Because the kidneys are often associated with reproduction and excretion, naturally reserved Chinese people often avoid discussing it and yet always secretly doubt themselves. According to data from the Lancet, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in China is 10.8%, equivalent to one person having kidney problems out of every ten. Many people only know to eat wolfberries, mulberries, and replenish forms with forms, but they do not realize that many foods are also unfriendly to the kidneys. Today, let’s talk about which foods can harm the kidneys:
1. High-salt foods
The salt we usually consume will be excreted through the kidneys. If high-salt foods are eaten frequently, it will inevitably increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys, thereby affecting kidney function. Common high-salt foods include not only salt added to meals but also pickles, preserved vegetables, cured meats, heavy flavor hotpot, barbecue, and more. Many people eat steamed buns, plain porridge with pickled vegetables, claiming to eat a light diet, but in reality, the sodium content is seriously excessive. Therefore, be vigilant about high-salt foods to prevent them from causing harm to the kidneys.
2. High-purine foods
Animal offal, shiitake mushrooms, broth, etc., are all high-purine foods, with the final metabolic product being uric acid, most of which is excreted through the kidneys. Eating too much will naturally increase the burden on the kidneys. Let’s talk about the “replenishing form with form” kidneys, which actually do not nourish the kidneys but harm them.
There are also various thick soups, with the most delicious being fat, high purine content, and excessive salt. Those who frequently drink soup put a heavy burden on their kidneys, so it is best to avoid thick soups.
3. High-oxalate foods
I have previously mentioned the hazards of oxalic acid. Ingesting large amounts of oxalic acid in the short term can form calcium oxalate crystals in the body, which, when excreted through the kidneys, can easily form urinary system stones and even lead to acute kidney failure. Common high-oxalate foods include amaranth, spinach, water spinach, carambola, if these foods are not blanched, consuming them will damage our kidneys and hinder digestion.
4. Large amounts of coffee, strong tea, alcohol
Large amounts of caffeine, tea polyphenols, and alcohol can harm the kidneys. Those who frequently enjoy coffee, strong tea, and alcohol must pay attention. This is because when absorbed in large quantities, they are excreted through the kidneys. And the kidneys, like a drainage pump, will experience increased pressure if the water is not clean, risking damaging the pump. Thus, moderation is crucial.
Finally, extreme diets and highly concentrated diets mainly affect the digestive and excretory systems. As the most important detoxification system in our body, the kidneys bear a significant responsibility. We must not harm our kidneys for the sake of satisfying our desires, or else it will be a losing proposition. Well, that’s it for today’s share. I am nutritionist He Su. See you next time!
