Kidney disease is a worldwide health crisis. According to stats, 10% of the population worldwide is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions die each year. The same is with the bladder. It is estimated around 200 million men and women worldwide are affected by bladder control problems.
Your kidneys and bladder are two important organs that play a critical role in keeping your body healthy. Your kidneys filter your blood and remove wastes, while your bladder stores urine until you’re ready to release it.
Because there is no cure, so to support the better health of your bladder and kidneys, you must include plenty of nutrient-rich foods in your diet.
Here I have listed the best 15 foods you must include in your diet to keep your bladder and kidneys healthy.
15 Foods For A Healthy Bladder And Kidneys
Foods to eat for a healthy bladder
Pears
Pears are sweet and crispy fruits enjoyed by people of all ages. They are bladder-friendly fruits that have been linked to reducing the risk of bladder cancer.
They are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to keep your bladder healthy by promoting regular bowel movements.
Additionally, pears are a good source of potassium, which can help maintain urine flow and prevent urinary tract infections.
Bananas
Eating bananas is a great way to improve the health of your bladder.
Bananas are a great source of potassium, which helps to keep your bladder muscles healthy and functioning properly. They also contain a good amount of fiber that helps to regulate your bowel movements and release the pressure put on your urinary tract.
Potatoes
There are many benefits to eating potatoes, and bladder health are one of them!
In addition to being non-irritating to the bladder, Potatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. All of these nutrients are essential for bladder health.
There are over 4000 varieties of potatoes to include in your diet, the most important of which are russet and sweet potatoes.
Green beans
Green beans are among the best foods you can eat for your bladder health!
They are a natural diuretic, meaning they help move urine through your system more quickly. This can be helpful if you’re struggling with a urinary tract infection or other bladder-related issues.
Furthermore, they are a good source of potassium which may help relieve the discomfort in mild cystitis.
Squash
Squash are beneficial for bladder health. The high water content in them helps flush toxins from the bladder, and the potassium helps maintain the muscle tone of the bladder and urinary tract.
They also are a great source of antioxidants, which may help prevent a urinary tract infection.
Nuts
Nuts are a great addition to any diet. They are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins and healthy fats.
Adding nuts such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts and cashews to your regular diet can help in improving the bladder’s condition and soothe irritation.
Other ways to improve your bladder health
Apart from eating foods, you can do many simple things to improve bladder health and protect yourself from urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Follow these points to help keep your bladder healthy and functioning properly:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.
- Empty your bladder regularly, and don’t wait until you feel like you have to go.
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
- Avoid using harsh soaps and scents near the genital area.
- Stay physically active.
Foods to eat for healthy kidneys
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
It is also a source of some phytonutrients, including indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane. These phytonutrients may have health benefits, including cancer prevention.
Furthermore, cauliflower is low in sodium and potassium, making it a must for people with kidney problems.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a type of fruit that is typically dark blue in colour. They are often eaten as a snack or added to smoothies or other recipes. They are high in antioxidants and are good for kidney health.
In addition, blueberries are also low in sodium and phosphorus, making them suitable for a kidney-friendly diet.
Egg yolk
Eggs are a great source of protein and essential amino acids, making them a perfect choice for people with chronic kidney disease.
They’re also rich in bioactive compounds such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin D, all of which may offer health benefits to your kidney.
Furthermore, egg yolk is a good choice for dialysis patients who have higher protein needs but must limit phosphorus.
Garlic
Garlic has been used medicinally for centuries and is believed to have various health benefits. Some people believe that garlic can also help improve kidney health.
It contains allicin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Due to this, garlic is often used to prevent chronic kidney disease.
Moreover, garlic is a diuretic that signals the kidney to remove any excess toxins and minerals through urination.
Whole grains
Most health experts agree that whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
While whole grains are naturally low in sodium, foods giant often adds a high amount of potassium and phosphorus to their products.
Always opt for whole grains that are lower in potassium and phosphorus content, such as barley, buckwheat and oats.
Furthermore, whole grains may offer additional benefits for those with kidney disease by helping with bowel regularity, blood pressure control, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose control.
Olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil has many health benefits, and kidney health is one of them.
The oil helps improve kidney function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. It also helps the kidneys flush out toxins and excess water.
Furthermore, olive oil is high in healthy fats and is processed as little as possible, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
Onions
Onions are a popular vegetable that is known for their many health benefits. One lesser-known benefit of onions is that they are good for kidney health.
They are a rich source of antioxidants, including quercetin, which helps protect the kidneys from damage. They also help improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure, which is important for kidney health.
Legumes
As per studies, eating legumes as part of a varied Mediterranean diet can help prevent and control various diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). They have also been considered a good source of protein for CKD patients.
However, most lentils are high in potassium and phosphorus content, which are minerals whose intake must be controlled. Because of this, lentils and beans should be consumed in a limited amount by kidney patients.
The results from the study also showed potassium content of legumes gets reduced upto 80% after soaking and cooking.
Radishes
Radishes are a great food to include in your diet to help support kidney health. They are very low in potassium and phosphorus, making them suitable for good kidney health to include in your diet.
Moreover, It is low in calories and high in fiber, making it good for digestion.
Other ways to improve your kidney health
Good kidney health is extremely important. Apart from eating a nutritious diet, there are many other ways in which you can improve your kidney health. such as:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- If you are on medication, don’t overdo it.
What foods to avoid?
While plenty of foods are healthy for your bladder and kidneys, there are also some foods that you should avoid or eat in very small quantity.
Foods to avoid for bladder health
- Coffee, tea and carbonated drinks
- Alcohol
- Citrus fruits such as orange, lemon and grapefruits
- Spicy foods
- Tomato-based products
Foods to avoid for kidneys health
- High calories and sugary drinks
- Avocados
- Canned foods
- Bananas
- Processed meats
- Butter
- Mayonnaise
- Frozen meals
Final words
The kidneys and bladder are important organs that help to keep the body functioning properly. It’s important to take care of these two organs.
By including the above foods in your diet, not only you reduce your risk of developing bladder or kidney problems, but you will also improve your overall health.
So the next time you go shopping, don’t forget to grab some of these foods.
Here are a few other posts that may help you get healthy.
- 13 Plant-based Foods You Should Eat Every Week
- 9 High Refined Carbs Foods You Should Avoid At All Costs
- 13 Best Body Cooling Foods to Help You Beat the Heat
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