The health of your kidneys is very important. Kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. As a result, they help maintain the body’s balance. Unfortunately, certain foods can harm these vital organs.
Unknowingly, the foods we consume every day may cause harm to our kidneys. Some may even possess high sodium which sap the water in our body.
Thereby denying the kidney enough fluid. In this article, we’ll focus on the 20 foods that can damage our kidneys. Follow through!
- Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in sodium and preservatives. These processed foods can strain your kidneys over time. Additionally, processed foods often contain additives that can lead to inflammation..
This inflammation can impair kidney function. Moreover, their high sodium content can contribute to hypertension. It is better to go for unprocessed foods. For example, you can consume fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
- High-Sodium Snacks
Have you observed that chips are always cooked with salt? As you know, too much salt saps the little fluid from our body. When you take excess sodium into your body it can lead to hypertension.
As a result, it can affect the kidney function of your body. They are very harmful because high sodium intake causes the body to hold water. As a result, it will result in putting pressure on the kidneys. Consistently continuing this routine will result in kidney damage.
Instead of chips, go for groundnuts, popcorn, or fresh vegetables. These options are tasty and much healthier for your kidneys.
- Sugary Drinks
Soft drinks contain high levels of sugar. These can lead to obesity and diabetes. At the same time, it can increase the potency to get kidney issues.
Soft drinks are dangerous because high sugar intake can cause insulin resistance. It can also lead to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. So, do well to avoid anything that contains sugar.
You can go for water as an alternative. Additionally, you can drink herbal teas or fruits that contain water, like watermelon. These methods are free from added sugars.
- Red Meat
Red meat is high in protein. Too much consumption can cause uric acid buildup, leading to kidney stones. They are dangerous because excess protein can put a strain on the kidneys.
More so, they work to filter out the waste produced. High purine levels can also lead to kidney stones.
As an alternative, you can go for meat from poultry animals. Additionally, you can eat beans and lentils. These are better when compared to red meats on the kidneys.
- Dairy Products From Cows
Full-fat dairy contains high levels of phosphorus. This can be harmful if your kidneys are not functioning well. Phosphorus can build up in the blood when kidney function declines.
High levels can lead to bone and heart problems. You can choose low-fat or plant-based dairy alternatives. For example, you can consume almond milk or oat milk for your tea.
- Artificial Sweeteners
Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners can cause harm to the kidneys. Additionally, you can go for natural sweeteners instead.
Some artificial sweeteners can affect your health and kidney function over time. So, go for a better alternative.
It is assumed that honey is better compared to moderation. In some parts of Africa, some honey comes with sweeteners.
Do well to investigate the honey components before purchasing one. All in all, original honey is less processed and can be beneficial in small amounts.
- Alcohol
Excessive alcohol can dehydrate you and strain your kidneys. It is wise to limit your intake for kidney health. Alcohol can also cause inflammation and damage kidney cells. Heavy consumption can lead to kidney disease and liver-related issues.
So, if you choose to drink, do so in moderation. It is better to go for non-alcoholic beverages to boost your health.
- White Bread
White bread is made from refined flour. It can increase blood sugar levels, affecting kidney function over time.
Thankfully, white bread is not popular around West Africa. Oftentimes, people enjoy it but it can cause severe damage to your kidney.
Do well to switch to wheat bread. Of course, these options can provide more health benefits to your health. Wheat is also a good supplement of fibre and protein in the body.
- Canned Fruits
Canned fruits often contain added sugars and preservatives. Fresh fruit is a healthier choice for your kidneys.
The added sugars can contribute to weight gain and diabetes in your body. Thereby increasing the risk of kidney damage to your body.
You can choose fresh or frozen fruits without added sugars as alternatives. These health benefits can help protect your kidney from damage.
- Pickles
Pickles are very high in sodium. This can lead to high blood pressure and kidney strain. High sodium levels can cause fluid retention. Pickles can also cause increased blood pressure too. As a result, it can add more pressure to your kidneys.
- Noodles
Noodles are food that are easy to make. All you need do is to turn on your cooking stove. Consistent consumption of noodles is not advised. It has a high level of sodium.
As highlighted numerous times in this article, sodium is harmful to the body.
The high sodium content and lack of nutrients can lead to poor kidney health over time.
You can try pasta as an alternative to noodles. Pasta such as spaghetti is much more nutritious and better for kidney health.
- Foods Rich In Phosphorus
Foods like soda and processed cheese contain high phosphorus. Excess phosphorus can damage your kidney. When kidneys are not functioning well, phosphorus can accumulate in the blood. This can lead to serious health issues.
You can choose fresh foods with lower phosphorus levels. For example, fruits and vegetables are good alternatives to processed foods.
- Fast Food
Fast food is often high in unhealthy fats and sodium. Regular consumption can lead to obesity and kidney. More often than not, you do not know what fast food is made of.
In many parts of the Middle East and Africa, foods are sold on the roadside. This poses a serious health disadvantage to people buying it.
It has been observed that they can contribute to heart disease and hypertension. What can you do?
Do well to prepare meals at home using fresh ingredients. This allows you to control what goes into your food.
- Chocolate
Chocolate contains oxalates that can lead to kidney stones. Enjoy it in moderation. High oxalate levels can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Additionally, you can be susceptible to various health risks when you consume chocolates. If you love chocolate, choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.
- 1 Spinach
Spinach is healthy but high in oxalates. For those prone to kidney stones, it is best to limit the intake of spinach. Oxalates can combine with calcium and this can lead to the formation of kidney stones in individuals.
- Beets
Beets are nutritious but contain oxalates too. They can contribute to kidney stone formation. You can try carrots or sweet potatoes.
These are lower in oxalates and still provide great nutrients to the body. Beets are source of food in many countries. So, ensure you consume them in proportion.
- Nuts
Some nuts are high in potassium and phosphorus. If you have kidney issues, monitor your intake. Too much potassium and phosphorus can be dangerous for those with impaired kidney function.
You can decrease your nuts and choose seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. This may be safer for kidney health too.
- Meats
Meats are often high in sodium and preservatives. These can strain your kidneys over time.
The sodium content can lead to increased blood pressure and kidney stress. You can go for fresh meat from poultry animals as highlighted in this article.
- Energy Drinks
Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar. They can lead to dehydration and kidney stress. Caffeine and sugar can cause spikes in blood pressure and dehydration.
As you know, blood pressure and dehydration are very harmful to kidney function. Instead of energy drinks, you can choose herbal teas or coconut water for natural energy.
- Sugary Foods
Foods high in sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes. Both conditions can cause kidney damage. High sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance and chronic health issues that affect the kidneys.
Do well to focus on foods with natural sugars, like fruits. These fruits can provide quality nutrients without the negative effects.