Are Blackberries Good For Your Kidneys

Are Cranberries Good For Kidneys

The American National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse officially endorses drinking cranberry juice to flush out the bacteria responsible for creating Urinary Tract Infections from your system. Thats because, according to research,;Cranberry juice can act as a cleanser of our kidneys by helping to remove excess water and break down the fatty tissue.

Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection in the body, accounting for about 8.1 million visits to health care providers each year. Women are especially prone to UTIs for anatomical reasons. This type of infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract such as:

• The bladder an infection in the bladder is also called cystitis or a bladder infection.
• The kidneys an infection of one or both kidneys is called pyelonephritis or a kidney infection.
• The ureters the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder are only rarely the site of infection.
• The urethra an infection of the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside is called urethritis.

Is It Safe To Use Herbal Supplements If I Have Kidney Disease

You may think about using herbal supplements to help with any health concerns you may have, but as a patient with kidney disease, you should use caution with herbal supplements.

Use of herbal supplements is often unsafe if you have kidney disease since some herbal products can cause harm to your kidneys and even make your kidney disease worse. Also, your kidneys cannot clear waste products that can build up in your body.

The herbal supplement market is a multi-million dollar business. You may hear from a friend or family member about an herbal supplement that they think has improved their health or well-being and they suggest it to you. While this advice may be fine for them, it can be dangerous for you with kidney disease.

Asparagus Improves Kidney Function

Asparagus was considered the perfect solution for curing urinary problems in Europe and Asia, its native countries. Asparagus is among the top foods good for kidneys.

• It contains glycosides as well as saponins, which are diuretic and purify the blood by removing toxins.
• Regular consumption of asparagus will lead to increased production of urine and it soothes the urinary system, enhancing the cellular activities in the kidneys, dissolving acids, salts in kidneys that can cause kidney stones.
• The hydroxynicotianamine present in asparagus can help prevent hypertension and improve kidney function.

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Watch For Added Sugar

Fresh blackberries are naturally low in sugar. A 1-cup serving of fresh blackberries has a little over 7 grams of sugar, while a 1-cup serving of canned blackberries, in syrup, has over 50 grams of sugar. A diet high in added sugars can increase your chances of obesity, and the American Heart Association recommends that you limit your daily added sugar intake to 100 to 150 calories per day, or between 6 and 9 teaspoons. Choose unsweetened blackberries to avoid the extra sugar.

Berries Are Alkaline Forming Foods

Maintaining a more alkaline pH is incredibly important, not just for the proper functioning of your body but research shows that unless the bodys pH level is slightly alkaline, the body cant heal itself. The kidneys are particularly dependent on the bodys acid:alkaline balance and acidosis is associated with a faster decline in kidney function.;

The primary and number one thing you can do to reduce acidity or make your body more alkaline is by changing your diet. The addition of berries to your diet can help to improve your acid:alkaline balance and help take the load off your kidneys.;;

Now, it might sound like berries are a cure all and all you need to eat to look after your health- if only it was that easy! Unfortunately, no one food alone is going to keep you healthy but when included as part of a kidney friendly diet, berries can certainly help.

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Risks And Side Effects

While the tannins found in the blackberry fruit are in small enough quantities to be healthy without consuming too much, there are much larger amounts found in the leaves and root of the plant, which are sometimes used to make tea. There is some evidence that a massive load of tannins, like those in such teas, can potentially increase the size of tumors in cancer patients. People who have a history of cancer should avoid teas made from blackberry leaf or root.

Its also good to minimize blackberry consumption if youre susceptible to kidney stones, as the oxalates found in blackberries;and various other fruits can sometimes increase the production of these stones.

Some people may experience mild allergic reactions when consuming blackberries, so if you notice a swelling or itching of your hands, mouth or lips upon eating the fruit, its best to discontinue use immediately.

Food Facts Friday: Blackberries

TipsTagsberriesblackberriesblackberry recipesfood fact Fridayhealth benefitslow potassium fruitmineralsnutrition factssummervitamins

Summer is upon us and you know what that means. being outdoors, enjoying the fun in the sun, and having fresh blackberries to munch on. Did you know that there are around 375 species of blackberry? Thats a lot of berries! Hailed as a superfood, this little fruit packs a punch when it comes to nutrients.

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Tips For All Children

For all children who have kidney stones, its important to follow these tips to prevent kidney stones:

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day, including at least 1-2 glasses of water at night. Drinking enough water helps prevent all kinds of kidney stones by flushing away substances that might form kidney stones. Water is the best fluid your child can drink to prevent kidney stones. Other drinks, like orange juice or lemonade, can also help, but they also add extra, unnecessary sugar to your childs diet. If the urine color is like water, your child is drinking enough fluid.
• Have low amounts of salt, or sodium. Eating low amounts of salt helps lower the amount of substances that might form kidney stones. Here are some tips for lowering the amount of salt in your childs diet.:
• Eat foods with fewer than 250 mg of salt per serving.
• Eat a meat-free meal 2 times a week.
• Eat fast food only 2 times a week.
• Stay away from canned or packaged foods with ingredients like monosodium glutamate , baking soda , disodium phosphate, sodium alginate, sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite.

Have high amounts of potassium . Eating foods rich in potassium helps prevent kidney stones from forming. Some foods that are high in potassium are bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, orange juice and papaya. Some foods with medium amounts of potassium include raisins, strawberries, watermelon, peaches and grapefruit.

Helps Support Oral Health

According to a 2013 study , you may want to add blackberries to your daily dental regimen. The study found blackberry extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities against some types of bacteria that cause oral disease.

Researchers caution more study is needed, but suggest blackberry extract may help prevent and control gum disease and cavities.

One cup of raw blackberries has only 62 calories, 1 gram of fat, and only 14 carbs. This makes them easy to add to a balanced eating plan.

Blackberries also have a low glycemic index , coming in at 25. GI ranks how carb-containing foods may impact your blood glucose response. A rating of 55 or lower is considered less likely to spike blood sugar levels.

Glycemic load takes into account the GI as well as the grams of carbohydrates in a typical serving. GL is considered to be a more accurate assessment of how a food can impact blood sugar. Blackberries GL is only 4, which is very low.

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Serving Size And Nutrition Facts

A;cup of blackberries;contains 60 calories, 1g total fat, 12g total carbohydrates, 6g dietary fiber, 6g sugars, 1g protein, 0 mg sodium, 233 mg potassium, 32mg phosphorus.

Blackberries provide an excellent source of vitamin C and;K, plus vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. This berry also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. They are also a great source dietary fiber.

Berries May Lower Cholesterol And Protect Cholesterol In Your Blood From Being Damaged

Berries can also benefit cholesterol levels. Black raspberries and strawberries have been shown to lower cholesterol in people who are obese or have metabolic syndrome. Whats more, berries can also protect cholesterol in your blood from being damaged.;

Oxidative stress isnt limited to your cells and DNA, its also problematic when LDL cholesterol is oxidised. In fact, oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a crucial step in the heart disease process. The antioxidants in berries are strongly linked to reduced levels of oxidised LDL which is largely responsible for the development of atherosclerosis and contributes to heart attack and stroke risk.

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Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Total ROS, superoxide, and peroxynitrite production rates were measured in pieces of kidney cortex via EPR spectroscopy as previously described , , â. The term âtotal ROSâ represents all ROS; however, the major sources trapped by the spin trap used are superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical, with other species as minimal contributors. Briefly, tissue pieces were incubated at 37°C with 6.6 µl of CMH for total ROS measurement; 1.5 µl of PEG-SOD for 30 minutes, then CMH for an additional 30 minutes for superoxide measurement; or 30 µl of CPH for 30 minutes for peroxynitrite measurement. Aliquots of incubated probe media were taken in 50 µl disposable glass capillary tubes for determination of total ROS, superoxide or peroxynitrite production, under previously established EPR settings , , .

May Boost Brain Health

Eating berry fruits like blackberries may improve brain health and help prevent memory loss caused by aging, according to a review of research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

The review concluded that antioxidants in berry fruits help fight free radicals and alter how brain neurons communicate. This may help reduce brain inflammation, which can lead to cognitive and motor issues common with aging.

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Kale Food Good For Kidneys

Kale is a curly, green veggie that is considered to be the healthiest vegetable in the world, perfectly suitable for those detected with kidney disease symptoms.

• Kale contains 45 flavonoids and is a powerful antioxidant as well as anti inflammatory source, which is important for those with kidney disease, chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
• Kale contains high amount of antioxidants that zap free radicals and can help in detoxification of the kidneys or kidney flush.

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Antioxidant Foods For The Kidney Diet

Fresh, colorful and kidney-friendly;fruits and vegetables aren’t just good; they’re good for people with chronic kidney disease . Powerful compounds called antioxidants found in certain foods may help protect you against other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules in your body called free radicals, the normal yet damaging byproducts created when your body produces energy, fights infection or is exposed to toxins. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E available in supplement form can be harmful to people on dialysis, though many take a renal vitamin supplement that contains 60-100 mg of vitamin C per day as recommended by their doctor.

One of the best ways to get antioxidants is through food. Dietitians use colors in fruits and vegetables to identify antioxidants, which include:

• Red/Purple = Anthocyanins, polyphenols, resveratrol

Here are 10 colorful, high-antioxidant foods for the kidney diet.

1. Cranberries

Cranberries add a distinctive zing to sweet breads, muffins and other recipes like Easy Cranberry Salad. Enjoy dried cranberries sprinkled on a salad or on their own as a snack. You can also drink cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail.

• 1/2 cup serving of raw cranberries = 1 mg sodium, 40 mg potassium, 6 mg phosphorus
• 1/2 cup serving cranberry juice cocktail = 3 mg sodium, 22 mg potassium, 3 mg phosphorus
• 1/2 cup serving dried cranberries = 2 mg sodium, 24 mg potassium and 5 mg phosphorus

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Pumpkin Seeds Promotes Good Kidney Health

Pumpkin Seeds are known to eliminate kidney stones!

• They are rich in protein and omega 3 acid.
• Pumpkin Seeds also contains B complex vitamins; Vitamin K; and Vitamin A.
• They reduce the toxins in the body, due to the diuretic as well as antioxidant property.
• It helps improve kidney functions.

Tip: A popular way of consuming them is by roasting them. You can also shell them and eat the inner germ.

Berries May Improve Insulin Sensitivity And Protect Against Diabetes Complications

Research shows that the anthocyanins found in berries have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism so can help to control blood sugar levels. Add this to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and they also may be useful in preventing diabetes complications by protecting blood vessels and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

The great thing about berries is that they all score low on the glycaemic index so even those who have been diagnosed with diabetes can still enjoy plenty of fresh berries in their diet.;

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Cauliflower Great For Healthy Kidney Diet

Recently, cauliflower seems to have become a craze in vegetarian diets and now even in a kidney diet. You can even make it into a pizza crust!

• Cauliflower is full of phyto chemicals that can neutralize toxins in the body and improve kidney health.
• It is high in Vitamin C; folate as well as fiber.
• Cauliflowers most important component is sulforaphane, which helps in fighting chronic kidney disease.

What Causes Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can be caused by;two things, which are:

• High levels of different substances in the body, like calcium or uric acid
• Lower levels of urine than usual Even when your body makes normal amounts of different substances, kidney stones can still form if your body makes less urine than usual.

Your child might be more likely to have kidney stones if other family members have had them or if your child has certain health issues. Most kidney stones are made of calcium, but other are made of other substances, like uric acid.

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Theyre Packed With Vitamin C

Just one cup of raw blackberries has of vitamin C. Thats half the daily recommended value. Vitamin C is integral to collagen formation in bones, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Vitamin C may also help you:

• heal wounds

• provide fuel to nourish healthy gut bacteria

For such a tiny berry, blackberries are high in fiber. One cup of raw blackberries has almost .

May Help Improve Vision

Blackberry is known to be useful for maintaining healthy eyes. Regular consumption of blackberries may help in protecting the eyes from ultra-violet radiations, attributing to the presence of lutein. Lutein forms a protective pigment called macula in the area behind the retina and prevents it from the damage caused by oxidative stress and high wavelength light radiations. Furthermore, anthocyanosides and vitamins present in blackberries enhance the vision and protect the eyes from various diseases such as macular degeneration, cataract, and night blindness.

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Berries Lower Oxidative Stress Throughout The Body

Oxidative stress has been recognised as a contributing factor in several diseases including high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease. Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body and is frequently observed in CKD. High levels of oxidative stress have been found in the early stages of CKD and they increase with progression to ESRD.

In the kidneys, oxidative stress contributes to progressive kidney damage and is also a contributing factor to several conditions considered as risk factors for CKD such as diabetes, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

One way to reduce oxidative stress is to increase the levels of antioxidants within the body and theres an easy way to do this- through your diet! Foods, and particularly fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants and can help to boost your bodies in built antioxidant systems.

Berries are a great source of a variety of different antioxidants, in fact one study showed that blueberries, blackberries and raspberries have the highest antioxidant activity of commonly consumed fruits so adding them to your diet daily will help to reduce the damage oxidative stress does to your body.

Black Foods For Kidney Health

The kidneys, in Chinese medicine, are considered the root of life as they are responsible for many vital functions in the body. The kidneys store what is called essence which is derived from each parent and is established at conception. The essence determines our health and vitality throughout our lives, which is why the health of the parents at the time of conception is so important. The kidneys also govern birth, growth, reproduction and development and are important for sexual health, so we want to always make sure that our kidneys are healthy and functioning optimally. Winter is the season associated with the kidneys, and for this reason winter is the best time to strengthen the kidneys. There are many ways to keep your kidneys strong like martial arts, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and conveniently, the foods we eat.

The colour associated with winter and the kidneys is black, so in Chinese medicine eating black foods is beneficial for the kidneys, helping to strengthen and protect them. Below are five black foods that are excellent for strengthening the kidneys, they also all happen to be delicious, which is awesome.

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