26 Dietary Choices for Optimal Kidney Health

13. Buckwheat and Bulgur

Another way to keep kidneys healthy is to reduce blood sugar spikes from simple carbohydrates by incorporating more complex ones that have low or medium glycemic index, like buckwheat or bulgur. Both are whole grains that can easily replace rice. They don't cause unhealthy sugar spikes that can damage kidney blood vessels and filtration over time. Buckwheat is a seed used for cereal, while bulgur is made from dried, cracked wheat groats and has a nutty flavor. Other wheat products that are rich in phosphorus and potassium can be problematic for those with kidney disease, making these grains great alternatives.