Photo: stayhereforu

What drinks damage the kidney?

According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

piedmont.org - Be Aware Of These Kidney-damaging Foods | Piedmont Healthcare

What does low oxygen feel like?

When your blood oxygen falls below a certain level, you might experience shortness of breath, headache, and confusion or restlessness. Common...

Last updated Jul 2, 2021

Can biotin make you gain weight?

No, there is no evidence to suggest taking biotin supplements can lead to weight gain. In fact, biotin is sometimes touted as a weight-loss...

Last updated Feb 15, 2022

Promotion

Be aware of kidney-damaging foods

"Take care of your heart," yes, but "Take care of your kidneys," is not something you typically hear your doctor say. The importance of these two amazing organs is often overlooked. They are a major powerhouse that keep your entire body healthy by filtering out toxins and extra fluid in your blood. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. If they start to fail, harmful wastes will build up in your system and lead to the demise of other organs. "Damage to the kidneys is often irreversible, so people who don't take care of their kidneys could face significant health risks which result in dialysis or even a kidney transplant," says Sally Brozek, registered dietitian at Piedmont. To avoid these extreme lifestyle changes, Brozek brings light to common pleasures in life that are actually harmful to these vital organs and should be minimized or even removed from your diet.

1. Salt

Sodium overload leads to increased blood pressure, which puts a strain on your kidneys. The typical American diet has been estimated to contain about 3,300 mg of sodium per day, which is much higher than the 2,300 mg daily maximum (about a teaspoon of salt) recommended by the government for healthy adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75 percent of the sodium Americans consume is found in processed food and restaurant meals. Other common high-sodium foods that may be lurking in your pantry or refrigerator include:

Canned soups

Processed meats like lunch meats, hot dogs, sausages

Frozen pizza

Frozen dinners

Snack foods like chips, crackers, pretzels

Condiments like ketchup, BBQ sauce, soy sauce

Salad dressing

Pickled foods like pickles, olives, beets

Canned vegetables

2. Sugar

It doesn't take having a sweet tooth to indulge in sugar. Sugar is found in most foods, natural and processed, so it's important to be aware of the fact that it is lurking in abundance. Fruits are a source of natural sugar, which offer many vitamins and minerals our bodies need. It’s foods with added sugars, however, that tend to be low on the nutritional value scale. It may surprise you that condiments, bread, and other snack foods contain added sugar too.

3. Sodas

How do you know if a woman likes you?

She compliments you and tries to make you feel good. If a woman gives you compliments or is often doing things just to make you smile, it's a...

Last updated Oct 29, 2022

Should men take magnesium everyday?

Safe and widely available. Magnesium is essential for many aspects of health. The recommended daily intake is 400–420 mg per day for men and...

Last updated Aug 1, 2020

Promotion

4. Meat & Dairy Products

Diets high in animal protein from meats and dairy products can cause kidney damage because they can be very hard to metabolize. This places a heavy burden on the kidneys, making it hard for them to eliminate waste products. A high-protein diet may cause or exacerbate existing kidney problems. In addition, studies show many health benefits to moving away from an animal-based diet towards one based on plants. Colorful plant foods are nutritional powerhouses and can prevent chronic disease.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine found in coffee, tea, soda, and foods can also place a strain on your kidneys. Caffeine is a stimulant, which can cause increased blood flow, blood pressure and stress on the kidneys. Excessive caffeine intake has also been linked to kidney stones.

6. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

A large percentage of our processed foods contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Unfortunately, the long-term health effects of GMO crops on humans remain unknown due to the lack of studies. However, studies on animals indicate that serious health effects are linked to GMOs. These include changes in major organs like the kidneys. It's nearly impossible to avoid of all of these foods, but Brozek advises people to eat a wide variety of foods and eat processed foods in moderation. "Once you lose kidney function, it becomes very involved and very costly to make up for damage to these important organs. They are vital to keeping your body toxin-free." For more information on kidney disease, visit Living Better’s Liver, Kidney & Pancreas page. Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.

piedmont.org - Be Aware Of These Kidney-damaging Foods | Piedmont Healthcare

Can raw pumpkin seeds make you sick?

It's generally considered safe to eat raw pumpkin seeds, although it's possible to have an allergic reaction to or get food poisoning from the snack.

Last updated Aug 28, 2020

Is boiled chicken good for prostate?

A diet high in meat, particularly if it's cooked well-done, may be associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. This may be due...

Last updated May 30, 2020

Promotion

Does onion increase fertility?

Sulfur-rich alliums like onions and garlic can help increase your body's level of the antioxidant glutathione. This is important for both male and...

Last updated Mar 14, 2020

Promotion

How long should I stop taking ashwagandha?

Robinett recommends taking a break from ashwagandha once you've been taking the herb for about a year, to check in with your body and assess your...

Last updated Jun 13, 2019