For our good health, both healthy eating and healthy living go hand-in-hand. A lot has been said about how to stay fit and healthy. In several articles, we have spoken about weight loss, blood pressure, cholesterol, the heart, the gut, and wellness, among other topics. However, we hardly speak about our internal organs.
One of the most essential organs that deserves our attention is the kidney. A healthy kidney maintains a balance of fluid in the body and helps excrete toxins regularly. The diet plays a significant role in escalating the process. However, if you’re wondering what would be good to maintain kidney health, you do not need to worry as we are here to help you.
India is the home ground of several cultivations, like cauliflower, garlic, raspberries, cabbage, and bell peppers, among others. These are all kidney-friendly items that can be regularly added to our diet. Most Indian households include garlic in their diet. Besides, we cook cabbage or cauliflower curries. For kidney care, we can opt for skinless chicken curry or fish curry and have it with rice or roti. You can also have a mid-breakfast snack by consuming fruits like apples, watermelon, blueberries, oranges, and others.
For a kidney-friendly diet, the meal plan should include Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and a small dose of vitamin C. A kidney-friendly diet includes limited sodium, cholesterol, and fat intake and focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meat. To make it clearer, we have jotted down a list of 7 everyday Indian dishes that are tasty, easy to cook, and kidney friendly. Take a look:
- Dal
It is the staple of every Indian household. Different dal recipes adhere to different regions, and what’s common is their nutritional value. Lentils are an excellent source of fibre, making them easily digestible and kidney-friendly dishes.
- Khichdi
It is regarded as the comfort food of India. It is an easy-to-make recipe, light on the stomach, and keeps us full for a longer time. Ideally, khichdi comprises dal and rice, both of which are low in potassium and phosphorous and considered good for the kidneys.
- Paratha
Paratha for breakfast or lunch is a good choice for a kidney-friendly diet. However, you need to take care of the usage of oil or ghee while making paratha. To avoid increased urea levels in the body, consume less ghee or oil. Increased urea levels may affect your kidneys.
- Dosa
It is usually made of dal, rice, suji, and other whole grains like ragi, bajra, and others. All these ingredients, owing to their low sodium, potassium, and phosphorous content, are good for the kidneys. Besides, fermentation makes the dish easily digestible.
- Idli
Just like dosa, idli is also a kidney-friendly option to include in your diet. It can be paired with sambhar dal or coconut chutney.
- Upma
Upma is usually made with rava (suji) and is quite healthy as it is low in potassium and carbs and high in fibre content. Besides, by making it less oily, you can add it to the dishes of people with kidney problems.
- Bhindi Ki Sabzi
Considered one of the healthiest vegetables, bhindi contains a good amount of fibre and vitamins and is low in potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and cholesterol. You can easily make bhindi ki sabzi and add it to your kidney-friendly diet.