5 Foods to Avoid and Tips for Kidney Health
The kidneys are vital organs that perform many functions, such as filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, regulating blood pressure, producing hormones, and maintaining electrolyte balance. However, some foods can damage the kidneys and impair their function, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure. In this article, we will explore five categories of foods that are harmful to the kidneys and what kidney patients should pay attention to.
You will learn about:
- 5 Categories of Foods Harmful to the Kidneys
- Things Kidney Patients Should Pay Attention To
- Drinking Milk and Eating Bread at the Same Time?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I improve my kidney function naturally?
- What are the symptoms of kidney problems?
- Reference
Table of Contents
- 5 Categories of Foods Harmful to the Kidneys
- Things Kidney Patients Should Pay Attention To
- Drinking Milk and Eating Bread at the Same Time?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reference
5 Categories of Foods Harmful to the Kidneys
The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones. However, some foods can harm the kidneys and impair their function. Here are five categories of foods that kidney patients should avoid or limit:
| Category | Examples | Reasons to avoid or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Fermented foods | Yogurt, cake, bread, soy sauce, vinegar, etc. | These foods contain high amounts of phosphorus, which can cause mineral and bone disorders in kidney patients. Phosphorus can also bind with calcium and form deposits in the blood vessels, leading to heart problems. |
| High phosphorus foods | Dairy products, offal, nuts, whole grains, egg yolk, chocolate, etc. | Similar to fermented foods, these foods are rich in phosphorus and can cause the same complications. Some of these foods also contain high amounts of protein, which can increase the workload of the kidneys and worsen kidney damage. |
| High potassium foods | Dark leafy greens, fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, salt substitutes, etc. | Potassium is an important mineral that helps maintain nerve and muscle function, but too much potassium can cause irregular heartbeat and even cardiac arrest. Kidney patients may have difficulty excreting excess potassium and need to limit their intake. |
| High sodium foods | Pickled products, seasonings, sauces, soups, processed meats, snacks, etc. | Sodium is essential for fluid balance and nerve function, but too much sodium can cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, and swelling. Kidney patients may have trouble removing excess sodium and fluid from the body and need to reduce their consumption. |
| Processed foods | Gluten, canned goods, thick soups, instant noodles, frozen meals, etc. | These foods are often high in sodium, phosphorus, additives, and preservatives, which can harm the kidneys and other organs. They also lack fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for health. |
Things Kidney Patients Should Pay Attention To
For kidney patients, learning how to limit the intake of nutrients such as “phosphorus,” “sodium,” and “potassium” is an important lesson. Apparently healthy foods like milk, yogurt, and common bread need extra attention. Although dairy products such as milk, yogurt, fermented milk, cheese, and cheese are considered healthy for the general public, they contain a high amount of phosphorus, which is a food that kidney patients should be cautious about.
Bread also requires careful attention to both sodium and phosphorus. Although grains such as rice and wheat contain high phosphorus, the phosphorus in these plants mainly exists in phytic acid that cannot be broken down by the human intestine, so the absorption rate is relatively low. However, when grains are made into bread and undergo fermentation, yeast breaks down phytic acid, making phosphorus in bread easily absorbed.
If resisting the charm of bread is difficult, kidney patients choose low-phosphorus and low-potassium formulas, such as healthy bread made specifically for kidney disease patients. They also suggest kidney patients choose starch products with low protein content, such as lotus root powder, cornstarch, and sweet potato powder, to avoid excessive protein intake, which could burden the kidneys. Specific intake recommendations should be discussed with doctors and nutritionists based on individual health conditions.
Other things that kidney patients should pay attention to include:
- Drinking enough water to prevent dehydration and kidney stones, but not too much to avoid fluid overload and swelling. The amount of water needed depends on the urine output, body weight, and climate.
- Choosing foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, and sugar to prevent obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, which are common risk factors and complications of kidney disease.
- Eating more fruits and vegetables that are low in potassium, such as apples, pears, berries, cabbage, cucumber, and lettuce. These foods can provide fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and alkaline substances that can help prevent acidosis and inflammation.
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, as they can dehydrate the body, increase blood pressure, and interfere with some medications.
- Avoiding smoking and exposure to tobacco, as they can damage the blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and worsen kidney function.
Drinking Milk and Eating Bread at the Same Time?
Not everyone cannot drink milk and eat bread at the same time. What needs attention is people with “pre-existing poor kidney function.” Under a diet high in sodium and phosphorus, the condition may deteriorate rapidly. People with similar problems must pay special attention to their diet and follow the doctor’s prescription for medication to effectively control the situation.
It is recommended that patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5 should not drink fresh milk, regular commercially available powdered milk, or yogurt. Since dairy products are rich in phosphorus, they can cause mineral and bone disorders and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in kidney patients. However, some studies have suggested that fermented dairy products, such as cheese and kefir, may have beneficial effects on kidney function and blood pressure, possibly due to the presence of probiotics and bioactive peptides. Therefore, kidney patients may consume moderate amounts of these products, as long as they monitor their phosphorus and potassium levels.
As for bread, kidney patients should avoid white bread, whole wheat bread, and other breads that are high in sodium and phosphorus. Instead, they should opt for breads that are made with low-phosphorus and low-potassium ingredients, such as rice flour, corn flour, or almond flour. They should also check the nutrition labels and choose breads that are low in salt, sugar, and additives. Alternatively, they can make their own bread at home and control the ingredients and portions.
Drinking milk and eating bread at the same time may not be a good idea for kidney patients, as it can increase their intake of sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, which can harm their kidneys and overall health. However, they can still enjoy these foods in moderation, as long as they choose the right types and amounts, and consult with their doctors and nutritionists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my kidney function naturally?
There are some natural ways to improve your kidney function, such as:
- Eating a balanced diet that is low in sodium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and processed foods, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Drinking enough water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins, but not too much to avoid fluid overload and swelling.
- Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve blood circulation.
- Managing your blood sugar and blood pressure levels, as they are the main causes of kidney damage.
- Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and drugs, as they can harm your kidneys and other organs.
- Taking supplements or herbs that may support kidney health, such as vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, cranberry, turmeric, and ginger. However, you should always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs, as they may interact with your medications or have side effects.
What are the symptoms of kidney problems?
Kidney problems can cause various symptoms, such as:
- Changes in urine color, volume, frequency, or smell.
- Blood or protein in the urine.
- Difficulty or pain when urinating.
- Swelling in the face, hands, feet, or ankles.
- Fatigue, weakness, or drowsiness.
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
- Itchy, dry, or flaky skin.
- Muscle cramps or spasms.
- Headaches, confusion, or trouble concentrating.
- Shortness of breath or chest pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible, as they may indicate a serious kidney problem that needs immediate treatment.
Reference
- 10 Symptoms of a Kidney Problem. US News. Retrieved from
- 10 Signs You May Have Kidney Disease. National Kidney Foundation. Retrieved from
- Chronic kidney disease - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from
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