Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables is common advice, but how many are you actually consuming on a regular basis? what fruit is good for kidneys
Americans eat few of these nutrient powerhouses, according to a new study. This includes adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are less likely to eat fruits and veggies than similar people without the disease, according to researchers from the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, in Charlottesville.
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"Consuming more fruits and vegetables is strongly linked to health in many different diseases," says Dr. Julia Scialla, a kidney specialist at UVA Health. "We worry about overall health effects when we see patients with CKD consuming low levels of fruits and vegetables. We have to be careful not to unnecessarily discourage healthy fruit and vegetable intake when we provide nutritional advice to patients with CKD, such as advice to reduce potassium intake."
For the study, the researchers analyzed data on eating patterns from nationwide health and nutrition surveys conducted between 1988 and 2018.
The investigators found that:
- Between 1988 and 1994, 52% of respondents with CKD had low intake of fruits and vegetables, compared with 48% of people without the disease.
- Between 2003 and 2010, 46% of respondents with CKD had low produce intake, compared with 41% of others.
- And between 2011 and 2018, 48% of respondents with CKD had a low intake pattern, compared with 46% of others.
About 37 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This occurs when kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste from a person's blood. The condition can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
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Patients who have CKD sometimes are told to reduce potassium, a mineral commonly found in fruits and veggies, but that doesn't mean you should quit on them altogether.
So which fruits are good for your kidneys? Here are the fruits you should include in your kidney diet:
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1. Strawberries
This vibrant fruit contains two types of phenols, anthocyanins, and ellagitannins, which improve kidney function. But the benefits don't end there. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, a great source of vitamin C, maganese, and fiber and contain anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties making them good for promoting overall health.
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2. Cranberries
Suffering from kidney ailments or UTIs? Stock up on cranberries, which are loaded with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
3. Blueberries
1 cup of blueberries contains 114 grams of potassium and 18 milligrams of phosphorus
Blueberries are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, which reduce inflammation and promote renal and kidney health. Whatsmore, blueberries are a good source of vitamin C and manganese, which makes them great for your bones and skin. Even better? Blueberries reduce the signs of aging.
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4. Raspberries
Raspberries contain flavonoids, which are good for improving kidney function and reducing the growth of cancer cells. They are also an excellent source of manganese, vitamin B and C, fiber, and folate.
5. Apples
1 medium-sized apple has 195 milligrams of potassium and 20 milligrams of phosphorus
Do you suffer from high cholesterol, high blood sugar or constipation? These are just a few of the things apples are great for. Apples, which are anti-inflammatory and high in fiber content, can also help improve your kidney function.
6. Grapes
1 cup of grapes contains 288 milligrams of potassium and 30 milligrams of phosphorus
Grapes are a great source of vitamins C and K, which have long been tied to kidney disease. Because grapes are high in fiber, they also contain small amounts of minerals like copper, manganese, and magnesium.
7. Pineapples
Pineapples are great for our kidneys because they are low in potassium making them great for lowering blood pressure, which is a common complication of severe kidney disease. Have kidney stones? Here's another good reason to include pineapple in your diet. Pineapples contain bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps dissolve kidney stones in the body. The benefits of pineapples don't just stop with our kidneys, however. Pineapples are high in fiber and support heart health (heart complications are common in people undergoing dialysis). They are also a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system.
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8. Citrus fruits
Getting as much vitamin C in your diet as you can will ultimately benefit your kidneys. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc. are a great place to start. Additionally, consuming dilute lemon juice daily may help decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.
Other fruits that promote kidney health include:
- Pears
- Peaches
- Clementines
- Nectarines
- Mandarins
- Plums
- Satsumas
- Watermelon
- Cherries
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As you can see, fruits are a tasty way to keep your kidneys healthy, especially if you are living with chronic kidney disease. Before you make any changes to your diet, it is best to talk to your doctor or dietitian for recommendations on how much fruit to include in your diet. He or she can help you avoid consuming excessive amounts of these minerals. what fruit is good for kidneys
