Recipes

Garlic Lemon Asparagus

Sauteed asparagus in garlic, salt, pepper and lemon juice.

A boost for gut & kidney health

Try this flavorful, easy to make, prebiotic-rich side dish to support your gut and kidney health. Let’s dive into the benefits and how to make kidney-friendly Garlic Lemon Asparagus!

This recipe is sponsored by Renadyl ™ and contains sponsored links. All opinions are my own.

Why prebiotic fibers matter for gut & kidney health

Prebiotic fibers are a type of dietary fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, and help them thrive. These fibers are found in foods like asparagus, garlic, onions, and leeks. When consumed regularly, prebiotic fibers can:

  1. Support a healthy gut microbiome: A diverse and balanced microbiome promotes better digestion and nutrient absorption.
  2. Reduce inflammation: By fostering the growth of anti-inflammatory bacteria, prebiotic fibers can help lower inflammation, which benefits overall health.
  3. Improve kidney health: Prebiotics may aid in reducing the production of harmful toxins, which the kidneys work hard to filter. A healthy gut can help lighten the load on your kidneys.

By incorporating prebiotic-rich foods into your diet, you’re taking a simple but impactful step toward better gut and kidney health (PMC Article).

How to make Garlic Lemon Asparagus

This recipe highlights the power of asparagus and garlic (two prebiotic superstars) paired with the zesty freshness of lemon. It’s low in sodium and contains moderate potassium, making it a great option for people with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Ingredients to make Garlic Lemon Asparagus. Photo includes chopped asparagus, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the asparagus: Rinse and trim the woody ends off the asparagus stalks and pat them dry.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
  3. Cook the asparagus: Add the chopped asparagus to the skillet, sprinkle the salt and pepper over, toss to coat it in the garlic and oil. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still crisp. You can adjust the cooking time higher or lower based on the thickness of your asparagus spears.
  4. Add lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the asparagus. Toss to combine.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm as a side to your favorite main course.

Tips for kidney friendly cooking

  • If you have a potassium restriction, be mindful of portion sizes. Asparagus is naturally lower in potassium compared to many other vegetables, but portion is key IF you need to limit potassium.
  • Opt for fresh garlic or garlic powder instead of garlic salt to limit added sodium.
  • When you cook most of your meals at home, you have plenty of room to sprinkle a little salt on top of your homemade dishes. You can easily stay on track with a low sodium diet while boosting the flavors of your veggies 😊
  • Pair this side dish with a protein source suitable for your individualized kidney nutrition needs. My favorite is baked or grilled tofu.

Learn more about gut health & kidney disease

Not only is this Garlic Lemon Asparagus recipe quick and easy, but it also packs a prebiotic-rich punch for your gut and kidneys. Choose ingredients that nourish your microbiome to support your kidney health!

Incorporating a kidney-specific probiotic and prebiotic supplement like RenadylTM may help support kidney function and overall well-being. With over 25 years of research behind it, Renadyl is designed to promote a balanced gut microbiome, which plays a role in maintaining kidney health for those with CKD.

To learn more about probiotics, the kidney-specific probiotic Renadyl, and general kidney health, check out my video here.

Give this recipe a try and savor the benefits of prebiotic-rich foods. By pairing it with Renadyl, you’re giving your body extra support for gut and kidney health! Check with your doctor if Renadyl is a good fit in your diet/supplement routine.

You can order Renadyl here and use the code RENA10 at checkout for $10 off.

Disclaimer: Renadyl is a supplement and not a medication. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Garlic Lemon Asparagus: A Boost For Gut & Kidney Health

Try this flavorful, easy to make, prebiotic-rich side dish to support your gut and kidney health.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: CKD, low sodium, renal diet, vegetables
Servings: 3
Author: Michele Crosmer

Ingredients

  • 3 cups raw asparagus, chopped can use frozen
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced 3-6 cloves
  • 1/2 each lemon, juiced
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Wash asparagus spears and cut/break the woody ends off.
  • Chop asparagus into 1 inch pieces.
  • Heat olive oil in a pan over low-medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and sauté for ~ 1 minute. Careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add asparagus to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Cover with a lid and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. Cook until asparagus is tender but still crisp.
  • Remove pan from heat and squeeze lemon juice over the asparagus. Toss to combine.
  • Serve immediately or save for leftovers!

Notes

Nutrition info per serving (~1 cup cooked = 1 serving): 76 calories, 3.5 g protein, 7.5 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 102 mg sodium, 304 mg potassium, 80 mg phosphorus, -2.9 PRAL.

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Michele Crosmer, RD, CSR

A kidney diet doesn’t have to be confusing

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