Kidney disease is known as a deadly, silent killer for the reason that there are hardly any indications of the conditions until it’s too late and it becomes severe. It is a serious health issue and is linked to other major health issues such as heart and carotid artery disease. An advanced stage of carotid artery disease may lead to a stroke. So, how do you take good care of your kidneys? For one, you can ensure that your body receives all the nutrients it needs through a healthy, wholesome diet.

Without a doubt, a balanced diet with the recommended amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are good for your body, inside and out. Even those who already have kidney disease should realise that there are plenty of foods out there that can help. If you don’t have kidney disease, it is still important to protect your kidneys from disease with good food choices.

Here, we look into 5 top foods that are known to be useful for healing the kidneys as well as maintaining their health.

Apples
An apple a day really does help keep the doctor away! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, apples contain important fibers, namely pectin, which may help reduce some risk factors for kidney damage, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Cauliflower
Cauliflower does not seem to be a hit in the culinary world, and that’s a shame, for this powerful vegetable helps in reducing the inflammation and oxidation of fats to promote the healthy functioning of your kidneys. This cruciferous vegetable is packed with folate, antioxidants and dietary fibres that indirectly help in the control of various health conditions like diabetes and heart diseases – all of which may lead to the malfunctioning of your kidneys.

Cranberries
Eating cranberries can turn out to be helpful in terms of kidney health. Cranberries prevent the development and growth of ulcers and bacteria in your urinary tract and can help manage current bacteria/ulcers because they make the urine more acidic and help keep bacteria from attaching to the inside of the bladder. When you shop for this fruit, keep in mind that it’s always better to choose fresh over dried for an optimal nutritional punch.

Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes have more fibre than white potatoes and they break down more slowly, resulting in less of a spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamins and minerals that help balance the levels of sodium in the body and reduce their effect on the kidneys, but they have to be taken in moderation due to their potassium content.

Shiitake mushrooms
Those who are experiencing chronic kidney disease would probably know that vitamin D is extremely important since it helps regulate kidney function. mushrooms are an excellent source. They also provide much needed B vitamins, copper, manganese, and selenium together with a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. Shiitake mushrooms are lower in potassium than most other mushrooms, making them suitable for a renal diet.