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A healthy kidney becomes the foundation for a healthy body. The role of kidneys in the healthy functioning of the human body is highlighted by the fact that it is the purification centre for major bodily systems like the circulatory system etc. However, your lifestyle can greatly affect the functioning capacity of your kidneys. The cause can be helped by carefully avoiding some foods that inhibit kidney function and lead to damage. Below is a list of certain foods you should avoid to keep your kidneys healthy.
Stay away from sodium
Sodium is the most essential salt in our diet as it regulates functions such as muscle contraction, cellular uptake of nutrients, thermoregulation etc. Unsurprisingly, sodium is added in most of the foods. It also has culinary value as it enhances flavour and taste. Sodium in itself, not the enemy when it comes to your health. But, if you are dealing with kidney problems then foods that are rich in sodium will make you bloated. Avoid adding salt to your food as it can lead to high blood pressure. It is always good to monitor your sodium intake and opt for fresh fruits, vegetables and homemade meals over processed foods. Even 2 mg sodium in your daily diet is enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
(Read more: Sodium deficiency causes)
Butter- An unhealthy cholesterol
Butter is a dairy product which is made primarily from milk and is mainly an animal fat. Consequently, it contains high levels of saturated fatty acids and unhealthy cholesterol. High amounts of saturated fats adversely affect your kidney health and can lead to numerous kidney problems including kidney failure. A high-fat diet should be avoided to keep your kidneys functioning optimally and disease-free. Olive oil is a good alternative for butter as it contains fewer calories and no trans fats.
Avoid frozen meals
A frozen or pre-packed meal which you buy from grocery stores is far more expensive than you may think. They are often loaded with unknown ingredients whose health impact is difficult to ascertain. To make things worse, their calorie count is surprisingly high as well. This jeopardizes your long-term health. High levels of sodium and a wide variety of preservatives in these processed foods can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. A good rule of thumb is to include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet instead.
Foods to avoid with calcium
Calcium is necessary for the growth and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. However, calcium-rich foods should be strictly avoided if you are dealing with kidney related problems. Excess calcium can even lead to various diseases such as kidney stones. You can still have calcium-containing foods in moderation like fruits, vegetables, yoghurt and sweet corn. Stay away from dairy products like ice cream, milk in case you are on a low-calcium diet.
(Read more: Calcium-rich Indian food)
Making healthy food choices and controlling what and how much you eat can make a huge difference in managing and preventing kidney diseases and keeping your kidneys healthy. You should eat a balanced and healthy diet and drink an adequate amount of water to regulate kidney functions. A kidney-friendly diet can help you stay healthier and live longer. Meet and discuss your problems with medical experts or certified nutritionists in order to choose foods that sit well with your body and kidneys.
