As our kidneys filter out toxins and excess acid from the blood, they also put a buffer or acid neutralizer back into the bloodstream in the form of bicarbonate. Here are foods bad for kidneys

This shows how crucial it is for your system to be alkaline, and it’s also why the kidneys get overworked when, for example, you take a lot of medications (which are acidic) and/or eat an acid-forming diet.

And just as there are certain foods that help cleanse and alkalize the body and ease the load on the kidneys, there are foods bad for kidneys that are not only acidic, but actually damage these important organs.

In fact, regularly eating a lot of unhealthy foods bad for kidneys can increase the strain on your kidneys and even damage structures within your kidneys over time.

Even if you have kidney disease, you can benefit from improving your diet and lifestyle as well as looking after your health the way your doctor advises. You can continue to live productively for years without any major complications. Here are foods bad for kidneys.

Foods which are Worst for Kidneys (foods bad for kidneys)

 

Alcohol

A little alcohol—one or two drinks now and then—usually has no serious effects. But drinking too much can be bad for your kidneys and even worsen kidney disease.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, high alcohol intake can cause changes in the function of the kidneys and make them less able to filter the blood. In addition, alcohol dehydrates the body, which can affect the normal functioning of cells and organs, including the kidneys.

High alcohol intake has profound negative effects on the kidneys and their role in maintaining the body’s fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. This in turn can increase the risk of a host of kidney-related problems.

Consuming high-sodium foods

Large quantities of sodium can increase blood pressure levels. High blood pressure damages the kidneys over time and is a leading cause of kidney failure.

A way to lower your dietary salt intake is by following the DASH Diet. DASH is an acronym for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

Artificial Sweeteners

If you have switched to artificial sweeteners for health reasons, think twice. Just like refined sugar is known foods bad for kidneys and for your health, so are artificial sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners have a negative impact on kidney function. To help your kidneys function properly, skip the artificial sweeteners and stick with stevia or honey to add sweetness to your beverages or food.

Animal Protein (Meat)

Diets high in animal protein can cause kidney damage. A high-protein diet may cause or exacerbate existing kidney problems because protein metabolism places a heavy load on the kidneys, making it difficult to eliminate its waste products.

A study showed that a diet rich in animal-based proteins could also increase the risk of developing kidney stones from uric acid, Considerd as foods bad for kidneys, while a vegetarian diet lowered the uric acid and prevented formation of stones. Uric acid is one of the common causes of kidney stone and is a byproduct of eating foods bad for kidneys that are high in purines such as meat, seafood, and fish.

Animal protein metabolism leaves an acidic residue in the body. Because your body favors an alkaline state, it pulls calcium and other mineral salts from the bones in order to return you to that alkaline state. This calcium can form calcium oxalate kidney stones.

Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages, such as sodas and energy drinks, are associated with the formation of kidney stones as well as kidney disease.

With their high concentration of sugar or artificial sweeteners, caffeine and phosphoric acid, these beverages are not good for your kidneys in many ways.

At the same time, excess soda intake can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, which in turn also raises your chances for kidney disease.

“Article updated on 21.08.2018”