Three Foods That Can Boost Renal Function

“You have renal disease,” your doctor says. It’s a diagnosis no one wants to receive. Yet, an estimated 100,000 people a year are diagnosed with renal disease every year. And about 31 million people are living with renal disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

In most cases, a health history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, are directly linked to renal disease. And it’s a major health problem in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently ranked renal disease as one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

So what do you do if your doctor diagnoses you with renal disease?

By the time most people are diagnosed with kidney disease, the kidneys have already been damaged and may have limited function. However, treatment options can be highly effective at maintaining the health of your kidneys and preventing further damage.

Medication can help. In some cases dialysis is recommended. Controlling blood sugar levels and blood pressure with regular exercise and a healthy diet also helps support the kidneys.

In fact, new research on kidney disease and nutrition identified three natural foods that can help boost and protect kidney function.

Asparagus

This green-speared vegetable contains vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that act as a natural diuretic and help remove impurities from the blood. Adding asparagus to your diet can reduce the work your kidneys need to do to remove toxins and excess fluids. You’ll find asparagus in our tasty Egg White Omelet and Turkey Sausage meal served with hash browns and tenderly-cooked asparagus spears.

Garlic

Minced, chopped, baked or sautéed, garlic is another kidney-friendly food to add to your diet. Research shows that the nutritional properties of garlic can help control diabetes and lower high blood pressure. You’ll find garlic in our renal-friendly Beef Lasagna with Zucchini & Onion Sauté.

Watermelon

Take a bite of a juicy piece of watermelon, and you’re getting more than just fruity sweetness. Watermelon contains very little potassium and phosphorus, which are both nutrients you need to limit when you have kidney disease. The natural alkaline water in watermelon juice also helps remove toxins, which helps reduce strain on the kidneys, especially when they’re not fully functioning. Look for watermelon at the grocery store or local farmer’s market. (Eat no more than a one-cup serving, through.)

Your diet is an important part of managing renal disease and maintaining a good quality of life. Eating healthy to protect your kidneys doesn’t have to be complicated. Just take a look at the MagicKitchen.com Complete Meals for a Renal Diet, and you’ll find a great selection of healthy and tasty foods created to boost your kidney function.