KIDNEYS are vital for our overall wellbeing and health, as they help remove waste from our body and maintain blood pressure.
Yet, kidneys are often overlooked compared to other organs. It is important to take care of your kidneys, especially with the recent rise in chronic kidney disease in Malaysia.
Prevention of the disease can be as easy as adopting a healthier diet by cutting down on salt and sugar.
Other than lowering your salt and sugar intake, there are many foods which can be added to your everyday diet to improve your overall kidney health.
Water
Drinking enough water every day is important for health. Water helps remove waste through urination and prevents kidney stones that may lead to chronic kidney disease. Good hydration prevents stone-forming crystals from sticking together.
The recommended 6 to 8 glasses of water daily is for generally healthy people, but your body needs more when you are in hot climates, are more physically active or running a fever or having diarrhoea.
Apples
Apples are a good source of pectin, a soluble fibre that can lower your blood glucose level which helps prevent kidney disease. Apples are also rich in quercetin, a source of antioxidants that can lower the risk of heart disease. Don't remove the peel, because it is rich in pectin and quercetin.
Cabbage
Cabbage is known to be one of the most kidney friendly vegetables, as it is low in potassium.
Cabbage is also rich in fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K and folic acid which keep kidneys healthy. It is a great addition to your everyday diet.
Foods high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients our body cannot make, so we must obtain them from the food we eat. Food rich in omega 3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, walnuts, soybean oil and canola oil can help lower triglyceride levels and reduce blood pressure too.
However, do eat these in moderation, as overeating food rich in omega 3 fatty acids could cause problems with your health.
*The writer is a dietitian at Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre, Klang.This article is meant to offer general health information. Please consult your dietitian for individualised medical nutrition therapy.
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