5 Typical Foods to Avoid for Kidney Health

Most people’s kidneys are effective at filtering waste and controlling fluids, but they can get overworked from repeated ingestion of some meals, particularly in persons with underlying medical issues. Diabetes and hypertension are the two main causes of kidney disease, however both disorders can frequently be prevented or slowed down when they are under control. Avoid eating any of these five items on a regular basis to maintain the health of your kidneys:

Foods Not to Eat for Healthy Kidneys

1. Dark Sodas and Sugary Drinks

Colas and sodas have added phosphorus, which is more easily absorbed than natural phosphorus, in addition to too much sugar. This puts additional strain on the kidneys and may increase the risk of calcification.

2. Processed Deli Meats

Avoid eating cold cuts like ham and bologna! Processed meats have been connected to cancer because they are high in nitrates and salt. Always choose the low-sodium, low-nitrate meats and go for leaner options like fresh roasted chicken or turkey.

3. Too Much Caffeine

A cup of coffee might be fun, but too much caffeine can cause kidney strain and dehydration. For improved kidney health, limit your intake of caffeine from tea, coffee, and energy drinks.

4. Mayonnaise

A massive 103 calories are included in one spoonful of mayonnaise! It has a lot of saturated fat in addition to it being rich in calories. There are mayonnaises on the market with fewer calories and no fat, but they are frequently higher in sugar and sodium and may also contain additional ingredients. A better alternative is to use plain non-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It’s high in protein and works well to bind salads.

5. Extremely High Protein Diets

Overly high protein diets, like the Atkins or ketogenic diets, might strain your kidneys further. To promote kidney health, instead, try to eat a balanced diet with a moderate amount of protein.