The kidneys are vital organs that must be preserved and this includes diet. Certain foods should in fact be favored to help them function properly.
The kidneys are vital organs that filter blood and eliminate waste from the body through urine. And the two small organs are affected by numerous disorders, which can lead to serious or even fatal illnesses. In France, 6 million people suffer from kidney failure. To prevent this type of disappointment, diet is essential. A balanced diet can help the kidneys function properly and limit the risk of developing kidney disease.
To preserve your kidneys, it is therefore advisable to choose foods low in salt. Sodium chloride, contained in salt, can be harmful to kidney function, reducing its filtration capacity. “Its consumption should not exceed 6g per day”, estimates Dr Alexandre Decourt, nephrologist, for Health Magazine. It is also preferable to turn to plant proteins, in particular by eating legumes such as lentils or soy. The king of elimination is the leek. Rich in water and with a balanced potassium-sodium ratio, it promotes diuresis in the body.
To accompany these vegetables, nothing better than fatty fish like tuna, sardines or mackerel, which are rich in omega-3, fatty acids with great anti-inflammatory properties. “If this benefit helps reduce inflammation throughout the body, it is also beneficial to the kidneys because these essential fatty acids have the property of helping to limit the development of chronic kidney diseases,” assures Raphaël Gruman, dietician-nutritionist, Doctissimo.
Fruits are also preferred, but you should consume those rich in potassium in moderation such as bananas, oranges, peach, plums, etc. You should prefer fruits such as watermelon or apple, the first for its water intake and the second for its fiber. Red fruits, particularly blackcurrant, are also highly recommended for their fiber and their vitamin C intake.
When it comes to drinks, nothing is better than water. The kidneys need water to eliminate toxins. It can be accompanied by a touch of lemon juice. The diuretic benefits of tea are also good for the kidneys: it will increase urinary secretions and therefore promote the elimination of sodium by the kidneys.
Conversely, meat and dairy products should be consumed in moderation to avoid excess phosphorus. Foods with a high salt content should also be limited, such as aperitif cakes, salted butter, cold meats, smoked fish, etc. If a small treatment is necessary to cleanse the kidneys, Raphaël Gruman recommends a spoonful of salt. olive oil per day. Rich in minerals and antioxidants, it has a real “detox” effect.