If you’re someone who is afflicted with kidney disease, then you’d know that it’s essential to manage your diet very carefully. This includes avoiding specific food items as they increase the health risk.
Additionally, kidney health is closely linked to cardiovascular health. Kidneys play a pivotal role in regulating blood pressure and filtering waste from the bloodstream, making their function intimately linked to heart health. Consequently, individuals with kidney disease often face an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Therefore, when contemplating dietary choices to manage kidney disease, it’s a good idea to consult with not just nephrologists, but also a cardiologist in New Jersey (or one where you live). They can offer you the best advice on how to manage your diet and what food to eat.
That said, let’s look at what foods to avoid to reduce the risk of kidney disease.
Avocados
If you have kidney disease, you should avoid foods with high levels of potassium. These include avocados! The American Dietetic Association recommends that people with kidney disease limit their intake of potassium-rich foods to 1,500 mg per day.
Bananas
If you have kidney disease, you may want to avoid eating bananas. Bananas are a high-carbohydrate fruit and can aggravate your condition.
They also contain natural sugars that can increase your blood sugar levels. This could lead to other health problems if you have kidney disease. If you do eat bananas, try to limit them to occasional servings and consume them in moderation.
Brown Rice
If you have kidney disease, you should avoid eating brown rice. Brown rice is high in fiber, which can aggravate kidney problems in people with chronic kidney disease. Also, brown rice contains lectins, which can damage the kidneys.
Caffeine
If you have kidney disease, it’s important to avoid foods that can negatively affect your health. Caffeine is a common culprit, as it can increase your blood pressure and stress levels. Here are some foods to avoid if you have kidney disease:
1. Coffee
Coffee is a common source of caffeine. It can increase your blood pressure and stress levels, which can lead to complications such as heart disease.
2. Tea
Teas also contain caffeine. Like coffee, tea can increase your blood pressure and stress levels. This could lead to complications such as heart disease.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate is another common source of caffeine. Like coffee and tea, chocolate can increase your blood pressure and stress levels. This could lead to complications such as heart disease.
4. Foods With Refined Sugar
Refined sugars are loaded with calories and sugar, which can be harmful to people with kidney disease. These sugars can increase your blood pressure and stress levels, which in turn can lead to complications like heart disease.
Canned Foods
When it comes to kidney disease, eating canned foods can be a big no-no. Canned foods often contain high levels of sodium, which can lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke.
Also, many canned foods are filled with unhealthy fats and chemicals that can further damage your kidneys. If you have kidney disease, it’s best to stick to fresh or frozen food options instead.
Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are high in calories and saturated fat. This can increase the risk of developing kidney problems. Try to limit your intake of dairy products to one or two servings per week.
Dark-colored Soda
These drinks are high in sugar and contain artificial colors and flavors that can damage your kidneys. If you’re unable to completely abstain from dark-colored sodas, make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated.
Oranges and Orange Juice
Oranges and orange juice contain high levels of Vitamin C, which can damage kidneys if consumed in large amounts. Additionally, these products are high in sugar and calories. If you have kidney disease, avoid eating oranges or drinking orange juice to reduce your risk of developing the condition.
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
One way to keep your kidneys healthy is to avoid foods that can cause damage. One such food is potatoes. Potatoes are starchy vegetables found in many dishes, including French fries and mashed potatoes.
While potatoes are generally safe for people with kidney disease, they can contain high levels of oxalates. This can interfere with the function of the kidneys. If you have kidney disease and eat large amounts of potatoes, your doctor may recommend reducing your intake or avoiding them altogether.
Processed Meats
If you have kidney disease, it’s important to avoid processed meats. These meats are typically high in saturated and unhealthy fats, which can damage your kidneys. Plus, they’re often full of additives that can further harm your health.
Instead, stick to lean proteins and whole grains when you’re eating out or cooking at home. And if you do decide to eat processed meats, make sure to limit yourself to only a few pieces per week.
Whole Wheat Bread
If you have kidney disease, you should avoid foods that are high in protein. This includes whole wheat bread. Whole wheat bread is a good source of fiber but it also has a high amount of protein. Protein can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
Raisins, Dates, and Prunes
If you have kidney disease, you should avoid eating these foods: dates, raisins, and prunes. Each of these foods can put extra stress on your kidneys. And, if your kidneys are already struggling to do their job properly, any additional strain can lead to serious complications.
So, if you have kidney disease, it’s important to pay close attention to what you eat – and make sure that there are no heavy hitters on the menu!
