You may have heard about different kinds of kidney diseases. But are you aware that the type of food you consume plays a crucial role in keeping your kidneys healthy?

Your kidneys have different types of functions including filtering blood by removing waste through urine, Producing hormones, maintaining fluid balance & balancing minerals.

If the kidney gets damaged or not working properly, it will mess up several of your body functions. The fluid will start building up in your body as well as the waste materials in blood will get accumulated.

So, it is important to keep our kidneys healthy and functional. And to realise that there are certain types of food items you have to avoid to keep your kidneys healthy.

You can follow a kidney-friendly diet plan and avoid/limit certain food items. By doing so, it will help decrease the accumulation of waste materials in blood. Thereby, you can improve the functioning of the kidney and prevent damages in future.

If you are having kidney disease, you should watch your intake of sodium, potassium and phosphorus. Mykare Health is here with 5 foods you should try to limit or avoid on a kidney diet. Furthermore, we recommend 5 kidney-friendly food items also.

5 Foods That May Hurt Your Kidneys

1. Avocados

Avocados have many nutritional benefits as they contain heart-healthy fats, antioxidants and fibers. Avocados are generally considered as a healthy diet. But as it contains higher amounts of potassium, you have to limit/avoid the intake for your kidneys.

Basically, one average sized avocado contains a high amount of 690 mg potassium. If you can’t avoid having avocado, then you can reduce the portion size to one-fourth of an avocado. Because, you are still limiting potassium levels.

If your doctor has suggested you to watch your potassium intake, you can avoid/limit intake of avocado including guacamole.

2. Canned foods

You may often choose to eat varieties of canned food items for your own convenience. But the problem with canned food is that most canned foods contain high amounts of sodium. As it contains sodium, it is recommended to avoid/ limit the intake to keep your kidneys healthy.

However, there may be varieties of canned foods containing lower sodium or no salt that are also preferable.

3. Dark-colored Soda

Sodas usually provide high calories and sugar. In addition to that, it also has additives that contain phosphorus. This comes with higher amounts in dark colored sodas.

To prolong the shelf life, most beverage manufacturers add phosphorus while processing. When you drink these sodas, your body will absorb artificial phosphorus more than natural, plant based or animal based phosphorus.

Added phosphorus is more absorbable by the intestinal tract as it is in the form of salt.

The phosphorus content varies in accordance with the type of soda. Even Though, a 355 mL cola contains 33.5 mg of phosphorus.

Due to this high phosphorus content, both sodas and dark sodas should be avoided for renal diet.

4. Bananas

Bananas are often known for their high potassium content. A medium sized banana provides 422 mg of potassium.

If your doctor has instructed you to limit potassium intake, it won’t work well if banana is included in your daily diet.

However, pineapples are a better tasty alternative as they contain less potassium.

5. Dairy

Even if dairy products are rich in vitamins and nutrients, they are a natural source of phosphorus and potassium. A 240 mL of whole milk has 205 mg of phosphorus content and 322 mg of potassium.

If you have kidney disease and consume too much diary with other phosphorus rich foods, it will affect your bone health.

This may feel surprising for you as dairy products are usually recommended for strong muscles and bones.

Unenriched rice milk and almond milk are best alternatives for usual dairy products. Because it is much lower in potassium, phosphorus, and protein.

5 Food Recommendations For Kidney Disease

1. Cauliflower

Cauliflower provides nutrients such as vitamin K, fibers and antioxidants. We can try mashed cauliflower instead of potato as a low-potassium side dish.

One-half cup (62 grams) of boiled cauliflower without salt contains: Sodium: 9.3 mg Potassium: 88 mg Phosphorus: 20 mg Protein: 1 g

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants like anthocyanins and other nutrients. Its nutrient properties may protect you against diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, they are low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and are good for your kidneys too.

One cup (148 g) of fresh blueberries contains: Sodium: 1.5 mg Potassium: 114 mg Phosphorus: 18 mg Protein: 1 g

3. Pineapple

Pineapple doesn’t cure your kidney problems, but it can help you to keep your kidney healthy. Other than keeping it healthy, they are lower in phosphorus, potassium, and sodium than oranges.

Basically, pineapples are a rich source of fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme which will help you reduce inflammation.

One cup (165 grams) of pineapple chunks contains: Sodium: 2 mg Potassium: 180 mg Phosphorus: 13 mg Protein: 1 g

4. Skinless chicken

Skinless chicken breast has less phosphorus than chicken having its skin. So, skinless chicken can be an option for you to follow a kidney-friendly diet.

One cup (140 g) of cooked, skinless chicken breast contains: Sodium: 104 mg Potassium: 358 mg Phosphorus: 319 mg Protein: 44 g

The National institute of Diabetes, digestive and kidney diseases (NIDDK ) has suggested kidney patients to limit portions of meat and fish to 2-3 ounces. In the long term, it won’t be healthy to eat without limits.

Also, understand that following a kidney-friendly diet won’t help you in curing your kidney diseases. But, those foods will make your kidney healthier and prevent ailments. With the added power of treatments, you can say goodbye to your kidney diseases.

Mykare Health is with you in each step of your journey towards healing kidney diseases. By providing the best kidney treatments in the best hospitals, your healing journey is assured with us.