15 Worst Foods To Avoid With Kidney Disease

According to experts, there are many foods to avoid with kidney disease. Kidneys, as we all know, are organs shaped like beans that carry out vital functions including blood filtering, waste removal via urine, ahormone production, mineral balancing, and fluid balance maintenance.

There are diverse risks for kidney ailments and the commonest risks include higher blood pressure and diabetes. Other reasons behind kidney disease include heart ailments, hepatitis C, alcoholism, and HIV. When there is kidney damage and they cannot function suitably, fluid may build up within the body leading to waste accumulation in the blood as well. Yet, bypassing or restricting certain foods bad for kidneys may help in reducing waste accumulation in the blood, leading to enhanced kidney functions and combating any future damages.

A kidney disease diet is not the same for everyone. Those with early stages of kidney ailments will have differing restrictions to abide by, as compared to kidney failures or renal disease at an early stage. There are few foods bad for kidneys which should be avoided for a healthy living.

16 Foods to Avoid for Kidney Stones

Here are some foods to avoid with kidney disease that you should know more about:

1. Dark Soda

Along with containing sugar and calories, sodas of this nature also come with specific additives with phosphorus. The latter element is added by several companies at the time of processing for boosting their shelf life and flavors while combating discoloration. Phosphorus in this form may be present to the tune of approximately 50-100 mg for every 200 ml, making these beverages avoidable for those with kidney disease. 

2. Avocado

Avocado is known for diverse health benefits although they are avoidable for those suffering from kidney disease. They contain potassium in high amounts which is not suitable for people in this category. By lowering the sizes of portions as per the doctor’s advice, individuals may still consume avocados without harming their kidneys and consuming excessive potassium. 

3. Canned Items

Canned items offer maximum convenience for people these days but should be avoided if you have kidney disease. This is because of their high sodium content. 

4. Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread, while being a healthier choice for many people owing to its higher fiber levels, is not recommended for those with kidney disease. It has high potassium and phosphorus, rendering them unsuitable for people in this category. 

5. Brown Rice

Healthier brown rice may not always be the best option for people suffering from kidney disease. It contains high phosphorus content and high levels of potassium as well. 

6. Bananas

 Eating bananas regularly means consuming potassium in rich amounts. Hence, people suffering from kidney ailments should refrain from consuming bananas on their doctors’ guidance. Some experts recommend consumption of pineapple instead. 

7. Dairy Products

Dairy food items come packed with diverse nutrients and vitamins. They also contain high potassium and phosphorus while being a healthy protein source as well. Hence, they are not suitable for people with kidney or renal ailments. Doctors often suggest alternatives such as almond milk or even rice milk which is not enriched. 

8. Oranges

An orange or orange juice will contain high levels of potassium, making them avoidable for those with renal ailments. A renal diet should ideally include cranberries, grapes, and apples as per the recommendations of doctors. 

9. Processed Meat

 Processed meat has always been avoidable for those suffering from kidney damage owing to the high salt and sodium content. These are meats which are dried, salted, canned or even cured. 

10. Olives and Pickles

Processed olives and pickles are instances of food items which are pickled or cured and contain salt in higher amounts. Olives are fermented and cured with salt and hence they are avoidable in this context. 

11. Apricots

Apricots contain Vitamin A, C, and fiber. They contain potassium in sizable amounts and hence should be avoided on a kidney disease diet.

12. Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes

 Both these vegetables contain potassium as well. The high content of potassium makes these food items avoidable for the consumption of any kidney disease diet. 

13. Tomatoes

 Tomatoes are high in potassium and may not always be suitable for a renal diet. They contain potassium in sizable amounts. Doctors usually recommend restricting their consumption in this context. 

14. Swiss Chard, Beet Greens and Spinach

 These healthy and leafy green vegetables have higher potassium and some other minerals. Although the vegetables did shrink while cooking, their potassium content stays absolutely the same. Avoiding these foods is always recommended in this scenario. 

15. Raisins, Dates and Prunes

Prunes, raisins and dates contain potassium in higher amounts, making them ineligible for any kidney disease diet.

16. Alcoholic Beverages

When your liver is impaired or wounded, researchers discovered that your kidneys can get more damaged as they attempt to compensate for the diseased liver when you drink alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates your body, which can interfere with your kidneys’ ability to filter toxins. Furthermore, excessive blood pressure harms the kidneys, and drinking too much alcohol can elevate blood pressure.

The Bottom Line

These are some food items which should not be consumed by those suffering from kidney disease. At every step of the way, people should consult their doctors and work out the most suitable and effective diet plan for their current requirements.