Some foods can help prevent kidney disease, but some foods are better avoided.
Healthy kidneys are essential for the body to function optimally. They are also involved in the removal of harmful substances, bone metabolism and the regulation of blood pressure. But their integrity can be damaged by many factors in everyday life.
Certain chronic diseases increase the risk of developing kidney disease, and indirectly, nutrition may play a significant role. Therefore, frequent consumption of certain foods is not recommended, in order to protect the kidneys.
Kidney-damaging foods
Kidney diseases are a wide range of conditions, with some estimates suggesting that roughly one in ten Europeans suffer from an impaired kidney function. The problem sometimes develops over many years without symptoms. Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and smoking, among other things, increase the risk of kidney disease, which shows that diet can also influence the condition of the organ.
In general, limiting sodium and saturated fat intake can help to protect kidney health. If the disease has already been diagnosed, a strict diet may be necessary depending on the condition, but frequent consumption of the following foods may contribute to kidney damage, so it is important to be careful.
Processed meat products
Processed meat products, sausages, cold cuts and salami usually have a high salt content, which is used by manufacturers to improve not only their taste but also their shelf life. Excessive sodium intake puts a significant strain on the kidneys, can raise blood pressure and can lead to oedema, a build-up of fluid. People with kidney disease should also generally limit their intake of animal protein.
Fast foods
Fast foods are rich in sodium, phosphorus, saturated fats and often even sugar. They are also high in refined carbohydrates, which is not good for blood sugar levels. People with kidney disease are advised to avoid phosphorus-containing additives as much as possible. As with most processed and convenience foods, their excessive consumption can contribute to the development of a number of common diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.
Salty snacks
Crisps, crackers and chips can be a particularly high source of sodium that has to be processed by the body in a short period of time. They are not very filling, but they are hard to stop eating, so they can also play a role in putting on pounds.
Soft drinks
Soft drinks have a very high added sugar content and can quickly raise blood sugar levels. Persistently high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys. Regular consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of developing diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver, among other conditions.
Carbonated soft drinks are also usually high in phosphorus, which is also not good for the kidneys. In addition to an inadequate diet, kidney health can also be compromised by sleep deprivation, excessive use of painkillers or low fluid intake, among other things.
Skin symptoms of kidney disease
Many people around the world are living with kidney disease without even knowing it. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, it may not have spectacular symptoms or symptoms that are specific and easy to recognize, for example, lower back pain is not necessarily an ever-present symptom.