The following are the main food categories and reasons that may damage the kidneys:
1. High-salt (sodium) foods
- Representative foods: processed foods (ham, sausage, canned food), pickles, soy sauce, sauces, fast food, snacks (potato chips, puffed food).
- Risk: Excessive sodium can increase blood pressure, increase glomerular pressure, and lead to decreased renal function in the long run. In addition, a high-salt diet may promote the formation of kidney stones.
2. High-protein foods (excessive intake)
- Representative foods: red meat (beef, pork), animal offal, protein powder supplements.
- Risk: Protein metabolism produces nitrogenous waste (such as urea), which needs to be excreted through the kidneys. Long-term excessive intake may increase the burden on the kidneys, especially for those who already have kidney disease.
3. High-phosphorus foods (especially for patients with kidney disease)
- Representative foods: processed foods (containing phosphate additives, such as carbonated drinks, fast food), dairy products, nuts, chocolate, animal offal.
- Risks: Healthy kidneys can regulate blood phosphorus levels, but when kidney function is impaired, phosphorus excretion decreases, leading to hyperphosphatemia (which may cause osteoporosis and vascular calcification).
4. High-potassium foods (need to be restricted when renal function is impaired)
- Representative foods: bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, beans, nuts.
- Risks: The kidneys are the main organ for potassium excretion. When kidney function declines, potassium excretion is blocked, which may cause hyperkalemia (causing arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest).
5. High-oxalate foods (increase the risk of kidney stones)
- Representative foods: spinach, beets, nuts, chocolate, strong tea, rhubarb.
- Risks: Oxalic acid combines with calcium to easily form calcium oxalate stones, especially for those with a history of stones.
6. High-sugar foods
- Representative foods: sugary drinks (such as cola), desserts, refined carbohydrates.
- Risks: A high-sugar diet may cause obesity and diabetes, both of which are major risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
7. Alcohol
- Risks: Excessive drinking can lead to dehydration, increase blood pressure, and interfere with the electrolyte balance of the kidneys, which may damage kidney function in the long term.