Your kidneys provide vital service to your body — they filter waste from your blood and send it to your bladder. They also regulate blood pressure, manage water reabsorption, control the acidity in the body, and balance electrolyte levels. Considering their importance, eating a diet to promote kidney health could be one of the best things you can do. The following seven foods will support your kidneys and make their job easier.

1. Cherries
These tasty little fruits help reduce redness and swelling and contain a healthy amount of vitamin C as well as vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6, magnesium, and citrate. The tarter the cherry, the higher the level of citrate. Citrate reduces uric acid in the blood stream which can lead to gout and arthritis. Those who eat cherries have been found to have lower uric acid levels and a lower risk of gout attacks.

2. Cranberries
Cranberries also offer high levels of vitamin C and manganese. Women have traditionally used it to fight off UTIs. Recent research has found pure cranberry juice (not the sugary stuff) diluted in water reduced urinary levels of oxalate and phosphate which reduce the formation of kidney stones.

3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known for its ability to help regulate glucose levels. This can help the body manage glucose better and offer protection from blood sugar disorders. Excess glucose that results from diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys. Another study confirmed that cinnamon can be used as a supplement without concern for increased oxalate risk.

4. Kidney Beans
The shape and name of these beans may suggest which organ benefits most from its healing potential. Kidney beans are known for as an effective home remedy for kidney stones. In ancient times, the pods served as medicinal tonic.

To reduce kidney stone pain- remove the beans from the pods and in a slow cooker, boil the pods in purified water for 6 hours. Once finished, strain the liquid and let it cool before drinking. Drink throughout the day.

5. Olive Oil
Like fish, olive oil provides a healthy serving of nutrient dense, unsaturated fats. Olive oil is also the basis for the ‘Mediterranean Diet.’ A recent study found individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease who adopted this diet experienced improvements in both symptoms and survival. The active components in olives improve the life of those suffering from chronic kidney disease and will certainly provide kidney support to those looking to maintain kidney health.

6. Java Tea
Also known as Orthosiphon stamineus, this herb has been a standard of folk medicine for a long time. It has typically been used for kidney disorders. A recent study has confirmed it to support the kidneys, as well as the liver and gastro-intestinal tract. It also offers potentials for blood sugar stabilization, antioxidant protection, and blood pressure stabilization.

7. Onions (and garlic!)
Both onions and garlic contain quercitin. Quercitin is a powerful flavonoid associated with antioxidant benefits and potency against redness and irritation. Research has found quercitin helps provide a protection against kidney damage for smokers. For non-smokers, the bonus protection provided by quercitin combined with improved fat metabolism helps protect the body’s filters.

If you enjoy these foods regularly, know that you’re doing your kidneys a favor. If you’re looking for ways to improve kidney function, adding these foods to your diet can help!

Written by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM and published at Global Healing Center, August 16, 2013.

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