Kidney Stones!!!! The kidney is one of the important vital organs. If we have some problems in their functioning it will affect our whole system by affecting the subsequent organs as well. If we keep our kidneys healthy, we can avoid half the problems in the body.
Among all other kidney problems, the most frequent and important one is kidney stones, which can be prevented and cured with the help of some natural remedies in our daily life.
Kidney stones are small, solid stone-like accumulations of salts and minerals. They are most commonly formed in the kidney when concentrated urine formation generates crystallized minerals that stick together. Kidney stones can cause very sharp and extreme pains since the stones travel through your urinary system to be excreted through your urine.
Although they have no single or definitive cause, kidney stones are more common in those with specific risk factors, such as one with a family history or personal history of kidney stones, and those who are frequently dehydrated. It also includes people who consume a specific type of diet, and who are overweight or obese.
People with particular digestive diseases or a history of gastrointestinal surgery are also prone to kidney stone formation.
By using these remedies let’s eat healthily and consider the welfare of our kidney’s health, thus preventing kidney stones and failure.
In that way, we will look at 7 foods to eat that can keep the kidney healthy.
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1. An Apple A Day Keeps The Kidney Stones Away
Apples
Apple can help with the protection of the kidney from the stone formation. Pectin in apples can reduce the symptoms of kidney stones and improve kidney health.
In addition, apples can aid weight loss. They are a high fiber content fruit and a good source of vitamin C.
Polyphenols in apple can help lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk for stroke. This fruit is known to lower the risk of type -2 diabetes.
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2. Berries
They are rich in antioxidants and are very nutritious with wonderful health benefits. Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and a lot of berries can help to maintain kidney health.
Regardless, they are all packed with vitamins and fiber as well. Berries can satisfy your sweet tooth.
Vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, potassium, and fiber in berries can add up to improve your stamina and boost your immune system.
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3. Can Citrus Fruits Beat Kidney Stones?
If you wish for a healthy kidney, take a lot of vitamin C rich oranges and lemons to improve your vital functions.
According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publications, consuming lemon juice with water daily has been found to reduce the rate of stone formation by raising citrate levels in urine.
In addition, they are good summer foods, that can keep you well hydrated. It helps to control cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and aid digestion.
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4. Cabbage
Cabbage
All Cabbages are naturally low in sodium, making it an excellent vegetable to prevent kidney disease. It contains many useful mixed-vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
We can get all the nutrients contained in it by eating it lightly cooked not overcooked and also without eating too much of the cabbage.
It is a low-calorie vegetable. Cabbage is one of the greeny leaf vegetables, a superfood for type -1 diabetes. They are rich in fibers and helps in regular bowel movement.
Anthocyanins in cabbage aids for a healthy heart. High potassium in it can lower blood pressure in case of high BP.
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5. Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato
They are high in Vitamins and fiber. It also helps in weight loss and is considered a healthy food for the kidneys.
The amount of vitamins and minerals found in sweet potatoes is ideal for consumption at any time of the day.
Their high fiber content breaks down slowly, making them ideal for weight loss.
6. Kale Spinach (Parattai keerai) A Superfood For Kidney Stones
Kale
This superfood should be included in your diet if you want to protect the health of your kidneys. It is seen as the best food for the kidneys.
Moreover, Iron is tremendously rich in this food. For example, it contains far more iron than is found in beef.
Antioxidants have a lot to do with this. It also helps prevent diseases like liver, cancer, bone loss, and asthma. Kale is also another greeny leaf vegetable that is low in calories.
This leaf contains more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin K improves blood clotting and prevents heart disease and osteoporosis.
Further, They are loaded with vitamins, beta – carotene, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
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7. Cauliflower
Cauliflower
This is a powerful vegetable. It contains plenty of minerals, Vitamin C, folate, and fiber. It can be eaten raw or green for maximum health benefits for the kidneys.
In addition, the antioxidants in cabbage can reduce inflammation and protect you from chronic diseases. This greeny leaf vegetables are low in calories and assist in weight loss.
In addition, Choline in cauliflower aids in the proper functioning of the body. It helps to fight several diseases, by improving your immune response.
Similarly, Sulforaphane in this vegetable reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Check out the 7 foods to get away from to avoid kidney stones.
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Calcium-Rich Foods
When you don’t consume sufficient calcium, the oxalate levels in your urine will rise, leading to kidney stones. Therefore one should consume plenty of calcium-rich foods to keep the oxalate levels down and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Some studies have correlated that calcium supplements can enhance the risk of kidney stones. Along with calcium, we must intake a large amount of water.
Dehydration is one major cause of the stone formation in the kidney.
Drinking a lot of water can help dilute your urine, thus reducing the possibility of unwanted accumulations that can form stones.
The standard recommendation for daily water intake is 64 ounces, that is enough in most cases. Hence, in order to calculate water intake divide your weight in pounds by 2.
Thus, you will get the actual number of ounces of water you are required to drink per day. Your urine should be a light yellow that is almost completely clear.
If your urine is darker yellow, cloudy, or exceptionally smelly, then you may need to get checked for kidney stones.
Vitamin D helps your body with calcium absorption. They are found in egg yolks, salmon, cheese, and other fortified foods.
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Non-Meat Protein Sources
Protein is an essential part of a diet. Although, high-protein diets may lead to kidney stone formation. Eating a larger amount of animal protein enhances the level of uric acid in your body. This can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Eating a high-protein diet also decreases your citrate levels. Citrate is a chemical found in urine which helps in the prevention of kidney stones formation. Hence, avoid intake of animal proteins more often. Instead have plant-based proteins like the lentils, beans, and peas.
Salt-Free & Low-Sodium Foods
The largest contributing factor to having kidney stones, when it comes to diet is consuming too much sodium.
Eating huge amounts of sodium contributes to an intensified buildup in the urine that leads to the formation of kidney stones.
Above all, minimize the salt you add to your food when cooking or eating. Some normally high-salt foods contain lower sodium options which can serve as a good replacement in case of salt cravings.
However, restricting the intake of processed foods and increasing natural fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet is always the best way to regulate your sodium intake.
Nutrition expert Shilpa Arora told a popular English media outlet that eating a water-rich diet is beneficial for health. Celery, cucumber, bottled chickpeas, and watermelon can help stabilize the kidneys.
Bottom Line Message
In the case of kidney stones, there is a huge possibility of recurrence. Fortunately, putting up with certain dietary measures may help reduce this risk.
- As an overall summary, try to keep your body more hydrated.
- Avoid processed food which is high on salt and sodium.
- Be careful to consume proper calcium foods.
- Avoid fast foods and beverages.
- Similarly, Avoid animal protein and feed on plant-based proteins.
- Consuming alcohol may elevate your chance for kidney stones.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates.
On the other hand, Coconut water is another beverage that is recommended by medical experts. Coconut water is a great source of potassium for the kidneys. This can also help to get rid of the excess sodium in the urine.
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