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Q & A: What Foods Help Repair Kidneys?

Kidney disease is progressive. Kidney function slowly declines over time and may eventually stop - though dialysis is usually started before then when the kidneys can no longer function well enough on their own to support the rest of the body. That’s usually when they’re working at about 15% of their capacity (or an eGFR of about 15). Though your doctor will want you to be prepared, so they may recommend surgery to place a permanent access for dialysis well before then.


***A dialysis access is a route for dialysis to clean the blood. A permanent access (like a fistula, graft, or PD catheter) is MUCH safer than a temporary access like a Central Venous Catheter (or a CVC). These CVCs put you at a very high risk for developing blood clots and infections. So, your team will want to avoid using them if at all possible. ***


Friends share a meal at a tables.
Meals are for friends, family, and good food. CKD doesn't have to take that away from you.

The kidneys weren’t designed to last forever. So, some decline in kidney function is normal and expected as we age. However, I suspect that you’re here because you or someone that you love has kidney disease and you want to prevent or postpone the dialysis conversation for as long as possible.


You want to know what foods help repair the kidneys or at the very least won’t harm the kidneys? Have I got some good news for you!


A kidney friendly diet CAN postpone dialysis and, in some people, prevent the need for dialysis altogether.


I hesitate to say that any specific food can heal the kidneys, but the right foods can decrease stress on the kidneys so that they can function better.


Foods The Help Repair Kidneys


While I wish that it weren't so, magical foods that can cure CKD don’t really exist. We can adopt a kidney friendly diet to allow the kidneys to destress, and we all operate better when we’re not stressed out, right?


Inflammation and Antioxidants

Inflammation is increased in people living with kidney disease. This inflammation can contribute to further kidney damage and can increase the chance of developing cardiovascular disease and if you already have cardiovascular disease, that inflammation can make it worse. But, foods high in antioxidants can combat the free radicals that cause inflammation. Some antioxidant-rich foods can be high in potassium, which should be limited in some people with kidney disease. But, the foods I have listed here are all high in antioxidants and low in potassium (per serving) making them totally kidney friendly.


Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and one study found that a diet supplemented with blueberries protected against kidney damage in rats.


Blackberries

Blackberries are also loaded with antioxidants and have been shown to protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s disease) and some cancers!


Chopped chocolate sits on a white counter.
Minimally processed cocoa products retain more of their antioxidants than highly processed cocoa products.
Dark Chocolate

Research has shown that diets supplemented with flavanol-containing cocoa products are linked to increased cardiovascular health. Since kidney health is intertwined with cardiovascular health, this is great news for kidneys too!

  

Fiber and Cholesterol

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). That may be a little jarring, but it’s true and I am not one to hide the truth. Kidney and heart disease have a lot in common and one can worsen the other. For example, atherosclerosis (when fat forms plaque on the insides of arteries) is traditionally only associated with heart disease. But, when that plaque forms and blood flow is decreased — or worse, stopped completely — blood cannot flow to the kidneys to keep them nourished and healthy. So, it’s important to remember that a healthy kidney diet is also a healthy heart diet. And that means fiber. 


A high fiber diet is linked to a decrease in total and LDL cholesterol, improved blood pressure, increased insulin sensitivity, and improved gut health. 


Chickpeas

Chickpeas are high in fiber at more than 6 grams per serving and low in potassium. They’re versatile and a great addition to a salad or soup — I love to throw some into veggie soup to fill it out a bit. 


A wooden spoon sits in and contains chia seeds.
High fiber chia seeds are great for chronic constipation caused by CKD.
Chia seeds

Chia seeds are packed with fiber (1 ounce has nearly 10 grams!), omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. This fiber is mostly insoluble, so it provides fullness, adds bulk to stool, and increases transit time in the bowel. Chia seeds are the perfect addition to oatmeal or yogurt in the morning and I like to mix them with almond milk to make chia seed pudding.


Green peas

3/4 cup of green peas has about 5 grams of fiber and is low in potassium. Peas are a good source of protein and are so versatile! Add green peas to a salad, soup, or just season them up with a little butter and black pepper for a filling side!


Healthy Fats and Vascular Health

I know that you've heard all about omega-3's and how great salmon is for you. But, did you know that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is linked to a decrease in mortality rates among people with kidney disease?


These omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a decrease in inflammation and improved vascular health. But, they can be tricky to find. So, here are my favorite omega-3- rich foods that are beneficial and safe for kidneys.


Walnuts

Walnuts are a good source of fiber, magnesium, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Low magnesium in kidney disease has been linked to increased incidences of calcification in the blood vessels and high blood pressure while diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are also linked to improved vascular function. Plus, they’re delicious tossed into a salad or just for snacking!

Bottles of olive oil line a shelf.
If there is a magical food on this list, it's olive oil. Did you know that it makes a great hair mask too?

Olive oil

Olive oil has been repeatedly shown to protect the heart, kidneys, and vascular system and one study found that incorporating 40 mL a day (about 2 ½ Tablespoons!) of extra virgin olive oil, participants saw improved kidney function including a decrease in creatinine in the blood and protein in the urine. Participants also saw an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol and a decrease in triglycerides and uric acid (which causes gout flare-ups)!


Avocado oil

Regular intake of avocado oil has been shown to improve blood pressure and decrease inflammation! I like to use it for grilling or broiling because it tolerates high temperatures very well without burning.


So, that’s it. There isn’t a magic food that will cure your kidney disease. But, incorporating more of these foods can be beneficial for your kidneys and can help the kidneys to function better, resulting in better labs and improved symptoms for you. Let me know what you think below!

Comments


Brandy Winfree, RDN smiling at the camera.

Hey there! I'm Brandy Winfree Root, RDN.

Through my work in dialysis, I saw so many patients who had no idea that diet plays a HUGE role in kidney health.

I realized then that we should be providing nutrition education to people with kidney disease BEFORE kidney disease becomes kidney failure.

 

Not after.

That's why I became a Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition and why I started this blog. 

You deserve to take care of the kidneys that you have now and I want to share my knowledge with you to make that happen.

Are they any topics that you'd like to hear my thoughts on?

Shoot me a message here.

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