When it comes to your diet, you probably don’t think about which foods are good or bad for the two organs of the kidney system unless you know you have poor kidney health. And even if you have kidney disease, failure or other kidney problems, you may not be aware of or follow the correct rules every day, the best kidney diet . While the strictness of your diet depends on the stage of your kidney disease, it is important to understand what you should and should not be putting into your body to boost kidney health or, if you prefer, cleanse your kidneys. The kidneys are essential organs that help us maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and remove waste from the blood,” Patricia Banana , MS, RDN, says. “People with kidney disease do not have fully functioning kidneys. Eating nutrients that the kidneys have trouble processing, including protein , sodium, potassium and phosphorus can damage the kidneys.

Unfortunately, in addition to further damaging the kidneys and not strengthening kidney function, not following a healthy kidney diet to manage kidney disease can also cause other health risks, including increased blood pressure , increased protein in the urine, and can also contribute to other problems. Related to bone health and heart health , says Banana. When the kidneys don’t work as well as they should, fluids and waste build up in the body. Over time, waste and excess fluid can cause bone, heart and other health problems,” he says. “A kidney-friendly meal plan can limit how much you eat and drink of certain minerals and fluids. This can help keep waste and fluid from building up and causing problems.

So how do you know what to eat for a kidney-friendly meal?

Lucky for you, Banyan has provided a list of the best kidney-approved foods that are apparently all focused on your kidney health, along with foods that won’t help improve your kidney health. She strongly recommends that you consult with your doctor to learn what dietary choices are recommended for you based on your specific kidney condition and treatment plan.

First, here are the best foods for your kidneys.

When it comes to optimal kidney health, it is ideal to consume healthy foods that contain many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but are relatively low in potassium and/or phosphorus. “Foods that contain antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals in the body,” says Bannan. Foods that protect against oxidation are a good choice for dialysis patients or people with chronic kidney disease.

Fatty fish

If you want to eat fish, choose salmon , albacore tuna, mackerel or herring because they increase omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats in the diet. A meta-analysis of research conducted in 2017 found that omega-3s have been shown to reduce proteinuria, which is a common complication of kidney disease,” says Bannan.

Caucasians

Because the yolks contain a lot of phosphorus, which should be avoided if you have kidney problems, the egg whites make for a healthy, kidney-safe and delicious breakfast.

Cauliflower

Vegetables are rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and K, calcium, iron and magnesium. In addition to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects, cauliflower is also an excellent source of fiber. Mashed cauliflower is a great way to add more to your diet – they’re easy to make and are generally a better choice than mashed potatoes. Strawberries

Berries, especially blueberries, are an excellent source of natural antioxidants . They are also ideal for renal nutrition, as they contain little phosphorus, potassium and sodium and reduce inflammation.

Olive oil

Olive oil is an essential ingredient in the kitchen, so being kidney-friendly is a plus. Olive oil also contains oleic acid, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Most importantly, the safest and best renal nutrition for the kidneys is olive oil without phosphorus. For salads, marinades and sautéing, choose virgin or extra virgin because they contain more antioxidants. Garlic

Not only does it smell and taste delicious, garlic also contains vitamin C and vitamin B6. Avoid using garlic as a flavor enhancer while cooking, instead of adding salt, and always opt for garlic powder over garlic salt.