Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic kidney failure, is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, also known as end-stage renal disease, may require hemodialysis, which is a process the body wastes or fluid is removed through a special filtering process. Patients which end-stage renal disease are often referred to a vascular surgeon so that the patient can undergo a surgical procedure to create a dialysis access in the upper extremity.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, Dr. Mathew Cheung and Dr. Peter Lin discuss certain superfoods which are helpful to maintain or improve your kidney function. In this discussion, you will understand the importance in maintaining a healthy diet full of the necessary nutrients, particularly if you have chronic kidney disease.

For those living with kidney disease, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet full of the necessary nutrients. Sometimes, you can struggle to determine which superfoods are best to keep constant in the kitchen, and the recipes are even more challenging. You should add these superfoods in your grocery list next you go shopping.

1. Strawberries

Like blueberries, strawberries are also great to add to the grocery list in the spring. They are high in Vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. They are a great option to act as a sweet treat for patients looking to lower their levels of sugar consumption. So many recipes use strawberries as the main ingredient for a healthy dessert throughout your day.

2. Blueberries

Spring has sprung, and blueberries are thriving as superfoods. As the best time of the year to get blueberries ranges from April to late September, now is the time to incorporate them into your diet. Blueberries are full of antioxidants that act as an anti-inflammatory food.

3. Cabbage

You may often pass by cabbage in the produce section, never knowing what to do with it. However, this vegetable contains nutrients that can genuinely benefit your diet. Not only does it improve digestion, but cabbage is packed with Vitamin C and can also help keep inflammation in check. You can put the cabbage into a soup or even a stir-fry to incorporate it into your diet with a delicious meal.

4. Apples

Once you have had your fair share of berries, apples are another great fruit to add to your diet as superfoods. They are a great source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol and glucose levels. Even the peel is essential because it contains antioxidants that act as an anti-inflammatory.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a great flavor addition to many recipes you may want to try. When you can’t bring in other foods you used to enjoy, this is an excellent substitute for the taste. Not only is it delicious, but garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties and can even lower cholesterol.

6. Egg whites 

Egg whites are low in potassium and are an excellent protein source for CKD patients. You can still have the omelets or scrambled eggs you love; just use egg whites instead. With seasonings such as the garlic which we mentioned above, you can have a delicious meal that sticks to the necessary diet.

7. Olive oil 

Olive oil is another great option for anti-inflammatory additions to your diet. It is naturally full of oleic acid and polyphenols, contributing to its anti-inflammatory quality. This is easy to add to salad dressings, sauces, cooking additions, etc. One purchase of a larger bottle at the grocery store can have you set for a while because it tends to last a long time.

8. Fish

Sometimes kidney disease patients are advised to limit red meat in their diet. While this is often people’s favorite source of protein, it can be difficult to replace. However, fish is a great choice to consider! They are superfoods. There are many types to choose from, and fish is high in Omega-3 fatty acids. It also boosts heart health through its nutrients.

From salmon to tuna, there are many ways to fit fish into your diet. The National Kidney Foundation shares the best fish options to consider for CKD patients in this article.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you have end-stage renal disease with dialysis access related problems, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.