Last Updated on October 31, 2022 by admindiet
The liver and kidneys are two of the most important organs in your body. They help you with digestion, filtering toxins from your blood, and much more. If you want to keep these organs healthy, you need to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits that promote healthy liver and kidney function.
One of the most common problems with both organs is that they don’t filter out large molecules from small ones effectively enough. This can cause problems with digestion, such as bloating or constipation. By increasing your intake of fruits with antioxidants like vitamin C, you can help prevent this issue from occurring!
Right here on Foodkeg, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on what foods are good for liver repair, food good for liver and kidney, foods to avoid with liver disease, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.
Fruits That Are Good For Liver And Kidney
17 Fruits for kidney health benefits
A variety of fruits can be beneficial for kidney health, such as the following.
Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients can help promote kidney health.
If you have kidney disease, a variety of fruits can be beneficial to include in your diet as long as they don’t contain excessive amounts of potassium and phosphorus.
- Strawberries
- Contain two types of phenols, anthocyanins, and ellagitannins, which improve kidney function.
- Rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative damage.
- Great source of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber.
- Contain anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall good health.
- Cranberries
- Loaded with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are beneficial for people suffering from kidney ailments or UTIs.
- Blueberries
- 1 cup of blueberries contains 114 grams of potassium and 18 milligrams of phosphorus.
- High in antioxidants and phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, which reduce inflammation and promote renal and kidney health.
- Good source of vitamin C and manganese, which are good for bones and skin and help reduce signs of aging.
- Raspberries
- Enriched with phytonutrients called ellagic acid, which help neutralize free radicals in the body and prevent cell damage.
- Contain flavonoids, which are good for improving kidney function and can reduce the growth of cancer cells.
- Excellent source of manganese, vitamin B and C, fiber, and folate.
- Apples
- 1 medium-sized apple has 195 milligrams of potassium and 20 milligrams of phosphorus.
- May help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and ease constipation.
- Anti-inflammatory properties and high fiber content, help improve kidney function.
- Grapes
- 1 cup of grapes contains 288 milligrams of potassium and 30 milligrams of phosphorus
- Good source of vitamins C and K (low levels of these vitamins are linked to kidney disease).
- High in fiber and contains small amounts of minerals like copper, manganese, and magnesium.
- Pineapples
- Low-potassium food option that helps lower blood pressure, which is a common complication of severe kidney disease.
- Contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps dissolve kidney stones in the body.
- High in fiber and supports heart health (heart complications are common in people undergoing dialysis).
- Good source of vitamin C boost, which helps boost the immune system.
- Citrus fruits
The more vitamin C in your diet, the better for your kidneys. Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits contain vitamin C in abundance. Consuming dilute lemon juice daily may help decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.
Other fruits good for kidney health
Other fruits that may be recommended for promoting kidney health include:
- Pears
- Peaches
- Clementines
- Nectarines
- Mandarins
- Plums
- Satsumas
- Watermelon
- Cherries
How much fruit should you include in your diet?
Since appropriate portion sizes vary from person to person, talk to your doctor or dietitian for recommendations on how much fruit to include in your diet to avoid consuming excessive amounts of these minerals.
Which fruits are bad for the kidneys?
When it comes to kidney health, fruits are on both sides of the fence. A person with renal illness should avoid high-potassium fruits.
- Bananas
- Bananas are high in potassium, with about 422 mg per medium-sized banana.
- As a result, if this fruit is a daily mainstay for people with chronic renal disease, maintaining a daily potassium intake of less than 2,000 to 2,500 mg may be difficult.
- Oranges
- Although oranges and orange juice are loaded with antioxidants, they are high in potassium.
- Oranges and orange juice should be avoided or limited on a renal diet due to their high potassium level although they are best recognized for their vitamin C content.
- Grapes, apples, and cranberries are all suitable replacements for oranges.
- Dried fruits
- Dried fruits are not recommended for people with renal disease or diabetes because they contain a lot of sugar and minerals such as potassium.
- In reality, half a cup (65 grams) of dried apricots contains about 755 milligrams of potassium.
- Dried fruits are strong in fast-digesting sugar, which is undesirable if you have diabetes.
- Avocados
- Avocados are high in potassium. One avocado weighing about 200 grams contains 975 mg of potassium, almost half of the daily recommended amount for people with kidney disease.
- Kiwi
- Because kiwifruit contains a lot of oxalates, people who have kidney stones should avoid eating it. Furthermore, kiwifruits are high in potassium, which may be problematic for people with renal problems.
Other fruits to avoid or limit for people with kidney disease
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Mangos
- Papaya
- Prune juice
Why should you avoid high potassium food with kidney disease?
Potassium levels are not well-regulated in kidney disease. Both the disease and some medications used to treat kidney disease may cause potassium buildup in the body. Hence, potassium intake should be reduced in a kidney disease diet.
Many fruits, including melons, bananas, oranges, prunes, and tomatoes, are high in potassium. Fruit punches, canned and bottled fruit juices, and iced tea are harmful in people with kidney disease. Apples, grapes, and strawberries are low-potassium foods that are considered healthy options.
High vs low-potassium foods list
Low-potassium foods include
- Apples
- Berries
- Fruit cocktail
- Grapes
- Lemon
- Peaches
- Canned pears
- Pineapple
- Plums
- Watermelon
High-potassium fruits include
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Dried fruits
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Mangos
- Oranges and orange juice
- Papaya
- Prune juice
Further tips
- Instead of bananas, oranges or kiwis, choose apples, berries, or grapes.
- Instead of cantaloupe or honeydew, choose watermelon.
- Instead of nectarines, mangos, or papaya, eat peaches, plums, or pineapple.
- Instead of raisins or other dried fruit, use dried cranberries.
- Instead of orange or prune juice, try apple, cranberry, or grape juice.
What foods protect the liver?
The liver is responsible for managing all the fats, protein, and carbohydrates that people ingest. It also controls the production of numerous other fats and proteins important for bodily functions. There are many foods and drinks that a person can consume to help protect the liver.
Liver health is crucial for overall health. Having an unhealthy liver can lead to liver disease and metabolic disorders. Type 2 diabetes is the most common cause of liver disease.
Although it may be impossible to manage all risk factors, consuming certain foods and drinks may help promote liver health.
This article will cover the best foods for liver health, including their beneficial effects on the organ, and some foods to avoid.
Top foods and drinks for liver health
Some of the best foods and drinks that are good for the liver include the following.
1. Coffee
One 2014 review suggests that over 50% of people in the United States consume coffee daily.
Coffee appears to be good for the liver, especially because it protects against issues such as fatty liver disease.
The review also notes that daily coffee intake may help reduce the risk of chronic liver disease. It may also protect the liver from damaging conditions, such as liver cancer.
A 2014 study suggests that the protective effects of coffee may be due to how it influences liver enzymes.
Coffee, it reports, seems to reduce fat buildup in the liver. It also increases protective antioxidants in the liver. The compounds in coffee also help liver enzymes rid the body of cancer-causing substances.
2. Oatmeal
Consuming oatmeal is an easy way to add fiber to the diet. Fiber is an important tool for digestion, and the specific fibers in oats may be especially helpful for the liver. Oats and oatmeal are high in compounds called beta-glucans.
As one 2017 study reports, beta-glucans are very biologically active in the body. They help modulate the immune system and fight inflammation, and they may be especially helpful in the fight against diabetes and obesity.
The review also notes that beta-glucans from oats appear to help reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver in mice, which could also help protect the liver. More clinical studies are necessary to confirm this benefit in humans, however.
People who are looking to add oats or oatmeal to their diet should look for whole oats or steel-cut oats rather than instant oatmeal. Instant oatmeal may contain fillers such as flour or sugars, which will not be as beneficial for the body.
3. Green tea
One 2016 review suggests that green tea may help reduce the risk of liver cancer in female Asian populations. However, the study notes that more research is necessary.
It is important to note that drinking green tea may be better for health than taking a green tea extract, as high dose extracts may damage the liver rather than heal it.
4. Garlic
A small 2016 study suggests that supplementing the diet with garlic powder capsules can reduce body weight and body fat in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with no loss of lean body mass.
Weight loss is beneficial for many people, as being overweight or having obesity is a contributing factor to NAFLD. More studies in humans are necessary to determine whether or not eating garlic would have the same effect.
5. Berries
Many dark berries — including blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries — contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which may help protect the liver from damage.
A 2013 study in rats suggests that blueberry juice supplements could increase antioxidant capability in the liver. The study also suggests that blueberry juice could help alleviate liver fibrosis. However, more human studies are necessary to verify this benefit.
6. Grapes
One 2014 study suggests that grape seeds, as well as the skin and pulp, contain a significant amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants seem to be associated with protection from some causes of liver damage.
Eating whole, seeded grapes is a simple way to add these compounds to the diet. A grape seed extract supplement may also provide antioxidants.
7. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains two primary antioxidants: naringin and naringenin. These may help protect the liver from injury by reducing inflammation and protecting the liver cells.
A 2019 study suggests that naringin may protect against alcohol-induced liver steatosis by reducing oxidative stress.
However, several medications that are metabolized in the liver can interact with grapefruit, so people should check with a doctor before adding grapefruit or grapefruit juice to their diet.
8. Prickly pear
The fruit and juice of the prickly pear may also be beneficial to liver health. A 2014 study in rats with obesity suggests that compounds in the fruit may be beneficial in the treatment of NAFLD. However, human studies are necessary to confirm this.
Most research focuses on extracts from the fruit, however, so studies that focus on the fruit or juice itself may also be necessary.
9. Plant foods in general
One 2015 study reports that a large number of plant foods may be helpful for the liver.
These include:
- avocados
- bananas
- barley
- beets and beet juice
- broccoli
- brown rice
- carrots
- figs
- greens such as kale and collards
- lemons
- papayas
- watermelons
People should eat these foods, if possible, as part of a whole and balanced diet.
10. Fatty fish
Consuming fatty fish and fish oil supplements may help reduce the impact of conditions such as NAFLD.
Fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are the good fats that help reduce inflammation. These fats may be especially helpful in the liver, as they appear to prevent the buildup of excess fats and maintain enzyme levels in the liver.
11. Nuts
Eating nuts may be another simple way to keep the liver healthy and protect against NAFLD.
Nuts generally contain unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. These compounds may help prevent NAFLD and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
12. Olive oil
Eating too much fat is not good for the liver, but some fats may help it. Replacing less healthy fats with olive oil may help reduce oxidative stress and improve liver function. This is due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in the oil.
However, the clinical data on olive oil benefits for people with NAFLD are currently scarce.
Foods to avoid
In general, finding balance in one’s diet will keep the liver healthy.
However, there are also some foods and food groups that the liver finds harder to process. These include:
- Fatty foods: These include fried foods, fast food meals, and takeout meals from many restaurants. Packaged snacks and chips may also be surprisingly high in fats.
- Starchy foods: These include low fiber, highly processed breads, pastas, cakes, and baked goods.
- Sugar: Cutting back on sugar and sugary foods — such as cereals, baked goods, and candies — may help reduce the stress on the liver.
- Salt: Some simple ways to reduce salt intake include eating out less often, avoiding canned meats or vegetables, and reducing or avoiding salted deli meats and bacon.
- Alcohol: Anyone who is looking to give their liver a break may wish to consider reducing their intake of alcohol or eliminating it from the diet completely.
Summary
The liver plays an important role in the body. Although it primarily takes care of itself, a person can help maintain liver health by consuming certain foods and drinks.
There are also many foods and food groups that may harm the liver. A person may wish to avoid these.
Choosing foods that are good for the liver can help a person avoid potential health issues in the future.