Keep kidney failure at bay with doctor's list of eight 'kidney-healthy foods'
We all know that eating well is crucial for staying healthy, but did you know there are some foods that are specifically good for your kidneys?
A doctor has shared a list of eight foods that are good for your kidneys. Adding these to your diet will help keep kidney failure at bay.
Dr Lott, an acupuncturist from New York City, has more than 300,000 followers on TikTok where he regularly shares healthy eating advice. His recent video was captioned "foods that are great for the kidneys", and he kicked off with "berries".
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Dr Lott explained berries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help "protect the kidneys from oxidative stress". Antioxidants also help to reduce inflammation.
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"Red bell peppers" were next on the list. Dr Lott said they are "rich in vitamins A and C", which are both "great for kidney health". They are also low in potassium, which is crucial for a kidney-friendly diet. If your kidneys aren't working well, they might not be able to remove potassium from your blood. This can lead to a dangerous build-up of potassium known as hyperkalaemia.
"Apples" also made Dr Lott's list as they have "anti-inflammatory compounds and promote hydration in body tissues". They are also high in vitamin C, low in potassium, and can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
"Cauliflower" was next as Dr Lott explained it is "rich in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds". Cauliflower also contains indoles, glucosinolates, and thiocyanates, which help the liver neutralise toxic substances.
Dr Lott then turned his attention to "cabbage", explaining how it "contains phytochemicals that support kidney health". Cabbage is a great source of vitamins C, K and B6, and again it is low in potassium.
He also recommended "garlic" and "olive oil", stating that both have "anti-inflammatory properties" that "benefit the kidneys and promote circulation". Garlic has also been shown to lower cholesterol, and olive oil is very high in monounsaturated fats - good fats that you need in your diet.
The final food on the list was "salmon". Dr Lott explained it is "high in omega-3 fatty acids" that help reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids also protect against heart disease.