Dr. Ram Mohan Bhat

Eating right has never been more emphasized than today where people around the world are affected by several medical conditions. Be it any condition, the diet has an essential role in effectively managing the problem, and kidney diseases are no exception.

The primary function of the kidneys is to purify the waste from the blood along with maintaining the right balance of fluids in the body. They also play a critical role in regulating blood pressure.
If your kidney functions have been impaired to the slightest extent, it is essential to shift to a diet that supports healthy blood pressure and allow you to manage the issues. This invariably means you will have to avoid excess protein, sugar, salt and trans fats.

Let’s take a look at the foods you should steer clear of when you are suffering from kidney problems.

1. Foods high in phosphorus and potassium: Depending on the type as well as the severity of the kidney issues you are going through, you may be advised by your dietician to limit the intake of foods which contain copious amounts of phosphorus and potassium. This is because these minerals can start accumulating in the blood when the kidneys are not able to function correctly. Your doctor may also suggest you avoid salt substitutes which may contain potassium and limit rich products. You should limit the intake of avocados, milk, yogurt, bananas, and other seeds and beans. Foods rich in phosphorus include nuts, liver, soft drinks, and beans.
2. Too much protein: Excessive protein intake may prove to be detrimental to the kidney disorders. According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, people with chronic kidney disease should limit daily protein consumption to about 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. The moderate approach to the consumption of protein can allow about 54 grams of protein daily for a person weighing around 150 pounds.
3. Processed foods: Fast and processed foods are said to contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. It is important to avoid them when you have kidney disorders. This means that you will have to bid farewell to crackers, chips, cookies along with frozen meals, canned soups, and other convenience foods. It is important to note here that even foods that appear to be healthy such as canned fruits and vegetables tend to contain high amounts of salt and sugar. Thus, fruits packed without added sugar is the best option for people affected by kidney diseases.
4. Soda and Soft Drinks: Soda and soft drinks offer absolutely no nutritional benefits, but they contain hordes of sugars, which are either natural or chemically produced. Studies have shown that sodas can lead to various health conditions such as osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, kidney diseases and dental problems. Diet sodas may contain a lesser amount of calories, but they can still offer no nutritional values and often come with harmful additives that may prove detrimental to your overall health.

Thus, you should try to avoid these foods to manage your kidney disorder better.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!