For kidney disease, the best juices are low in potassium and phosphorus, like unsweetened cranberry, lemon, watermelon, or pineapple, focusing on hydration and antioxidants, but always consult a doctor or dietitian, as high-potassium fruits (oranges, bananas) and added sugars/potassium additives can be harmful.
Scientists think cranberry juice may be good for your kidneys because it can help prevent pyelonephritis. It seems to do this by interfering with bacteria that stick to the kidney walls. Unsweetened or low-sugar cranberry juices are the best options.
12 of the Best Drinks for Kidney Health
Pineapple, cranberries, red grapes, and apples are all kidney-friendly fruits with anti-inflammatory properties.
Whilst all fluid counts towards your fluid intake, water is one of the healthiest choices when it comes to maintaining kidney health. Sip water little and often. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid each day.
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Top 15 Healthy Foods for People with Kidney Disease
Other ways to boost your kidney health are to: Avoid processed foods, which are high in salt. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Exercise routinely.
Here's a breakdown of the six most common supplements people with CKD may need to support kidney health.
Take action to prevent, delay, or manage CKD:
Thankfully, many of the breakfast favorites like fruits, whole grain cereals (without added sugars), and oatmeal tend to be higher in fiber and other nutrients, so people who eat these types of food for breakfast are in a good spot to meet their daily nutritional goals.
Liver and Kidney Flush Juice
Cranberries are low in potassium and high in vitamin C, making them another great choice for people with kidney disease. Cranberry juice has also been shown to help prevent urinary tract infections, which are typical for people with kidney disease.
Phenolic compounds found in ginger can also provide protection against kidney damage caused by renal ischemia/reperfusion and sepsis. Researches also indicate positive impacts in treating diabetic nephropathy and renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.
In the general population, approximately 38% of adults aged 70 or older have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, with most having moderate reductions in eGFR in the 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 range (1).
For these reasons, it is very unlikely that your eGFR number will ever go back up. So, instead of focusing too much on your eGFR number, focus that energy on finding steps you can take to maximize your healthy habits and improve your kidney health.
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
Canned foods, some frozen foods, and most processed meats contain large amounts of salt. Snack foods such as chips and crackers are also high in salt. Table salt, some seasonings, ketchup, mustard, and certain sauces such as barbecue, soy, and teriyaki sauces are high in sodium.
When your kidneys don't work well, the phosphorus can build up in your blood and lead to bone problems. Eating lean, high-quality protein can help you get the right amount of protein-without too much fat or phosphorus. Some good choices include fish, chicken, lean red meat, a bit of low-fat dairy, and eggs.
Two major drug types to avoid or use with extreme caution in kidney disease are Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) for reducing blood flow to the kidneys, and certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides (like gentamicin) and some antivirals, which can directly harm kidney tissue. Always consult your doctor before taking any new medication, as many over-the-counter products and prescriptions can negatively impact kidney function.
The urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through two thin tubes of muscle called ureters, one on each side of your bladder. Your bladder stores urine. Your kidneys, ureters, and bladder are part of your urinary tract.
Kidney damage repair depends on the type: acute kidney injury (AKI) can often be reversed as the kidney heals itself, but chronic kidney disease (CKD) damage is generally irreversible, though its progression can be significantly slowed with lifestyle changes, medications (like SGLT2 inhibitors), and managing underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, with advanced stages requiring dialysis or transplant for survival.