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The kidneys help eliminate toxins from our body. What foods are harmful to their proper functioning? An American expert answers the question.
The kidneys perform several essential functions for our body. They filter the blood and rid it of toxins, they maintain an overall balance of fluids and electrolytes and also play a role in our blood pressure. It is therefore essential to take care of them and to hydrate properly, to ensure their proper functioning. But what foods should we avoid? Dr. Michael Lahey answers this question for the media She finds.
Sugary drinks
Sugary drinks are nice to taste but are not really recommended for your health. Sodas and energy drinks can actually damage your kidneys. How? Because of their high concentration of sugars, which promotes obesity and insulin resistance.
The latter often constitutes the beginnings of type 2 diabetes, which will cause kidney damage.Both conditions (obesity and diabetes) are considered precursors to chronic kidney diseasebecause they put stress on the kidney’s filtration function” notes Dr. Lahey.
Processed meats
Bacon, sausages or hot dogs are loved by almost everyone. However, these foods have high levels of sodium, bad fats and preservatives that can have a negative impact on our health and that of our kidneys.
“These foods contain so much sodium and preservatives that they promotehigh blood pressureleading to long-term kidney failure” warns the doctor. In addition, “sodium causes an increased burden on the kidneys, which must filter out excess salt, leading to a weakening of its function“.
Foods high in oxalate
These foods – spinach, beets or nuts – can cause kidney problems. In fact, because of their high concentration of oxalate (a compound of oxalic acid), they can promote kidney stones.Although these foods are beneficial in the daily diet, they are known to promote the formation of kidney stones. Over time, a person may experience recurrent attacks, which can affect the structure and performance of their kidneys in the long term.” the doctor estimates.
The doctor’s recommendations are simple. He recommends drinking enough and focusing on foods such as berries (blueberries, raspberries, etc.) but also on different varieties of cabbage.Water also helps in the elimination of toxins in the body and also prevents the formation of kidney-related complications such as kidney stones. Berries are good for reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress in the kidneys.” he notes.
As for leafy greens, he says, “These vegetables are rich in nutrients that can promote kidney health. Plus, they won’t overload our bodies with oxalates.“.