Foods that are bad for your kidneys

The kidneys are the organs that help the body eliminate toxins. Therefore, avoid eating too much of the following foods if you don't want kidney failure to develop!

 

Millions of people worldwide suffer from kidney disease, primarily due to unhealthy lifestyles and poor eating habits. The kidneys are vital organs that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. They act as the body's natural filtration system, removing toxins, excess salt, and waste products from the blood, while regulating fluid and electrolyte balance. They also help control blood pressure , support red blood cell production, and activate vitamin D for strong bones. Furthermore, they maintain the body's acid-base balance, ensuring that organs and tissues function properly.

Many studies have found that several types of everyday foods are harmful to the kidneys. Below are some foods that are bad for the kidneys and their alternatives.

 

Food that's too salty

High sodium intake is a major cause of high blood pressure, and this puts serious strain on the kidneys over time. People should consume around 2300 mg of sodium to maintain healthy blood pressure. For those with kidney disease or high blood pressure, 1500 mg may be more appropriate. The WHO recommends 5 grams of salt per day for adults.

Additionally, note that consuming too much sodium can also disrupt mineral balance, leading to edema, water retention, and putting extra strain on the kidneys.

Healthy alternatives: Use herbs and spices such as dill, coriander, ginger, lemon, pepper, garlic, and coarse salt in moderation.

Packaged or pre-processed foods

A 2022 study found that people who eat a lot of processed foods have a 24% higher risk of kidney disease. These foods are highly processed and contain many artificial additives, added sugar, refined starch, unhealthy fats, and sodium, but are low in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.

Healthy alternatives: You should invest more in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and consult your doctor or a kidney nutritionist before making any dietary changes. Homemade snacks like roasted green beans offer better flavor and nutrition than packaged foods.

 

Not drinking enough water

Water is not only one of life's necessities; it's also fuel for the kidneys. Not drinking enough water puts you at risk of kidney damage, especially if you're doing strenuous work or in hot weather. Water helps the kidneys remove waste. It also helps prevent kidney stones and makes medications for urinary tract infections (UTIs) more effective. According to a PMC study, drinking more water supports kidney health by slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), reducing cyst growth in polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and lowering the risk of kidney failure.

A healthy alternative: When it comes to water, there's no substitute, and you should ensure you drink enough to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning properly.

Consuming too many dairy products

Although milk is a good source of calcium and protein, excessive consumption (especially of whole milk) can increase calcium levels and contribute to kidney stones. According to a study titled " The Link Between Dairy Consumption and Chronic Kidney Disease in Older Adults ," it was concluded that consuming more low-fat dairy products may contribute to a slight reduction in the incidence and incidence of chronic kidney disease over a 10-year follow-up period.

Healthy alternatives: Focus on low-fat yogurt, skim milk, or plant-based milks (such as almond milk or oat milk). For calcium supplementation, leafy green vegetables like spinach and millet are also excellent choices to add to your daily diet.

Fried snacks

Although fried snacks are delicious, they are not good for the kidneys in the long run. Reheating oil and trans fats can lead to inflammation, obesity, and blood pressure problems—all linked to kidney issues. According to PMC research, fried snacks, belonging to the ultra-processed foods (UPF) group, have high levels of unhealthy fats and end glycation products, increasing the risk of developing and progressing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and slowing the rate of eGFR decline.

Healthy alternatives: According to nutritionists, steamed or baked snacks are healthier choices. You can use an air fryer or opt for homemade versions with less oil for popular snacks to reduce health risks.