Image: Danijela Maksimovic / Shutterstock.comOur kidneys are a particularly important double organ. For example, they regulate our Water balance, influence ours Acid-base balance, but are also involved in the function of healthy blood pressure and purify our body. So that these can function properly, we should also pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet. Consumption of plenty of fruits and vegetables is strongly recommended.
There is plenty of food available to damage the kidney very much. These should not be enjoyed in excess. There is a large selection of foods that can negatively affect the functioning of our kidneys. We’ll go into more detail about which foods can be distorted in moderate amounts.
1. Sweeteners
Sweeteners were originally invented to reduce our addiction to unhealthy sugar. Unfortunately, this idea has turned into the opposite. Studies show that the consumption of sugar-free products does not reduce our sugar cravings.
This could be due to a psychological effect. For example, we tend to Eat more sweets when consuming sugar-free drinks. Also, studies have shown that the consumption of sweeteners negatively affects the function of our kidneys. Natural sugars like honey are a healthy alternative to sweeteners. Anyone who drinks a sugar-free cola every now and then does not harm the kidneys, of course, here too the amount counts.
2. Red meat
Red meat is an important protein supplier. We need proteins so that we can build muscles and allow them to grow. Our kidneys need protein in order for them to function. The protein found in red meat is difficult to metabolize through the kidneys.
Red meat contains a lot of saturated fat. The human organism needs fat to survive, but too much-saturated fat is harmful. Unsaturated fats are much healthier. Too much saturated fatty acids change body cells disadvantageously and the body becomes acidic.
Also, red meat is high in purines. Purine can promote the formation of painful urinary stones.
3. Dairy products
On the one hand, dairy products contain a lot of healthy nutrients like protein and calcium. Calcium, for example, is essential for our bones. However, we shouldn’t consume dairy products in excess.
Too much consumption of dairy products can significantly promote the formation of kidney stones. In addition, the kidneys are in fact very overwhelmed by excreting unnecessary nutrients in the urine. If the protein content is too high, it cannot be metabolized by the kidneys and is permanently damaging to the body. Studies have shown that dialysis patients benefit from a dairy-free diet. The necessary blood washing can, for example, be reduced very significantly without animal products.
4. Only drink oxalic acid in moderation
A high consumption of iced tea can damage the functioning of the kidneys. Contains iced tea a high proportion of oxalic acid. Also Black and green teas contain plenty of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can promote deposits. Water with natural lemon juice can be a healthy alternative to iced tea. Lemon juice has a positive effect on the formation of kidney stones. In addition to iced tea, chocolate and peanuts also contain plenty of oxalic acid. Calcium-rich foods such as cottage cheese, cheese, and yogurt can reduce the harmful effects of oxalic acid.
The calcium contained in dairy products means that the harmful acid is not completely absorbed by the intestine. Not to be forgotten are vegetables and fruits, which can contain plenty of oxalic acid, like spinach, Swiss chard and rhubarb.
5. Chemical products
The many advantages of organic products can no longer be denied. Non-organic products are contaminated with many pesticides, contained in the food. These cannot be washed off and get into our organism. A high amount of toxic residues favor kidney disease.
A high load of pesticides causes oxidative stress, which in turn favors numerous diseases such as cancer. The exact link between pesticide residues and kidney problems has not yet been established. However, harmful breakdown products favor kidney disease. Any toxins are eliminated through the kidneys. These are bovertaxed the regular consumption of pesticide-polluting foods. Toxins cannot be excreted sufficiently.
6. Caffeine
Many of us are addicted to caffeine. It doesn’t matter whether we need it, to wake up in the morning or to keep fit. However, caffeine speeds up our blood flow.
Furthermore, there is coffee a diuretic food. In order for our kidneys to function properly, however, they need sufficient water. Anyone who consumes a lot of coffee must therefore also increase their consumption of water.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying coffee in moderate amounts. However, consuming too much caffeine can lead to dehydration and cause kidney problems. People who already have kidney disease should also consume caffeine with caution. Caffeine from coffee is definitely better than from energy drinks.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is poison for our body, which has to be filtered through our kidneys. A moderate drinking behavior does not harm our kidneys. But regular alcohol consumption puts the kidneys under stress.
The kidneys are overwhelmed and can no longer adequately cleanse our blood. In addition, alcohol makes us dehydrated faster. Sufficient water is absolutely necessary for our kidneys to function.
Hence it is also especially important after consuming alcohol to consume enough water. Only in this way can the alcohol be broken down as quickly as possible. Of course, those who occasionally consume an after-work beer need not worry. However, people with kidney problems should avoid alcohol.
8. Energy drinks
Young people in particular consume a large amount of energy drinks. They taste particularly good and provide us with sufficient energy, at least for a short time. The drinks are however most harmful. They put our kidneys under extreme stress and, in addition to caffeine, contain a lot of sugar and color. The drinks also have dehydrating properties.
The amount of added sugar in energy drinks significantly exceeds the daily sugar requirement. Over a longer period of time, the tissue of the kidneys is damaged and the blood-filtering property is also negatively affected.
However, a large amount of sugar can be excreted in the urine for a short time.
9. Salt
Contains salt a lot of sodium and is essential for our water balance. Together with potassium, sodium ensures that our blood is supplied with sufficient water and reaches the kidneys. However, a high-salt diet can do a lot of harm.
The kidneys then need significantly more water to dilute the salt. A high-salt diet can lead to high blood pressure and destroy cell tissue. A lot of convenience foods today contain an overdose of salt. We recommend that you always cook fresh as the amount of salt can be better controlled. The consumption of foods rich in potassium is also recommended. Potassium and sodium have a positive effect on each other.
10. Avoid fat
We mentioned earlier that too much fat can damage the kidneys. Many diseases like Gout, high blood pressure, and diabetes are also triggered by a high-fat diet. These underlying diseases favor kidney disease and are usually associated with kidney disease.
A high consumption of fat leads in the long run to obesity, which damages the kidneys. Blood sugar and blood pressure values are negatively influenced by obesity. The function of the kidneys requires normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Whether animal or vegetable, fats should be reduced in the diet. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables, but beware of varieties with oxalic acid, consume them in moderation.
11. Beware of animal foods
People who already suffer from kidney disease must pay particular attention to a balanced diet. Food of animal origin should only be consumed in moderation.
Animal protein can exacerbate kidney disease, cheese is exempt. Too much animal fat must also be avoided. Rather, rely on healthy, vegetable fats from avocados and nuts. But beware, the amount of potassium should not be exaggerated either. For example, potassium is found in walnuts.
Conclusion: the kidney is a valuable organ that is involved in numerous processes. A balanced diet is essential for it to work. Harmful foods should only be distorted in small amounts. Those who are already ill should avoid these foods.
