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The kidneys play a key role in the body because they help eliminate life‑threatening toxins and remove nitrogenous waste from food and fluids as well as excess water, while also regulating blood pressure and balancing the body’s mineral content. Kidney health is therefore extremely important and there are foods that can support their function. Which ones are they?
Lack of exercise and a poor diet harm the kidneys
An unhealthy lifestyle, sedentary work, lack of exercise and a poorly managed diet lead to impaired kidney function. For their health it is necessary to limit the intake of industrially processed foods, products with a high content of sugars and salt, and kidneys are also harmed by an excess of red meat, which is rich in protein. In kidney disease, foods with a high purine content are not recommended, such as red meat itself, cured meats, offal, but also beer, red wine, coffee or certain types of vegetables. Which foods, on the other hand, detoxify the kidneys?
1. Olive oil
It works perfectly for cleansing the kidneys, contains antioxidants and minerals, so it is advisable to use it in the preparation of all dishes and vegetable salads.
2. Water
This advice may sound trivial, but truly one of the best remedies for your kidneys is plain water. Fluids hydrate the body, dilute the urine and help the kidneys flush toxins from the body. For kidney health drink at least 1.5-2 liters of clean water daily.
3. Watermelon
Who wouldn’t love watermelon as a summer snack? The red watermelon in particular is a balm for the kidneys; it contains water, vitamins and minerals, refreshes and tastes wonderful to boot.
4. Lemon juice
For kidney stones it is advisable to add lemon juice to water, as it helps break them up. Lemon juice can be used to flavor both water and vegetable salads.
5. Blueberries, blackberries and cranberries
Red berries, from the forest and the garden, contain a large amount of antioxidants that help remove toxins in the body.
6. Pumpkin seeds
They contain the same amount of antioxidants as blueberries; in addition they are rich in proteins and nutrients beneficial for kidney health. Pumpkin seeds taste great in soup, in a vegetable salad, or instead of chips while watching TV.