Vitamins for Kidney
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 23/01/2024
- ●
- 2 min read
Kidneys filter impurities from your blood, regulate pH, salt, and potassium levels in your body, and also produce hormones to regulate blood pressure. So, maintaining good kidney health is critical for overall well-being.
Supplementing your diet with the essential vitamins for kidney health is a great way to maintain kidney function and mitigate ailments.
Let’s explore vitamins for the kidney that can mitigate kidney ailments and some other vitamins for kidney disease patients.
Essential Vitamins Good for Kidneys
Almost all vitamins and minerals come from the foods you eat. However, if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or if you are on dialysis, you may need to supplement your diet with certain multivitamins for kidney patients as recommended by your healthcare provider.
In addition to recommendations of multivitamins for CKD patients, there are certain vitamins good for kidneys that can maintain and improve your kidney health.
Here is a list of some of the best vitamins for kidneys and liver:
Important Vitamins for Kidney | Health Benefits | Food Sources |
---|---|---|
Vitamin A | Promotes cell growth and tissue development. Vital for a healthy immune system. | Leafy green veggies, tomatoes, red bell peppers, mango, fish oils, etc. |
Vitamin C | Heals wounds and bruises and keeps the tissues healthy | Citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc. |
Vitamin D | Improves bone health by maintaining the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. In case of kidney damage supplements may be needed. | Cod liver oil, salmon, swordfish, tuna fish, dairy, and plant milk fortified with vitamin D, etc. |
Vitamin E | Contains antioxidant properties that help protect the body cells from being oxidised | Sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil, peanuts, peanut butter, pumpkin, beet greens, collard greens, spinach, etc. |
Vitamin K | Produces blood-clotting proteins that are essential for developing healthy bones. Of the recommended vitamins for kidney disease, vitamin K is an important inclusion. | Leafy greens such as collard and turnip greens, kale, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, lettuces, soybean and canola oil, etc. |
Vitamin B1 | Helps the body cells produce energy and aids the smooth functioning of the nervous system | Pork, fish, beans, lentils, green peas, yoghurt, etc. |
Vitamin B2 | Aids the cells in energy production. It is generally prescribed to individuals with a poor appetite. | Milk, yoghurt, cheese, eggs, pork, etc. |
Vitamin B3 | Helps the body use fatty acids and sugars and produce energy. It also helps in efficient enzyme functioning. | Red meat, poultry, fish, brown rice, nuts, seeds, legumes, bananas, etc. |
Vitamin B7 | Assists cells to produce energy, metabolise protein, fat, and carbs | Salmon, avocado, eggs, pork, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, etc. |
Vitamin B9 | Aids in the production of DNA for new cells and red blood cells | Leafy green vegetables, beans, peanuts, sunflower seeds, whole grains, fresh fruit, etc. |
Vitamin B5 | It aids energy production and helps the cells to metabolise fats, protein, carbs, etc. | Organ meats (liver, kidney), mushrooms, avocado, nuts, seeds, milk, etc. |
Vitamin B12 | Essential for body cells to release energy and make RBCs. B12 and kidney disease correlate with dialysis-dependent patients who may suffer from vitamin B12 loss as a result of long-term dialysis. | Plants don’t naturally contain B12, but the vitamin is present in foods of animal origin, such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products |
Vitamin B6 | Helps the body make proteins and red blood cells. It is used as a supplement for those on dialysis. | Fortified cereals, tuna, salmon, chickpeas, poultry, etc. |
Now that we have explored the list of the best vitamins for kidneys and liver, it is important to also know which vitamins you should avoid if you have kidney disease.
Which Vitamins Should You Avoid If You Have Kidney Disease?
Multivitamins for kidney patients should only be taken when prescribed by your doctor because certain vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, and K, can build up and cause harm when consumed in excess. This particularly applies to patients with kidney ailments.
Over time, excess vitamins can lead to nausea and dizziness. So, multivitamins for CKD patients or those suffering from other kidney ailments must only be taken when prescribed by their doctor.
In some cases of kidney disease, large doses of vitamin C may lead to a buildup of oxalate, which may accumulate in the bones and soft tissue. This can cause pain and other health concerns over time.
How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy?
In addition to consuming the right vitamins for kidney health, here are some additional tips to keep your kidneys healthy:
Engage in regular exercise to lower your risk of CKD
Maintain your blood sugar levels, as diabetics have a higher chance of developing kidney damage
Hypertension can lead to kidney damage, so it is essential to monitor your blood pressure
Obesity is also associated with kidney damage, so individuals must try and maintain a healthy weight and consume a nutritious diet
Stay hydrated to clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys and keep them healthy
Be wary of the over-the-counter medicines you consume, as regular consumption can damage your kidneys
Your kidneys are essential for your overall health, so taking care of them should be a priority. Maintaining a health-conscious and healthy lifestyle is essential for good kidney health.
Wrapping Up
In the quick-paced life of today, there is not enough time to dedicate to one’s health, and this can lead to lifestyle diseases. To prevent this from happening, it is not only important to make health-conscious choices but also invest in comprehensive medical insurance.
The right health insurance plan can help you in distressing times by compensating for the medical and hospitalisation expenses so you can focus on your recovery.
Acknowledging the varied healthcare needs of each individual, insurance providers have a range of health insurance plans that can be customised to address specific health issues.
However, before investing in any policy, it is essential to compare health insurance plans for well-rounded protection.
Disclaimer / TnC
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