Although your kidneys perform the critical bodily function of filtering your blood to remove toxins and excess fluids, those two bean-shaped organs don’t always get the same health attention as other organs, such as your heart or your lungs.
And that’s a mistake. Not only do your kidneys keep your blood clean, they maintain your levels of potassium, sodium and other essential minerals for health. Your kidneys also create hormones that regulate important health factors like blood pressure and bone strength.
Long story short: Your kidneys do a lot.
Your kidneys do so much, in fact, that they can get overtaxed. Roughly 1 in 7 American adults has chronic kidney disease, which can cause waste and fluid buildup in your body. Worse yet, most people with CKD don’t know they have it.
Poor eating habits heighten your risk for CKD. But when you eat the best foods for your kidneys, the reverse can be true. Since certain foods are good for kidneys, what you eat can help to protect your kidney health.
13 best foods for healthy kidneys
These are our top picks for foods to add to your diet for optimal kidney health.
1. Fatty fish
Fish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you’re also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it’s best to consult with your doctor.
2. Cabbage
This nutrient-dense vegetable is low in both potassium and sodium while packing in fiber, vitamins C and K and more.
Plus, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads and slaws, but you can also use it as a wrap for tacos, sandwiches and more.