The kidneys perform important tasks in our body – above all they are responsible for its detoxification. It is all the more important that we support the organs with the help of our diet and avoid harmful foods. We explain which 7 foods damage your kidneys.
Our kidneys perform many important functions in our body. The most important task of the organs, which are located in our body to the left and right of the spine at the lower end of the chest, is to detoxify the body. They are responsible for producing our urine, which is used to carry waste and toxins out of our bodies. Apart from that, the kidneys regulate the fluid and acid-base balance and produce important hormones. When the kidneys aren’t working properly, life-threatening complications can develop, which is why the functioning of the organ is so important to our health. Because of this, you should avoid certain foods because they are bad for your kidneys.
Table of Contents
7 foods that harm the kidneys
1. table salt
Many people add too much salt to their food – with dangerous consequences. Because if you consume too much salt in the long term, you damage your kidneys. When large amounts of salt are excreted through the kidneys, there is increased water loss, which puts a strain on the kidneys. Another reason not to exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended daily allowance of 5 grams: Excessive salt consumption raises blood pressure, which is particularly dangerous for people with high blood pressure . 5 grams is approximately one teaspoon.
2. Cola
For various reasons, cola should only be drunk in exceptional cases. Among other things, regular consumption of the drink promotes obesity, which in turn is a risk factor for various diseases. But cola consumption also damages our kidneys: the reason is the phosphate it contains. The mineral is needed for bone structure and is also found in small amounts in various types of fruit and vegetables – but as an additive in foods such as cola, it can be better absorbed by the body and thus put a strain on our kidneys.
3. Meat
It has long been known that excessive meat consumption is associated with a higher risk of certain diseases. People who often eat meat are more likely to develop colon cancer, but also diabetes or cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure. Diseases, which in turn damage the kidneys. A 15-year study found that meat consumption was associated with an increased risk of kidney failure. In addition, the American Cancer Society published a study in its specialist journal , according to which a meat-rich diet can promote the development of kidney cancer. 4. Fast food
4. Fast Food
Sometimes we come home from a long day at work and don’t feel like cooking at all. We quickly order burgers with fries or grab an uncomplicated frozen pizza. In exceptional cases, that’s okay too – but if we eat fast food all the time, it damages our kidneys. On the one hand, this is due to the high salt content and, on the other hand, to the unhealthy fats that put an additional strain on our kidneys. Apart from that, regular consumption of fast food promotes diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, which in turn put a strain on our kidneys.
5. Alcohol
There’s nothing wrong with an after-work beer or a glass of wine with your meal. However, anyone who consumes alcohol frequently and in large quantities promotes the development of kidney diseases. Alcohol is a cell toxin, the elimination of which puts a strain on the organs over the long term. The National Kidney Foundation warns that regular heavy drinking can double your risk of kidney disease. In addition, alcohol can promote high blood pressure, which in turn damages the kidneys.
6. Rhubarb
Foods like rhubarb, which are high in oxalic acid, should only be eaten in moderation. Pure oxalic acid is toxic, large amounts can damage the kidneys and cause symptoms of poisoning. The acid inhibits the absorption of iron, magnesium and calcium from food. Blanching and boiling the rhubarb, as this reduces the oxalic acid content. People who already have kidney disease or are prone to kidney stones should avoid oxalic foods altogether, as these can promote kidney stones. Other foods that contain oxalic acid include spinach,
7. Sweets
Not only a diet rich in salt but also a diet rich in sugar put a strain on our kidneys. Because too much sugar in the form of sweets, sweet baked goods and the like not only promotes the development of diseases such as diabetes and obesity – just like salt, sugar consumption leads to dehydration in the body, which in turn has a negative effect on the kidneys. Of course, you don’t have to do without sweets completely, but you shouldn’t eat them every day and only in moderation.
Diet for kidney problems
People who already have kidney problems should not consume too much protein, as this puts a strain on the kidneys – excess protein has to be converted into urea by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. In addition to a low-protein diet, it is also important that you consume other phosphate-containing foods in moderation in addition to cola – phosphate is also contained in liquid dairy products, for example. In advanced stages of kidney failure, a low-potassium diet is also recommended. Foods with a high potassium content such as bananas, tomatoes, nuts or many legumes should only be eaten in moderation.
Tip: If you would like to learn more about how you can strengthen your kidneys, you will find helpful information in the book “The Kidneys – Power Plant and Sewage Treatment Plant: Detoxifying, Cleaning, Strengthening” by Dr. Angela Fetzner. Available here for EUR 21.99 >> Anyone who already suffers from kidney disease will find over 120 recipes in the book “Eating Deliciously – Kidney Diseases” that relieve the kidneys. Available here for 24.99 euros >>
