What are Foods That Improve Kidney Function

The kidneys are a set of major organs that have a significant impact on overall heath. Kidneys are responsible for removing waste from the body and play an important role in blood pressure and hormone functions. You can promote kidney health by avoiding high levels of sodium, potassium and protein in your diet. Instead, should choose foods that provide the same benefits without any of the items that are bad for your kidneys.

Water

Almost everyone can benefit from an increase water intake. Drinking a lot of water prevents dehydration and aids the kidneys in filtering the blood. The kidneys need water to produce urine. Without it, the waste forms solid kidney stones that are painful to pass through your urethra. Drinking water also prevents urinary tract infections. It is a well-known fact when urinary tract infections worsen, they can develop into kidney infections that can require hospitalization and cause irreversible damage to your kidneys.

Sodium Substitutes

If your diet contains a lot of salt, you are at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney disease. If you want to keep your kidneys healthy, stay away from high-sodium foods. You can reduce your sodium intake by as much as 30 percent by simply not adding salt at the table. Some people turn to salt substitutes to improve their kidney health. If you do use a sodium substitute, avoid one with potassium as ingredient. Elevated levels of potassium may be harmful to your kidney health.

Rice

You should also avoid potassium for proper kidney function. Your nerves and muscles need potassium to work, but high potassium levels can weaken your muscles. Kidneys remove excess potassium from the blood when they are working properly. If you have too much potassium in your blood, your kidneys will be forced to work harder to remove it. One of the most versatile foods that is also low in potassium is rice. By substituting rice for potatoes, you can reduce your potassium intake and promote healthy kidney function.

Soy Milk and Cheese

Your bones need the mineral phosphorous to remain strong. Healthy kidneys will keep the levels of phosphorus in your blood from getting too high and having adverse effects on your health. Too much phosphorus may be more than your kidneys can handle and cause kidney failure. This causes the level of phosphorus in your blood to continue to rise, making your bones weak and brittle. Dairy products contain a lot of phosphorus. Substituting milk and cheese for versions made with soy will greatly reduce your phosphorous intake and may boost your overall kidney health.

Vegetables

As protein is metabolized, the waste product urea is produced. The kidneys remove the urea from the body. Protein is necessary part of your diet, but too much protein can overtax your kidneys. One of the ways to increase kidney health is to cut back on protein. You can replace large amounts of proteins in your diet with vegetables. Two or three times a week, try making vegetables the main component of your meal instead of meat. Vegetarian options will work wonders for your kidney health. For example, you can substitute a slice of pepperoni pizza for veggie pizza.