Three foods potentially harmful to kidneys, as per experts' advice.
Impact of Diet on Kidney Health: A Closer Look at Harmful Foods
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for overall health, particularly for vital organs like the kidneys. The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste and maintaining the body's internal balance. However, some common foods can overburden them, leading to impaired function over time.
One such culprit is excessive sodium intake, found in ultra-processed and fast foods. Consuming high amounts of sodium can strain kidney function, potentially causing long-term damage.
Other foods that add extra strain to the kidneys are soda and beverages with high levels of caffeine. Additionally, excessive consumption of animal protein can produce waste that the kidneys must filter.
To appreciate their importance, it's worth noting that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that the kidneys filter about a cup of blood per minute and contain around a million nephrons, the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney, responsible for blood purification.
According to a study titled "Dietary protein as renal protection: Quality or quantity?", the type of diet is the most significant risk factor for death and disability related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, dietary care is essential in the treatment and prevention of CKD.
Three foods whose prolonged consumption can harm kidney health are:
1) Frozen Foods:Often loaded with sodium and preservatives, frozen foods can strain the kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that these foods usually contain more than 1000 milligrams of sodium per serving. Individuals with kidney disease or high blood pressure should limit their sodium intake to 1500 mg per day.
2) Sodas:While phosphorus is essential for the body, artificial phosphorus, like that found in carbonated water-based beverages, can harm kidney health. These beverages usually contain high amounts of sodium, which can impact blood pressure, especially in individuals with compromised kidney health.
3) Meat:Excessive animal protein can be taxing on the kidneys because it produces a high level of acid in the blood, which these organs must work overtime to neutralize. A low-protein diet may help protect against complications of chronic kidney disease, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients. However, this does not mean that meat should be completely excluded from the diet, but rather consumed in moderation or under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if there are underlying diseases.
Understanding the impact of diet on kidney health is essential for maintaining overall well-being. Adopting a balanced diet and limiting the consumption of harmful foods can help prevent chronic kidney disease and ensure the kidneys function effectively.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Kidney Foundation, Vida Sana, Nutrition, and Healthy Eating.
- A balanced diet is crucial for overall health, especially for the kidneys, as they play a vital role in filtering waste and maintaining the body's internal balance.
- One harmful food for the kidneys is excessive sodium, found in ultra-processed and fast foods, which can strain kidney function and potentially cause long-term damage.
- Frozen foods, often loaded with sodium and preservatives, can strain the kidneys, and individuals with kidney disease or high blood pressure should limit their sodium intake to 1500 mg per day.
- Excessive animal protein can be taxing on the kidneys because it produces a high level of acid in the blood, which these organs must work overtime to neutralize, and a low-protein diet may help protect against complications of chronic kidney disease.
