Latest news with #kidneyhealth
CNET
5 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Want Stronger Kidneys? Try Adding These 13 Foods to Your Diet
Your kidneys do a lot more than you probably realize. They filter your blood, balance fluid levels, regulate hormones, and help keep everything from your blood pressure to your energy levels in check. Despite how essential they are, kidney health often gets overlooked - and that can be a problem. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 adults in the US has chronic kidney disease, and many don't even know it. Your kidneys are quietly working around the clock to keep your body in balance. They filter waste, regulate essential hormones, and help manage everything from blood pressure to red blood cell production. But like any vital organ, they need care and attention to function at their best. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 US adults live with chronic kidney disease, and many don't even realize it. That makes early prevention and daily support even more important. Fortunately, you don't need to make dramatic lifestyle changes to support kidney health. Incorporating a handful of nutrient-rich superfoods into your regular meals can make a significant difference. These foods help reduce inflammation, support healthy blood flow, and ease the load on your kidneys so they can keep doing their job. If you're looking to give your kidneys the boost they need, these 13 simple additions to your diet are a great way to start. Your diet and gut health also play a major role in your wellness, especially when it comes to keeping your kidneys healthy. There are 13 superfoods you should keep in mind when considering natural ways to give your kidney health a boost. Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health 13 superfoods for kidney health 1. 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. 2. 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. Jacobs3. Bell peppers Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. 4. Cranberries Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. 5. Blueberries We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. 6. Dark, leafy greens There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. 7. Olive oil Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. 8. Garlic Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. 9. Onions From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Getty Images 10. Cauliflower Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. 11. Egg whites Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis. 12. Arugula Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types. You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example. 13. Apples Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Underrated Proteins You Should Be Eating If You Have Diabetes, According to a New Study
Reviewed by Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A., RDHigher protein intake—especially leucine and lysine—was linked to lower DKD risk in diabetics. Both animal and plant foods offer protective amino acids; variety is key for kidney health. Plant-based proteins with fiber may support blood sugar control and overall kidney 2 diabetes is on the rise, and with it, associated complications, like diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Diabetic kidney disease is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a leading contributor to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Chronic kidney disease also raises your risk of heart disease. If you have diabetes, you know that protein is essential to help stabilize your blood sugar. But there is evidence suggesting that too much protein, especially from animal sources, raises the risk of kidney disease. Plant protein, however, has been shown to prevent or slow down kidney function decline. With that said, the evidence is inconclusive, and the 2022 Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative states that there is not enough conclusive evidence to recommend one type of protein over another. For this reason, the Initiative lumps all types together and recommends that people with diabetes or kidney disease who are not on dialysis restrict their protein intake to 0.8 g/kg of ideal body weight per day. This is also a general recommendation for people without diabetes, though that recommendation may be too low for some people. Researchers from Taiwan wanted to take a closer look at proteins and amino acids—the building blocks of protein— and their associations with diabetic kidney disease. They published their findings in Nutrients. Let's break down what they found. Researchers recruited 378 participants with type 2 diabetes; half were women with an average age of 63. Based on urine tests, participants were split into two groups: those with just diabetes and those with diabetic kidney disease. Of the 378 participants, 237 were categorized as having diabetes without kidney disease, and 141 met the criteria for kidney disease. Through structured interviews with registered dietitians, participants completed 24-hour dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires at baseline. From their responses, protein amount and types were calculated. They were then placed into one of three categories based on their protein consumption: less than 0.8 grams per kilogram of ideal body weight (Group 1), 0.9-1.2 g/kg (Group 2) and more than 1.3 g/kg (Group 3). Also at baseline, demographics like age, sex, diabetes duration and medication use were captured, along with BMI and waist circumference. Blood pressure was measured, and bloodwork was done for fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and microalbuminuria. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), both screenings for kidney disease, were calculated. Group 1, which had the lowest overall protein intake, also had the lowest mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (78), followed by Group 2 (85) and Group 3 (87). Typically, a normal eGFR is 90 or higher, and 89 to 60 indicates mild loss of kidney function. Group 1's serum creatinine levels also suggested lower renal (kidney) function; they also had the highest fasting blood glucose levels, HbA1c (an average of blood glucose over three months) and microalbumin levels (UACR). Researchers then broke down types of protein into amino acids. Amino acids are what proteins are made of. There are 20 primary amino acids necessary for humans, nine of which are essential amino acids. They're essential because we need to get them from food, as our bodies cannot make them. What surfaced after statistical analyses were run was that higher overall protein intake, as well as higher intake of certain amino acids—branched-chain (BCAA), aromatic (AAA) and ketogenic amino acids—were all independently associated with a lower risk of diabetic kidney disease. In particular, leucine and lysine, two essential amino acids, were most strongly associated with a lower risk of diabetic kidney disease. Researchers concluded that for non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients, in addition to the recommended total protein intake, the balance of amino acid patterns should be considered. They suggest that supplementation with branched-chain amino acids and histidine, and restriction of tyrosine, methionine and glutamic acid—all amino acids found in higher concentrations in meat—may serve as nutritional strategies to support kidney function. Study authors note that their findings align with previous studies, suggesting that ketogenic amino acids, in particular, leucine and lysine, may help protect against diabetic kidney disease. While found in many foods, leucine and lysine are abundant in: Dairy, like milk, yogurt and cheese Fish and seafood Legumes Seeds and nuts Meat, like pork, chicken, turkey, venison, bison and lean beef Soy products, like tempeh, tofu and edamame Eggs Whole grains, like quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth As you can see, it's a nice mix of animal and plant proteins that contain these essential amino acids. Whether you have diabetes or not, it's important to include a variety of protein-rich foods, and plant proteins are definitely worth prioritizing, as they often include fiber and healthy fats. If you want to incorporate more plant-based proteins but aren't sure where to start, check out our 7-Day Vegetarian Meal Plan for Diabetes. It's loaded with tasty, plant-based meals and snacks, with some dairy and eggs sprinkled in. If you have diabetes and struggle with maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, consider how much protein you're eating. Fiber is another important nutrient for controlling blood sugar, and it works even better when combined with protein. Many sources of plant protein will offer both of those nutrients. Combining animal proteins with a plant source is another great way to get protein and fiber into your day. For example, yogurt with fruit and nuts or tuna with veggies are filling, tasty options. This study suggests that people with diabetes may reduce their risk of kidney disease by eating more foods containing leucine and lysine, which are ketogenic amino acids. Because a variety of foods contain these essential amino acids, there is likely something on the list you'll enjoy. If you typically get most of your protein from meat, try to also include plant-based proteins in your meals and snacks. Eating more plants has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing disease risk, reducing belly fat and improving gut health. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
CNET
01-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
You're Probably Not Eating Enough of These 13 Kidney-Boosting Foods
Your kidneys are quietly working around the clock to keep your body in balance. They filter waste, regulate essential hormones, and help manage everything from blood pressure to red blood cell production. But like any vital organ, they need care and attention to function at their best. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 US adults live with chronic kidney disease, and many don't even realize it. That makes early prevention and daily support even more important. Fortunately, you don't need to make dramatic lifestyle changes to support kidney health. Incorporating a handful of nutrient-rich superfoods into your regular meals can make a significant difference. These foods help reduce inflammation, support healthy blood flow, and ease the load on your kidneys so they can keep doing their job. If you're looking to give your kidneys the boost they need, these 13 simple additions to your diet are a great way to start. Your diet and gut health also play a major role in your wellness, especially when it comes to keeping your kidneys healthy. There are 13 superfoods you should keep in mind when considering natural ways to give your kidney health a boost. Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health 13 superfoods for kidney health 1. 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. 2. 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. Jacobs3. Bell peppers Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. 4. Cranberries Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. 5. Blueberries We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. 6. Dark, leafy greens There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. 7. Olive oil Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. 8. Garlic Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. 9. Onions From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Getty Images 10. Cauliflower Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. 11. Egg whites Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis. 12. Arugula Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types. You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example. 13. Apples Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
CNET
28-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Improve Your Kidney Health by Adding These 13 Foods to Your Diet
The kidneys are an important part of the body, always working to keep you healthy by filtering waste, regulating blood pressure and red blood cell production, balancing fluids and much more. The CDC states that more than one in seven U.S. adults already have chronic kidney disease, whether they know it or not. The good news? Supporting your kidneys doesn't have to mean overhauling your entire lifestyle. With a smart diet and a good amount of rest, you can help protect them and reduce your risk of serious health issues like heart disease, infections and fatigue. If you want to give your kidneys the love they deserve, these 13 superfoods are a great place to start. Your diet and gut health also play a major role in your wellness, especially when it comes to keeping your kidneys healthy. There are 13 superfoods you should keep in mind when considering natural ways to give your kidney health a boost. Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health 13 superfoods for kidney health 1. 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. 2. 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. Jacobs3. Bell peppers Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. 4. Cranberries Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. 5. Blueberries We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. 6. Dark, leafy greens There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. 7. Olive oil Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. 8. Garlic Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. 9. Onions From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Getty Images 10. Cauliflower Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. 11. Egg whites Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis. 12. Arugula Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types. You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example. 13. Apples Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
The Independent
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
An Oklahoma toddler fights for her life after contracting multiple strains of E. coli after swimming at Keystone Lake
A 2-year-old is fighting for her life after contracting three strains of E. coli while swimming in Keystone Lake, her family says. Toddler Elisabeth Faircloth was swimming and boating with her family in Oklahoma in early June when she started feeling sick. The child was prescribed antibiotics for strep throat, but her condition only worsened. "It's a nightmare, and it happened so fast — within like a week, we're here," Suzanne Faircloth, the girl's mother, told KOTV. The antibiotic actually aggravated her infection, she told the outlet. At the emergency room, doctors told her family that the child had contracted three strains of E. coli, leading to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), an infection that affects the kidneys, according to Cleveland Clinic. "It blows our minds, because we've never even heard of anything like this ever happening," Faircloth said. "We've heard of E. coli — but usually in hamburgers." The little girl is still in the intensive care unit. "They are working night and day — the staff is amazing — just to keep her stable," Faircloth told KOTV about the hospital staff. "It kind of feels like you're drowning and you get brief moments of air just enough to keep you alive, but there's no end in sight." Melissa Lynne, the child's aunt, wrote in a social media post last week that her kidneys have been 'most severely' impacted. 'She is currently on dialysis and has been medically paralyzed in order to give her little body the best chance at conquering this thing,' she wrote. 'Although the prognosis is hopeful, it will be a very long battle to get her well again and it's uncertain if she will ever recover 100% or if there will be permanent kidney and/or brain damage.' She now is fighting an infection in her lungs, the family wrote on Facebook Monday, noting that doctors can't use the typical treatment — antibiotics — since that will only worsen her condition. In a social media post, they added: '[We] just can't imagine another child fighting for their life or parents living through this hell, when we could have warned families. Stay vigilant parents and get your kids in early if symptoms arise after a lake day.' 'The faster you get your kids in the better the odds,' they said.
