Kidney disease can be sneaky, showing no apparent signs in its early stages. Unfortunately, by the time it’s diagnosed, significant damage might have already been done, sometimes leading to the need for dialysis. To address the rise of kidney disease, specialists have suggested 10 common foods to safeguard kidney health, potentially staving off decline and lowering the chances of developing kidney disease.
A meta-analysis involving approximately 630,000 adults evaluated the relationship between dietary patterns and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study showed that regularly consuming a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fish can help prevent CKD and albuminuria. Albuminuria is an early indicator of kidney damage and an independent risk factor for CKD progression.
Dr. Yung-Hsiang Hung, an attending physician in the Department of Nephrology at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taiwan, posted recommendations for 10 foods beneficial for the kidneys on his Facebook page.
1. Fish Oil
The high-quality oil found in fish is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and cardiovascular protective effects. A comprehensive study published in the British Medical Journal in 2023 analyzed 19 cohort studies from 12 countries, covering 25,570 participants without prevalent CKD, with a follow-up period exceeding 10 years. The results indicated that consuming more omega-3 PUFAs derived from seafood was associated with a reduced risk of developing CKD.2. Apple
Apples, rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and pectin, possess antioxidant effects. A systematic review indicated that moderate apple juice consumption can positively affect markers associated with chronic disease risk, such as lipid profile and oxidative stress, making it beneficial for helping prevent chronic diseases.Another study found that apple cider vinegar can improve kidney damage in rats. This means commercially sold apple cider vinegar may offer some therapeutic protection against acute renal impairments in humans, though further research is needed.
Dr. Hung recommends that kidney disease patients eat apples with the peel on. According to the National Kidney Foundation, keeping the peel on apples can double their antioxidant power. Additionally, apples have low potassium, phosphorus, and sodium levels, making them an excellent choice for kidney disease patients, including those with kidney stones, undergoing hemodialysis, and kidney transplant recipients.
3. Wood Ear Mushroom
Abnormal blood lipids may worsen CKD, and hyperlipidemia is a common complication in CKD patients. One study found that wood ear mushroom (Auricularia auricula) has anti-hyperlipidemia effects. Wood ear mushroom reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in rats with hyperlipidemia by approximately 44 percent and 66 percent, respectively.4. Blueberry
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Anthocyanins protect cells from damage by free radicals, improve cardiovascular health, and protect the microvasculature of the glomerulus. They can also help regulate blood sugar, which is particularly beneficial for diabetic kidney disease patients.High uric acid levels are an independent risk factor for kidney disease and may lead to renal fibrosis. Research has found that pterostilbene, a bioactive compound found in blueberries, can lower serum uric acid levels and protect the kidneys.
Another study showed that a blueberry-enriched diet can prevent kidney damage and renal dysfunction in rats with metabolic syndrome.
5. Kale
Kale, a member of the cruciferous family, is rich in beta carotene, vitamins C, E, and K, and fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, and other nutrients. A comprehensive meta-analysis involving approximately 1.2 million people indicated that a higher intake of cruciferous vegetables, including kale, was associated with a reduced risk of renal cell carcinoma among Americans.6. Mung Bean Sprouts
Mung bean sprouts are rich in protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and polyphenols. A study published in Nutrients suggested that a high consumption of protein may harm kidney function. However, a diet rich in plant-based proteins may delay the progression of kidney disease and prevent heart disease and hypertension.7. Olive Oil
High blood lipids are one of the risk factors for kidney injury. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help lower harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.A study published in Nutrients in 2021 found that after consuming extra-virgin olive oil for nine weeks, nephropathic patients showed improvements in renal function, lipid profile, inflammatory parameters, and oxidative stress.
Dr. Hung recommends cooking olive oil at low temperatures or using it in salads to preserve more nutrients.
8. Garlic
Hypertension is closely linked to CKD. Research has found that allicin in garlic possesses antioxidant, antihypertensive, and kidney-protective effects. An animal study showed that allicin treatment can improve kidney function and have therapeutic effects on hypertension and cardiac function in rats.Dr. Hung stated that crushing garlic and consuming it raw is the best way to ingest allicin. However, he recommends cooking it before eating for those with gastrointestinal issues to avoid irritation.
9. Onion
Onions are rich in flavonoids, potent antioxidants with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study published in Clinical Phytoscience in February indicated that flavonoids from onion peel extract can prevent nephrotic syndrome, kidney damage, and electrolyte imbalance and improve renal function in oxalate-toxified male rats.Dr. Hung recommends that patients with chronic glomerulonephritis incorporate more anti-inflammatory onions into their diet.
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