Doctor shares top nutrients you need to include in your diet for good kidney health

Safeguard your renal health by eating right, staying hydrated, and making mindful lifestyle choices.

Kidneys filter our body's waste and getting rid of all the toxins, which is essential for overall health. The proper functioning of your kidneys maintains your internal balance. While what to eat for good heart and gut health is in mainstream conversation, kidney wellness-related nutrition is not much talked about. The lack of nutritional awareness related to kidneys is where the problem arises, leading to kidney stones and other renal ailments.

Prevent renal diseases by having the right foods.(Shutterstock)

In an interview with Dr Mukesh Batra, Founder and Chairman of Dr Batra’s Healthcare, shared the importance of nutrition for kidney health.

He said, “While we focus on all aspects of our health, it is integral to ensure kidney wellness to prevent from development of kidney stones or chronic kidney disease. Eating a healthy diet that contains all the nutrients, both micro and macro, is extremely vital for kidney function and overall wellbeing.”

Dr Mukesh Batra shared this detailed guide with us that covers all the nutritional requirements for kidney health: 

Macronutrients

Protein is one of the macronutrients which is healthy for kidney health. (Shutterstock)

 

Leafy green veggies contain vitamin B and folate. (Shutterstock)

• For healthy fats and Vitamin E, the best sources are sunflower seeds, groundnuts, sesame seeds, avocados and olive oil.
• Ease of access to pulses, jowar and seasonal leafy greens offers a strong source of vitamin B and folate, mandatory to promote cellular repair, electrolyte balance, and reduce oxidative stress.
• Curd and fortified milk fulfil Vitamin D requirements, which are aided through regular exposure to sunlight.

Hydration

Drink water for good kidney health. (Shutterstock)

• To help maintain the optimal functioning of the kidneys and to prevent stones, proper hydration is very important.
• Consuming 2 to 3 litres of water daily helps in the natural flushing of bodily waste.
• Simple lemon water, tulsi tea, barley water, and coriander seed water help in detoxification through urinary tract cleansing.

Balanced diet recommendations

A balanced diet for kidney health includes:

• 2 – 3 servings of pulses.
• 3 – 4 servings of seasonal fruits and veggies (especially avoiding high oxalate food, which forms stones.)
• Moderate dairy, and low quantities of processed, sugar, or salt-rich foods.
• This diet, based on easily accessible foods that has been proven to not only aid in kidney health, but also sustain chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension in a cost-effective and accessible way.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.