Toxic foods for the kidneys

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Extract from the article: The kidneys are vital organs that perform several crucial functions. In particular, they filter harmful and toxic substances (urea, creatinine, uric acid) and then eliminate this waste through urine. The kidneys also balance the various minerals need

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The kidneys are vital organs that perform several crucial functions. In particular, they filter harmful and toxic substances (urea, creatinine, uric acid) and then eliminate this waste through urine. The kidneys also balance the various minerals needed for the body to function properly and maintain the body's water balance by producing urine. For all these reasons, it is very important to take care of them, particularly by adopting a balanced diet.

Certain foods should be drastically limited or avoided to ensure the proper functioning of this vital organ.

Alcohol

Regular and excessive consumption can cause kidney damage. Alcohol increases blood pressure, which then promotes the onset of kidney failure. This is because the kidneys filter blood less efficiently.

Sugar

Refined sugars are sugars added to processed products such as soft drinks, confectionery, industrial pastries or even ready meals. Excessive consumption of this refined sugar overtaxes the kidneys and can also lead to the development of kidney stones. Kidney stones are stones made in the kidneys due to an imbalance in the composition of the urine called lithiasis disease. The urine then tends to accumulate in the kidney, which swells.

Sugary drinks

In 2013, American researchers revealed that drinking soft drinks every day increases the risk of kidney stones by 23%. In 2019, another study showed that the heaviest soda drinkers have a 61% increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Salt

The World Health Organisation recommends 5g per day. Salt is also accused of a long list of harms when consumed in excess.  It affects the brain, the heart, but also the kidneys, even without hypertension. Too much of it impairs their proper functioning, with the risk of chronic renal failure in the long run.

Excessive red meat

According to a study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, the risk of kidney disease increases by up to 40% for people who eat the most red meat. The cause is excess urea or phosphorus linked to overconsumption, which is toxic for the kidneys. It is therefore best not to exceed 70 to 100 g of protein per day, varying the sources.

Industrial soups

Ready-made soups also contain salt. Manufacturers use colourings, preservatives, benzoic acid and its derivatives and additives to guarantee better preservation and taste. Regular consumption of these soups can contribute to kidney failure.

Chips

One of the most harmful ingredients in crisps is a direct result of the manufacturing process. This is acrylamide, a carcinogenic chemical produced when carbohydrates are cooked at high temperatures. Not only can acrylamide not be completely eliminated by the body, but it also disrupts insulin levels. According to the American HEATOX study, Heat-Generated Food Toxicants, eating food cooked at high temperatures stimulates the body to produce 800 kidney toxins, 52 of which are potentially carcinogenic.

Practical advice

According to WHO data, the number of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and other types of problems has increased in recent years. These diseases are now associated with diabetes, overweight and cardiovascular diseases. Good kidney health starts on the plate. An Australian study from September 2019, published in the « Journal of American Society of Nephrology », confirms that the Mediterranean diet is the best choice. Opting for a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fish reduces the risk of kidney disease by 30%, according to the researchers. Adding a few fermented dairy products to the menu also protects the urinary microbiota, whose imbalance is the cause of many kidney stones, cystitis and urinary incontinence. In his book entitled « The extraordinary powers of the kidney », Professor Gilbert Deray, Nephrologist, shows that it is important to keep the kidneys in an optimal state for good general health. « The kidneys act as a sentinel of your health. If your kidneys are healthy, the rest of your body will be healthy. A simple, good Mediterranean diet is the perfect balance of foods for good health. Choose organic, unprocessed foods to limit your exposure to pesticides and chemical additives that damage the kidneys. If you have weak kidneys, avoid salt and too much protein. To better avoid salt, use spices instead of salt in dishes », advised the nephrologist.

Jean ELI