Many chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients struggle to balance their personal health and wellness with their daily work, family, and community responsibilities. Summer and fall can be especially hectic times of year, especially if you’re working and have kids.  

Fortunately, minor and consistent tweaks to your diet can significantly improve your health, regardless of your age or lifestyle. Here, according to the National Kidney Foundation, are some refreshing “superfoods” that you can incorporate into your warm-weather diet to help support your kidney health.* 

What are some kidney “superfoods”?

Eating a well-balanced diet of nutritious foods can help to delay or prevent the progression of CKD. Some “superfoods” for a kidney-friendly diet include:

• Herbs and spices, such as basil, chives, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg, will enhance the flavor of your food without adding salt. Many are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as well. 
• Whether fresh, frozen, freeze-dried, or in preserves, berries, especially strawberries and blueberries, provide a good source of fiber and a variety of nutrients. 
• Root vegetables and tubers, which include carrots, potatoes, celery root, and beets, contain many antioxidants, which help to fight infection.
• Broccoli enhances your health by reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, and boosting immunity.  
• Dried beans promote good heart-health and are low in fat.
• Eaten as a snack or sprinkled on an entrée, nuts and seeds contain heart-healthy fats, fiber, plant protein, and antioxidants. 
• Whole grains, such as oatmeal and 100% whole-wheat bread, provide a great source of fiber and a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Whether the winter or summer version, squash is a good source of essential nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin B6. 
• Leafy greens and tomatoes are low in calories, high in fiber, and are packed with many other great nutrients.

What are some recipes to make with these “superfoods”?

There are many simple recipes that are easy to prepare in the midst of a busy schedule. Developing and trying new recipes is a great way to have some fun and let your creative side go wild. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

•  A fresh berry smoothie blended with blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and almond milk. 
• A more nutritious take on a southern classic, Moroccan sweet potato salad mixes diced, cooled sweet potatoes with dried cranberries, thinly sliced-almonds, and a drizzle of your favorite olive oil-based salad dressing.
• Try this golden squash, pepper, and tomato casserole recipe that you can bake in twenty minutes and pair nicely with a baked fish or other lean protein source. 

These kidney “superfoods” and recipes are ideal for patients in earlier stages of CKD. If you have stage 4 or 5 CKD, your nutritional needs may have changed. Speak with your doctor and dietitian to ensure you are eating the best foods for your body. 

*Superfoods. (2022, June 8). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/content/7-kidney-friendly-superfoods#tomatoes