The most harmful foods for the kidneys

The kidneys are responsible for regulating the fluid balance in your body, keeping you hydrated and getting rid of excess water through urination. They also produce hormones that help regulate calcium and red blood cells.

The most harmful foods for the kidneys

What we eat and drink has a big impact on our health.health. According toParade, specialists say that the most harmful foods for the kidneys are foods high in salt, such as french fries, pizza, cold cuts, processed meats, and frozen foods.

Dr. Emily Chang, University of Chapel Hill School of Medicine (USA), explains that the two biggest factors causing kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. A salty diet can increase the risk of both of these diseases. In Dr. Chang's opinion, people with diabetes and high blood pressure have a 50% higher risk of kidney disease.

“Eating foods high in salt increases blood pressure. The pressure on the blood vessels leads to pressure on the kidneys because the kidneys have many blood vessels,” explains Dr. Chang.

American nephrologist Dr Cynthia Silva also agrees that salty, processed foods are the worst for the kidneys: “Processed foods contain large amounts of preservatives such as salt, sugar and fat, which help prolong their shelf life and make them taste better. This reduces the nutritional value of the food such as less fiber, while increasing the amount of calories. The kidneys are under great pressure to filter out excess preservatives while still maintaining daily activities.”

If you want to cut back on your salt intake, Dr. Chedid recommends cooking at home and using herbs to add flavor, such as garlic, basil, rosemary, and mint. Unlike salt, herbs are beneficial to the body because they contain antioxidants that prevent or reduce chronic inflammation.

Good eating habits for the kidneys

The best foods for your kidneys are also good for the rest of your body. Dr. Silva says it’s important to eat a balanced diet (prioritizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and plant proteins) and stay hydrated.

Dr. Alice Chedid, a nephrologist, says it’s important for people to control their blood sugar levels — especially if they have diabetes. “It’s the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Maintaining a healthy diet low in sugar will reduce your risk of kidney failure. It’s also important to stay hydrated, especially in hot summer weather, so your urine isn’t too concentrated. That increases your risk of kidney stones,” says Dr. Chedid.

If you have kidney problems, you may need to make dietary changes based on your doctor’s recommendations. “People with kidney disease need to control their protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium intake,” says Dr. Silva. Eating foods high in protein will make your kidneys work harder and make your condition worse over time./.