Foods to Boost the Kidneys

The kidneys filter waste from the body through excretion, and produces important hormones. If you indulge in too much salty, sugary or fatty foods, it can take its toll on the kidneys, impairing its function. Conversely, if you eat kidney-friendly foods, you can improve its overall functionality.

Red Bell Peppers

• Red bell peppers are full of healthy and important vitamins such as A, C and B-6, and also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that's known to reduce free radicals in the body. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation as well, helping to keep the kidneys functioning properly.

Garlic

• This tasty spice can be added to a wide array of dishes. But it's not just delicious, it's healthy. Garlic has been known to lower cholesterol and inflammation, which are both beneficial to the kidneys. Consider adding garlic to your diet for a savory way to boost your kidneys.

Water

• Although it's not considered a food per se, water is absolutely essential in improving kidney function. Whether you know the health of your kidneys or not, drinking six to eight glasses of water per day will aid your kidneys in blood filtering and urine production.

Olive Oil

• Natives in the Mediterranean have known about the health benefits of olive oil for centuries. But in many other parts of the world, its advantages are less well known. It has fatty acids in it that prevent oxidation, thus preserving the kidneys' health. Put some olive oil in a freezer for awhile, and after it's frozen, put it in the fridge to create a substitute for butter to spread on your toast or other foods.

Cranberries

• Cranberries are well known for their role in treating urinary tract infections, but they're also helpful in killing bacteria in several other areas of the digestive system. Drinking cranberry juice or eating dried cranberries as a snack will help to keep your kidneys functioning well by fighting free radicals and killing bacteria.