs of the kidneys is to remove excess water from the body or to retain water when the body needs more.
2. They remove waste and help balance minerals in your body – When the kidneys are working properly, extra minerals, such as sodium and potassium, leave your body in the urine. The kidneys also help to adjust the levels of other minerals, such as calcium and phosphate.
3. They produce hormones – These hormones circulate in the bloodstream like “messengers” and regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production and the calcium balance in your body. (Kidney Foundation of Canada)

Now, knowing this – I imagine you can see why eating foods that help promote kidney health is important. 

Scary Facts on Kidney Health (or lack thereof) 

• 1 in 10 Canadians has kidney disease, and millions more are at risk.
• Each day an average of 15 people are told that their kidneys have failed.
• The two leading causes of kidney failure are:
  • Diabetes – 36%
  • Renal Vascular Disease (including high blood pressure) – 15%.
• The number of Canadians being treated for kidney failure has more than tripled in the past two decades 
• Kidney Disease in the 10th leading cause death in Canada. 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for kidney disease, so knowing how to prevent and/or manage kidney health is imperative. 

Top Five Foods for Kidney Health 

Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers are low in potassium and high in flavour, but that’s not the only reason they’re perfect for the kidney health. These vegetables are also an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as vitamin B6, folic acid and fibre.

Red bell peppers are good for you because they contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against certain cancers.

Cabbage

A cruciferous vegetable, cabbage is packed full of phytochemicals, chemical compounds in fruit or vegetables that break up free radicals before they can do damage. Several of phytochemicals are also known to protect against and fight against cancer, and foster cardiovascular health.

Cabbage is high in vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, cabbage is also a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid. Low in potassium and low in cost, making it an affordable option. 

Cauliflower 

Another cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is high in vitamin C and a good source of folate and fibre. It is also packed full of indoles, glucosinolates and thiocyanates—compounds that help the liver neutralize toxic substances that could damage cell membranes and DNA.

Garlic

Garlic helps prevent plaque from forming on your teeth, lowers cholesterol and reduces inflammation. A great addition to every diet, and most dishes. 

Onions

in addition to making some people cry, onions are also rich in flavonoids, especially quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that works to reduce heart disease and protects against many cancers. Onions are low in potassium and a good source of chromium, a mineral that helps with carbohydrate fat and protein metabolism.

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Always keep in mind that these foods are healthy for everyone—including your family members and friends who do not have kidney disease. When you stock your kitchen with delicious, healthy, kidney health, friendly foods that is one a huge first step in maintaining not only a healthy diet, but one of disease prevention and management. 

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Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it! Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcomed and appreciated. 

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

And be sure to check out why you should order your family’s next meal courtesy of Ki’s Kitchen  

From our kitchen to yours,

Love + Peace

Kiran 

– See more at: https://kiskitchen.com/2017/05/04/vitamin-b12/#sthash.lfx49N3L.dpuf

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Kiran

I was inspired by my loved ones to reach out to people who have Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes and other debilitating illnesses. I learned to prepare food for people who need to consume a certain diet, in order to stave off their symptoms and/or help fight their illness, but have neither the physical strength, capability nor time to cook for themselves.

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