Kidneys have an important role in a person's body, including cleaning the blood, removing waste through urine, producing hormones that regulate blood pressure, and balancing mineral and fluid levels. When the kidneys are damaged and unable to work as they should, fluid buildup occurs in the body, and waste, including toxins, cannot be cleared from the blood. Therefore, we must always maintain kidney health, one of which is by paying attention to what is consumed.
The Effect of Food on Kidney Disease
Limiting and avoiding certain foods can reduce the accumulation of waste buildup in the blood, improve kidney function, and prevent kidney damage in the future. In general, someone with kidney disorders or diseases needs to pay attention to sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake from food or drink. In addition, damaged kidneys will also find it difficult to filter waste from protein metabolism.
Foods to Avoid
Here are some foods to avoid if you have kidney problems:
1. Dark-colored soda
In addition to the calorie and sugar content in soft drinks, additional phosphorous additives need attention. Phosphorus is often added to food and beverage products as a flavor enhancer and preservative to prevent discoloration. Unlike natural phosphorus, phosphorus in the form of additives is found in the form of salts and is very easily absorbed by the intestinal tract.
2. Avocado
Although avocados have many benefits of good fats, fiber, and antioxidants, people with kidney disorders may need to limit or even avoid them. This is because avocados are foods that are rich in potassium content.
3. Canned Food
Most canned foods contain very high sodium. Salt is added to extend the product's shelf life, a preservative. Because of this large amount of salt, canned food should be avoided by people with kidney disorders.
Canned food uses a lot of salt for preservatives
4. Bananas
Bananas are famous for their high potassium content. Even though it is low in sodium, in 1 medium-sized banana, there is around 422 mg of potassium.
5. Dairy Products
Dairy products contain lots of vitamins and nutrients. In addition, it is also a natural source of phosphorus, potassium, and protein. However, eating too many dairy products and other phosphorus-rich foods can be detrimental to bone health in people with kidney disease.
This is because damaged kidneys can cause a buildup of phosphorus in the blood, drawing calcium content from the bones. If left unchecked, the bones will be prone to cracking and breaking.
6. Processed Meat
Processed meats, such as sausages, corned beef, or others, have long been associated with various chronic diseases and have been considered unhealthy due to their preservative content. In general, processed meat products are high in salt and protein, minerals that people with kidney disease need to pay attention to.
In addition to the high salt content, the calories in processed meat are no less high.
7. Dates, Raisins, and Plums
Dates, raisins, and prunes are examples of dried fruit that are often found. When a fruit is dried, its nutrients are concentrated, including potassium. Therefore, the potassium content in dry fruit is very high and should be avoided for people with kidney disorders.
A good diet for kidney health, also known as a renal diet, usually limits sodium consumption to below 2,300 mg per day, as well as potassium and phosphorus intake. Rules and recommendations for eating will vary with the severity of kidney damage suffered. Remember to consult your doctor or nutritionist for a kidney-friendly diet plan.
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Source:
Berkheiser, K & Richter, A. (2021). 17 Foods to Avoid or Limit If You Have Bad Kidneys. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-to-avoid-with-kidney-disease