The kidneys are a pair of very important organs that flush out waste and toxins from our blood in addition to balancing fluids. Our kidneys also manage our blood pressure along with the production of red blood cells - and the list continues. For all these reasons, it’s imperative that we protect our kidneys from reduced function.

Fitness Republic has compiled a list of Kidney Health Hazardous Foods (and others) to avoid.

Avoid Sugars

Too much sugar is like poison to your kidneys. Not only does it place a heavy burden on your kidneys, but a diet that features high amounts of sugar may ultimately result in the development of long-lasting and fatal conditions like diabetes. As you may know, diabetes occurs when there is excessive amounts of glucose in the blood stream, this in turn, can damage the kidneys main filtration device, damaging the functioning of the kidneys.
In any case, excessive amounts of sugar should be avoided as it contributes to obesity.

*Sources include: Soda’s, Packaged Juices, Candies, Pastries, Cookies, Cake, Doughnuts and so forth.

Keep Your Alcohol And Tobacco Consumption In Check

We believe that alcohol and tobacco use should be avoided 100 % and ideally, we hope that the world becomes free of both. However, if you do consume either of the two, try to reduce the quantity. The kidney has to work extra to eliminate the toxins of these 2 substances from your body.

Keep Your Sodium Intake At A Minimum.

Keep your sodium /salt consumption at a minimum. Unfortunately, the modern diet is loaded with salt which puts a heavy load on the kidneys. This load means that salt remains in the blood stream causing edema and high blood pressure. These are 2 conditions that you certainly don’t want to develop. The constant build-up of salt ends up weakening the kidneys and their ability to function properly. Try not to season your food with salt, and check food labels for sodium.

*Sources include: Canned Soups, Fast foods, Olives, Pickled Foods, Processed Meats and Fish.

Potassium

While Potassium is certainly an important mineral for our health and even the proper functioning of the kidneys, excessive amounts of it will do your kidneys no favor. This is because the kidneys are overworked to ensure that the extra potassium is separated from the blood. This may result in developing a disorder known as hyperkalemia which would have to receive medical care. The required amount of potassium is 4.7 grams.  

*Sources include: Bananas, Oranges, Potatoes, and Peas

Conclusion: Drink Water!

Water is an absolute must to your kidney health! Drinking water prevents the development of kidney stones and assists the kidney to eliminate toxins from the body. The daily minimum amount of water consumed should be 8 glasses a day.