The kidneys have an extremely important job. We all have two bean-shaped organs located below our ribs and on either side of our spine. They are responsible for filtering our blood, removing wastes, controlling the body’s fluid balance, and maintaining a healthy level of electrolytes, explains WebMD. Our kidneys are responsible for filtering all of the blood in our body several times a day.
Millions of people in America suffer from kidney problems, and oftentimes they don’t even realize it because kidney problems don’t always present obvious symptoms. This is why it’s super important for us to take good care of our kidneys. One of the best ways to do this is by eating an overall healthy diet. If you want to take it a step further, we’ve compiled a list of the absolute best foods for the kidneys based on their specific health benefits. To improve your kidney health, start eating more of these 15 foods…
1. Apples
Ever heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well, apparently it’s true! At least when it comes to our kidneys. Apples are one of the best foods for our kidneys because they contain pectin, “a soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol and glucose levels,” writes the National Kidney Foundation. Pectin may also be able to reduce any risk factors that could potentially damage the kidneys, like high blood pressure or cholesterol.
Apples are super easy to integrate into your diet because they make for a great snack. If you’re someone who likes to peel their apple before eating it (which is unlikely, but you never know!), then consider keeping the peel on because that is where a lot of the antioxidants are, including quercetin which is believed to protect our brain cells. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C.