11 foods that seem good but kidney patients should stay away from
People with kidney disease need a strict diet, because many familiar foods such as apricots, potatoes, spinach... can make the disease worse, causing dangerous complications.
According to specialist doctor II Dinh Cam Tu, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, chronic kidney disease reduces the ability to filter toxins from the blood, causing substances such as potassium, phosphorus or sodium to easily accumulate and cause harm. Therefore, people with kidney disease need to pay special attention to their daily diet.
Below are foods that people with kidney disease are advised to limit or avoid completely:
Apricot:Although rich in vitamin C, A and fiber, apricots are high in potassium. A cup of fresh apricots (165g) contains up to 427 mg of potassium, while dried apricots contain many times more potassium – which can easily cause electrolyte imbalances in people with kidney failure.
Cooked spinach:Leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, and beets are all high in potassium. Just one cup of cooked spinach provides 839 mg of potassium—nearly half the daily limit for people with kidney disease.
Potato:An average potato contains about 610 mg of potassium – a number that is too high for people who need to control potassium in their blood.
Tomato:Early stage kidney disease patients can eat tomatoes in moderation. However, if blood potassium levels increase, doctors will ask to cut down on tomatoes and tomato products.
Brown rice:Each cup (155 grams) of brown rice contains 149 mg of phosphorus and 95 mg of potassium – much higher than white rice. People with diabetes should choose white rice or buckwheat instead.
Whole wheat bread:This bread is rich in bran and whole grains, so it is rich in potassium and phosphorus. One slice (36g) contains 76 mg of phosphorus and 90 mg of potassium. People with kidney disease should use regular white bread instead.
Bran and oats:Although rich in nutrients, this food group contains a lot of potassium, phosphorus and sodium. Patients should consult a doctor before using.
Processed meat:Bacon, sausages, canned foods… all contain large amounts of sodium for preservation and flavor – putting pressure on the kidneys and easily increasing blood pressure.
Pickles:A serving of pickles can contain up to 1,630 mg of sodium – close to the maximum of 2,300 mg/day recommended for people with kidney disease. Pickled foods should be avoided in general.
Beans:Beans are a good source of protein and plant fiber, but are also high in potassium and phosphorus. Eating too many can cause blood levels to rise above safe levels.
Canned food:Most canned foods are high in sodium for preservation. Look for products labeled "low sodium" or "no salt added."
Recommendations from experts
In addition to a controlled diet, kidney patients should exercise regularly for about 150 minutes per week, choosing light exercises that are suitable for their health. At the same time, patients need to quit smoking, limit alcohol, and eat less than 6g of salt per day to help control the disease and prevent complications.
Building a suitable menu should be consulted by a doctor or nutritionist to ensure long-term and safe treatment./.
