logo
Give Your Kidneys Some Love With These 13 Superfoods

Give Your Kidneys Some Love With These 13 Superfoods

Yahoo08-06-2025
Your kidneys are vital to your overall health. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in seven adults in the United States has chronic kidney disease. Your kidneys work around the clock to filter out waste and excess fluid, helping to prevent serious health problems like heart disease, infections, anemia, depression and even loss of appetite.
Your diet and gut health also play a major role in your wellness, especially when it comes to keeping your kidneys healthy. There are 13 superfoods you should keep in mind when considering natural ways to give your kidney health a boost.
Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health
Best Meal Delivery Services
See at Cnet
This nutrient-dense vegetable is low in both potassium and sodium while packing in fiber, vitamins C and K and more.
Plus, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads and slaws, but you can also use it as a wrap for tacos, sandwiches and more.
Fish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it's best to consult with your doctor.
Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too.
You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner.
Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation.
Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table.
We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver.
With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD.
There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits.
Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet.
Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer.
Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin.
Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list.
Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt.
From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper.
They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.
Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work.
Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake.
Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis.
Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types.
You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example.
Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants.
Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

ICE goes public with a new report on Canadian man who died in custody
ICE goes public with a new report on Canadian man who died in custody

Yahoo

time15 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

ICE goes public with a new report on Canadian man who died in custody

A Canadian who died in ICE custody is documented to have had health concerns, according to a report made public by the U.S. government agency today. While in custody, the 49-year-old was prescribed medication for seizures and hypertension, and recommended to undergo mental health evaluation after he was reported to be feeling 'sad and depressed, and refused to go to the medical clinic for an evaluation.' Here's what we know about the report and the timeline from when Johnny Noviello was arrested and later found dead. Why was the Canadian man arrested by ICE? Johnny Noviello entered the U.S. on a legal visa in 1988 and became a permanent resident in 1991. In 2023, he was convicted on the charges of drug trafficking, racketeering and the unlawful use of two-way communication device used to facilitate commission of crime. He was sentenced to prison for 12 months. His arrest by ICE came in 2025, wherein he was issued a notice to appear in court and faced a removability charge. What does the ICE report say about the health of the Canadian who died in custody? The 49-year-old was pronounced dead late in June after being found unresponsive in a detention centre in Miami. Respecting the family's privacy, Global Affairs minister Anita Anand had said late in June that 'further details will not be provided at this time.' The report released today highlighted health concerns that the officials flagged before he died. Here's what we know about the timeline since his arrest: May 15: Noviello was arrested and detained. May 16: The 49-year-old underwent a routine health inspection. A registered nurse completed the medical intake screening and noted the diagnosis of 'hypertension and seizure disorder, slightly elevated blood pressure, high body mass index, and his reported medication list and sent a provider referral' for him. He was prescribed medication. May 19: A behavioural health provider recommended 'a medical provider evaluate him then refer him to mental health if needed.' May 30: As per the documentation, the Canadian man is said to have refused a health history and a physical exam. June 8: He was reported to be feeling sad and depressed and is said to have refused a health evaluation at a medical clinic. June 9: Noviello reportedly maintained poor personal hygiene and stated he had not eaten in 'a while.' Documentation revealed his vitals to be normal, and that there was discussion with him around the importance of self-hygiene and proper diet. June 23: Noviello was found unresponsive and declared dead. The report by ICE comes as prominent politicians noted the death of the Canadian, and with U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra confirming faith in ICE 'commitment to transparency'. 'My team is following the death of a Canadian citizen while in @ICEgov custody. We will keep the Canadian government informed as ICE completes its investigation,' Hoekstra had posted online a few days after Noviello's death. 'I trust in ICE's commitment to transparency and to providing a safe environment for all individuals in its care.' There are 55 Canadians currently in detained by ICE, the agency reported on the figures on July 19. Canadian permanent residents will now have to pay 'visa integrity fee' to enter U.S. Here's what it is Border bitterness is devastating cross-border tourism. But one Canadian city is bucking the trend Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.

Eight children taken to hospital after seizure-like symptoms at church concert
Eight children taken to hospital after seizure-like symptoms at church concert

Yahoo

time15 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Eight children taken to hospital after seizure-like symptoms at church concert

Eight children at a church near Harvard University in Massachusetts where a French youth choir was holding a concert suffered seizure-like symptoms and were taken to hospital, officials in the US said. The symptoms were not life-threatening, the Cambridge Fire Department said. About 70 other people who attended the concert at St Paul's Parish in Harvard Square were not affected. Crews first received a call about a child suffering from a seizure. When firefighters arrived, the child was sitting outside the church but was not actively having a seizure, fire chief Thomas Cahill said. 'That quickly escalated into seven other people having seizure-like symptoms,' Mr Cahill told WCVB-TV. The department's hazmat team 'completed a thorough survey of the St Paul buildings utilising several air sampling meters to ensure that no hazardous conditions were present', a statement said. 'Results were negative and the buildings were ventilated.' St Paul's Facebook Page said a French youth choir was offering a free concert at the church on Tuesday night as part of its US tour.

Sprains, strains and ACL tears: What to know about some of NFL players' most common injuries
Sprains, strains and ACL tears: What to know about some of NFL players' most common injuries

Yahoo

time15 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Sprains, strains and ACL tears: What to know about some of NFL players' most common injuries

Some of the most important players on NFL teams are those that might not necessarily start the season on the field. Depth is crucial during a rigorous 17-game regular-season schedule that's preceded by a month of training camp practices in hot conditions as players try to make team's 53-man active rosters. Injuries can play as big a role in an NFL team's successes or failures as the best game plans. So being able to navigate injuries and ailments to key players could make all the difference between a team seeing its season sink or making the playoffs. Here's a look at some of the most common injuries suffered by NFL players throughout the season: Achilles tendon tears The Achilles is the longest and strongest tendon in the body and stretches from the heel to the calf. It's a springy band located behind the ankle and just above the heel that helps players push off their feet, jump and accelerate. Due to overuse or excessive force placed on the tendon, it can tear or rupture. Surgery is typically necessary to reconnect the ends, sidelining a player for several months because of the extensive rehabilitation needed. ACL/PCL/MCL/LCL tears The anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, medial collateral and lateral collateral ligaments are all located in the knee and serve different purposes. The ACL connects the thigh bone to the shin bone in the front of the knee. While a sprain could sideline a player for a few weeks, a tear can end a season. The PCL is located behind the ACL, crisscrossing it to form an "X" in the center of the knee. The MCL connects the thigh bone to the shin bone on the inner side of the knee, while the LCL connects the thigh bone to the top of the lower leg, or fibula, and is located on the outer side of the knee. Concussions A concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit to the head or a sudden movement that causes the head and brain to shake violently. Symptoms may include headaches, neck pain, nausea, dizziness and feeling sluggish. The NFL has been regularly testing and upgrading helmets for players to help reduce the risk of concussions. Eight position-specific helmets for quarterbacks and linemen were approved by the NFL and the NFL Players Association last year. Several players also have worn Guardian Caps, soft, protective helmet covers that the NFL authorized players to use during games last season in an effort to reduce head injuries. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, is a degenerative brain disease that has been linked to concussions and can only be diagnosed posthumously. It can cause memory loss, depression and violent mood swings. Hamstring injuries The hamstring is a group of four muscles that run along the back of the thigh, stretching from the hip to the knee, and they help a person bend their leg at the knee. These injuries vary in severity, and in turn, their timetable in sidelining a player. A mild pull of one of the muscles, commonly referred to as a Grade I injury, can sideline a player for a few days to a couple of weeks and can be a lingering condition if not sufficiently rested and healed. A Grade II hamstring injury involves a partial tear, while a Grade III injury is a complete tear of the hamstring that could require surgery and is likely season-ending. High ankle sprains When a player suffers a high ankle sprain, the ligaments above the ankle — which connect the tibia to the fibula — are affected rather than the ligaments outside the ankle in a low ankle sprain. High ankle sprains take much longer to recover from — six to eight weeks, and sometimes longer — than a classic ankle sprain, which might sideline a player for several days to a couple of weeks. Hip pointers The injury could sideline a player for a week or a couple of months, depending on the severity. A hip pointer is bruising in the pelvis and abdomen area, usually caused by blunt force, such as a hard tackle. The bleeding can affect several other muscles in the area, making it difficult to run or even walk. Lisfranc injuries A serious foot injury that can be career-threatening because of its complexity. A Lisfranc sprain or fracture is an injury in the middle of the foot in which at least one (or sometimes, all) of the small bones (or metatarsals) is broken or the ligaments that support the foot in that area are torn. Even a minor sprain not requiring surgical repair could take six to eight weeks to heal. Meniscus tears The meniscus is a crescent-shaped rubbery disk of cartilage that serves as a shock absorber on the inside and outer edges of the knee. Both help a person balance weight across the knee. When a meniscus is torn, the knee can lock up and swell. A minor tear can be treated with rest, but a severe tear could require surgery that may sideline a player for several weeks or months. Oblique strains An oblique strain involves the muscles on the side of the body between the ribs and pelvis. This type of injury can occur when a player takes a hard hit to the waist area or from overuse or sudden use of the muscles — for instance, a quarterback throwing a pass or a defensive back turning to defend a receiver. Oblique strains are usually treated with rest and could take a few weeks to heal, or could become a lingering issue otherwise. Patellar tendon injuries The patellar tendon allows a person to straighten a leg by acting with the quadriceps. Technically, it's a ligament because it connects the kneecap to the shin bone. Complete tears or ruptures often need to be surgically sewn back together and recovery is typically at least four to six months. Plantar fasciitis An injury that affects the bottom of the foot and can lead to intense heel pain. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament supporting the arch of the foot — the plantar fascia — is strained and worsens when small tears develop in the ligament. The injury can sap players of speed while they deal with it. Rest, icing of the arch and finding new footwear are among typical treatments. It can linger for months. Turf toe An extremely painful injury that can sideline players for months. It occurs when the ligaments under the joint of the big toe are sprained or ruptured as a result of the toe being hyperextended. The injury makes it extremely difficult to push off and cut while running. ___ AP NFL:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store