Foods for Kidney Health

Proper kidney function is a crucial aspect of health. Nutrition plays an important part in the way your kidneys work because everything you put in your body that is not useful, the kidneys must eventually remove. Overworked kidneys are at risk for kidney disease or kidney failure. There are several foods that can boost your kidney health.

Water

Drinking lots of water is important to your overall health. Kidneys especially need water to help them remove waste from the blood. If your body is dehydrated, the waste can form painful solid kidney stones that have to pass through your urethra to exit your body. Drinking water also can help prevent urinary tract infections, which can lead to serious kidney infections if they worsen.

Sodium

High-sodium diets can lead to high blood pressure. For patients who naturally have higher blood pressures, this type of diet can make their conditions even harder to treat. High blood pressure is a major risk for kidney disease. Low-sodium foods are essential for kidney health. Some studies show that by not adding salt to your food at the table, you can reduce your salt intake by up to 30 percent. You might also consider a salt substitute. Use one that doesn't have potassium, which is another food that should be monitored for proper kidney health.

Potassium

Excess potassium hinders proper kidney function. Even though your nerves and muscles need potassium to work, high potassium levels can prevent make muscles weak. The heart can slow or even stop from the effects of too much potassium. Kidneys remove excess potassium from the blood when they are working properly, and high levels of potassium can overwork your kidneys. Limit oranges, potatoes and tomatoes if you are watching your potassium intake. Foods such as bread, pasta and rice have low potassium levels. You can also eat cabbage, eggplant and alfalfa.

Phosphorus

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. When the kidneys stop working, the phosphorus levels rise and make your bones weak and brittle. To avoid too much phosphorus, limit your dairy and nut intake. If you are pursuing a low-phosphorus diet, substitute cream cheese for hard cheese and popcorn for pretzels.

Protein

As protein is metabolized by your body, the waste product urea is produced. The kidneys then remove the urea from the body. Protein is necessary part of your diet, but too much protein can strain your kidneys. You can reduce your protein intake by using thinly sliced meats on your sandwiches. Also eat less meat, and have more vegetables as your main meals.