Vegetables for kidney patients vary. However, many people wrongly suspect that all types of vegetables are good for kidney patients. Various kinds of vegetables are not good for consumption by kidney patients.
A healthy diet is an important part of maintaining kidney health. Vegetables for kidney patients can help protect the condition of the kidneys and prevent them from further damage.
Patients with kidney disease, especially kidney failure, may have to limit some food and fluid intake so that fluids and other minerals, such as electrolytes, do not accumulate in the body and prevent further damage.
The best vegetables for kidney patients
Vegetables are one of the best foods for kidney sufferers. However, food for kidney sufferers can vary depending on each condition. In general, vegetables good for kidney sufferers are low in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
Here are some of the best vegetables for kidney sufferers:
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a vegetable for kidney patients that is highly nutritious because it contains good nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. In addition, cauliflower also has many anti-inflammatory compounds, such as indoles.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a highly nutritious whole grain that is good for kidney patients. Buckwheat provides a good amount of B vitamins, magnesium, iron, and fiber.
Buckwheat is also gluten-free, so it is good for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Buckwheat is a healthy exception compared to other whole grains that tend to be high in phosphorus.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a good vegetable for kidney patients because it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
Apart from providing insoluble fiber, cabbage is also a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and B vitamins. Not only that, but cabbage is also low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.
Radish
Radish is a crunchy vegetable suitable for being added to the list of foods for kidney disease patients. Turnips are very low in potassium and phosphorus but high in many other important nutrients such as vitamin C.
Paprika
Bell peppers contain lots of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Apart from that, this vegetable also has an impressive amount of nutrients but is low in potassium. Not only that but paprika is also loaded with vitamin A which is important for immunity.
Onions
Onions are also a good choice as a vegetable for kidney patients because they are sodium-free. Onions are suitable as a flavoring for various dishes served to people with kidney disease.
Onions also contain high vitamin C, manganese, B vitamins, and prebiotic fiber that nourishes the digestive system.
Shiitake Mushroom
The next vegetable for kidney patients is shiitake mushrooms. This savory vegetable can be used in a healthy kidney diet as a meat substitute for those who need to limit protein.
Shiitake mushrooms are also lower in potassium than white button mushrooms and portobello but are rich in B vitamins, copper, manganese, selenium, vegetable protein, and dietary fiber.
Foods that kidney patients should avoid
Instead of vegetables for kidney patients, some foods cause kidney disease that they should avoid. You need to avoid foods high in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium to maintain the health of this organ.
Foods high in phosphorus include:
- Red meat
- Dairy products
- Most grains
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Fish
Foods high in potassium include:
Foods high in sodium or salt include:
- Packaged food
- Fast food
The recommended food intake for each patient with kidney disease can differ based on each condition.
In addition to eating vegetables for kidney patients, you also have to ensure that other menus that enter the body can meet the protein, calorie, vitamin, and mineral intake needed.
