10 Foods That Are Harming Your Kidney

Kidneys are the bean-shaped organs of the body which perform many vital functions like filtering blood, removing waste through urine, producing hormones, balancing minerals, and maintaining fluid balance. Various risk factors including alcoholism, heart disease, hepatitis C virus, and HIV infection; however, the most common factors are uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure.

Damaged kidneys are unable to function properly and may result in accumulation of waste in the blood and fluid build-up in the body. Damaged kidneys may also have trouble filtering the waste products of protein metabolism. Therefore, any stage of renal disease comes with dietary restrictions.

Here is a list of 10 foods to avoid on a renal diet:

* Dark-coloured soda

Dark-colour sodas have artificial flavours and other additives that contain phosphorus. Many food and beverage manufacturers add phosphorus during processing to enhance flavour, prolong shelf life, and prevent discoloration.Dark-coloured sodas should be avoided on a renal diet, as they contain phosphorus in its additive form, which is highly absorbable by the human body.

* Avocados and bananas

Avocados and bananas are also high on potassium and should be avoided in renal diet. Unfortunately, many other tropical fruits have high potassium contents as well. An exception here are pineapples which contain substantially less potassium content.

* Canned Foods

Canned foods, such as soups, vegetables, and beans, are often purchased because of their low cost and convenience. However, to preserve these foods large amount of salt is added, hence they are high on sodium. It’s often recommended that people with kidney disease avoid or limit their consumption of canned food.

* Whole wheat bread and brown rice

White varieties of bread and rice are recommended over whole wheat bread and brown rice. Brown rice has a high content of phosphorus and potassium and will likely need to be portion-controlled or limited on a renal diet. Also high on phosphorus and potassium are whole wheat breads. Breads also contain sodium so choosing low sodium options are recommended.

* Packaged, Instant and premade meals

Processed foods can be a major component of sodium in the diet. The most heavily processed and high on sodium among these are foods, packaged, instant, and premade meals. Also these foods are also low on nutrients and it is best to limit these foods on a renal diet.

* Diary

Despite milk’s high calcium content, its phosphorus content may weaken bones in those with kidney disease.Dairy products contain high amounts of phosphorus, potassium, and protein and should be limited on a renal diet.

* Oranges and orange juice

While oranges and orange juice are arguably most well known for their vitamin C contents, they’re also rich sources of potassium.Given their potassium content, oranges and orange juice likely need to be avoided or limited on a renal diet. It is recommended to replace orange juice with grapes, apples, cranberries, or their juices instead.

* Processed meats

Processed meats are high on preservatives and can cause chronic diseases which are highly unhealthy. Processed meats are meats that have been salted, dried, cured, or canned to improve taste and preserve flavour.Additionally, processed meats are high in protein making it a highly unhealthy option for people with renal diseases.

* Pickles, olives and relish

Pickles, processed olives, and relish are a form of cured or picked foods which high in sodium and should be limited on a renal diet.Usually, large amounts of salt are added during the curing or pickling process.

* Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another high potassium fruit that should likely be limited on a renal diet.Choosing an alternative with lower potassium content depends largely on taste preference. However, swapping tomato sauce for a roasted red pepper sauce can be equally delicious and provide less potassium per serving.