The kidneys, which resemble the shape of beans, are present in the lower part of the body and are responsible for performing many important functions in the body, and these functions are life-supporting.
These important functions include filtering the blood, producing hormones, removing harmful or waste products, regulating the balance of fluid as well as blood pressure, and keeping the bones strong. However, according to the nephrologist, the kidneys are more prone than any other part of the body to damage, and they can also become less efficient as you get old.
When your kidneys don’t work properly and effectively, it is known as kidney problems. This is considered a common problem that affects almost ten percent of people around the globe. You need to be cautious to maintain your kidney health because various factors such as diabetes can increase the risk of kidney damage.
If you are experiencing high blood pressure for a long time then it can cause damage to blood vessels and even cause damage to vessels present in the kidneys. The basic goal for any individual is to prevent the buildup of waste products in the body, it is essential to always follow that goal because the function of the kidneys depends on how less waste is in the body.
In a general routine, people who experience kidney problems, whether chronic or short-term, have to consume sodium no more than 2300mg in a single day. In addition, they also have to monitor their intake of phosphorus and potassium.
Worst Foods for Kidney Problems
Some foods, if you have kidney problems, would be disastrous for you because they can contribute to damage to the kidneys:
- Dark-Colored Soda
Dark-colored sodas damage your healthy life in a number of ways because they don’t only provide additional calories but are also packed with phosphorus. A lot of manufacturers add phosphorus to their foods and drinks to enhance the flavor and taste and added phosphorus also helps to prevent discoloration.
When you consume these sodas, your body consumes phosphorus to a greater extent than natural-based phosphorus. While experiencing kidney problems you need to avoid dark-colored sodas at any cost because it is highly absorbable in the body than any other thing.
- Calcium
You may be confused that calcium benefits the structure of the bones and how it can affect the function of the kidneys. But nephrologists believe that this essential mineral is hard on the kidneys than other minerals.
Dairy products, worldwide, are famous for containing a healthy amount of calcium. In addition, this essential mineral can also be found in many other foods that are also packed with phosphorus. If you avoid these foods and dairy products then you are making sure to decrease the amount of calcium and phosphorus.
Additionally, you cannot also consume supplements that are packed with calcium and phosphorus if you are experiencing kidney problems. You cannot consume supplements that contain vitamin D as the main ingredient and calcium as the second active ingredient.
- Whole Wheat Bread
Many people with kidney damage or problems are confused to choose the right bread. Usually, whole bread is a healthy option for people who are not prone to any mild to moderate kidney problems.
Whole wheat bread is considered more nutritious than other pieces of bread because it contains more fiber content. However, white bread is safer for people with kidney disease than whole wheat.
As mentioned above, phosphorus and calcium are not healthy foods for kidneys. As whole wheat bread contains more calcium and phosphorus. For instance, thirty grams of the whole brad is packed with fifty-seven milligrams of phosphorus and almost sixty-nine milligrams of potassium.
However, in contrast, white bread only possesses twenty-eight milligrams of these minerals which are disastrous for the kidneys.
Consuming one slice of whole wheat bread than two would help you a lot to lower the levels of potassium and phosphorus intake without avoiding whole wheat bread completely.
Be aware that most bread, whether they are white or whole wheat, also contains high amounts of sodium. Therefore, before buying any bread, check the label and but that pack of bread that contains lower amounts of sodium.
- High Potassium Fruits
Don’t be confused, almost every fruit is safe for you because they are packed with vitamins and minerals. However, people with kidney damage need to minimize the use of several fruits, especially those that contain high amounts of potassium and sugar.
Your body does not work properly to remove potassium if you are with kidney problems, this inability to remove potassium may lead to a condition called hyperkalemia. If you don’t pay attention then it may cause muscle weakness as well as heart problems.
Bananas, kiwi, oranges, etc. are essential to be avoided because they are high in potassium. For instance, almost two hundred grams of avocado is packed with nine hundred and seventy-five milligrams of potassium, and this amount for people with kidney problems is disastrous.
