Support Your Kidneys with Self Care and Nourishing Foods

Self care is a divine responsibility ~Danielle LaPorte

As we transition from winter to spring, our kidneys need some extra TLC and nourishing foods to get the energy moving for a more active season, and to balance the Water Up Fire Down energy flow. Life is about balance and your body is no different.

In addition to plenty of water, there are many foods that can help support kidney function.

Nourishing Foods for Your Kidneys

1. Complete Proteins: Many people aren’t aware that complete proteins (a source of protein that contains an adequate proportion of all nine of the essential amino acids necessary for the dietary needs of humans or other animals) can be found in many plant-based foods! Working this kind of protein into your diet supports kidney function because the amino acids in these types of proteins help regulate the excretion of toxins.
   
   Add it to your diet: Hemp seeds, chia seeds and quinoa are examples of foods rich in complete proteins and are easy and fun to cook with. You can add chia and hemp seeds to a morning smoothie or sprinkle them on oatmeal or toast with peanut butter! If you replace a meat dish with one of these complete proteins 2 times a week, you are doing your body (and kidneys) a lot of good!
   
   
2. Vitamin C: The role vitamin C plays in supporting the kidneys is vital. When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly or the body is dehydrated, kidney stones can form and cause excruciating pain. This can be avoided by eating foods rich in Vitamin C, or taking supplements, because ascorbic acid (vitamin C's most common form) acidifies the urine, dissolves stones and prevents their formation.
   
   Add it to your diet: An easy way to ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin C to support the kidneys is to drink warm lemon water each morning before you eat or drink your coffee. You can also consult your doctor about the proper dosage for supplements.
   
   
3. Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is the main cause for a variety of diseases and imbalances in the body. Many of the foods we eat regularly (red meat, dairy, sugar etc) create a highly inflamed environment. By eating foods that help ease inflammation, you can regulate a balance within the body to ease kidney disease and support proper function of many organs, not just the kidneys.
   
   Add it to your diet: Cooking with turmeric (referred to as the “spice of life” by ancient cultures) is a great way to ease inflammation and promote homeostasis. This flavorful spice can be used in many savory dishes and is easy to find at any grocery store. Other options include tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, and almonds and walnuts.
   
   
4. Eat Your Water: While you may think the only way to hydrate is with water, there are actually many foods that are also full of H2O! Watermelon, celery, cucumbers, strawberries, lettuce, radishes, bell peppers, cauliflower. The list goes on but these foods are not only delicious but a great way to hydrate and get many other vitamins.
   
   Add it to your diet: Snacking on these delicious foods is no problem for most people. Make it a habit to take some of these natural treats in a baggie with you to work or while you run errands and just munch on them throughout the day.
   
   
5. Low-potassium Foods: One of the many functions of the kidneys is to regulate potassium. If your potassium level gets too high, you can experience kidney failure.
   
   Add it to your diet: Some examples of low-potassium foods include apples, beans, corn, brown rice, eggplant, pears, peas, peppers and zucchini. Working some of these into your daily routine (apple with breakfast, brown rice instead of white, etc) will help you switch it up in the kitchen and give your kidneys what they need to thrive.

Our bodies are our temples and practicing tender loving self care is truly a beautiful responsibility. When you take pride in taking care of yourself, you begin to deeply connect your physical body with your mind. A connected body and mind make self care less of a chore and more of a delight. It’s all about your mentality and approach.

Combining these foods with exercises that specifically benefit the kidneys is the best way to provide holistic, natural support for your health.

These are just some of the many foods that support kidney function and even ease kidney disease. The prevalence of kidney disease among Americans is no joke and it’s time to take matters into our own hands and kitchens!