The kidneys fulfill different essential functions for our body. They filter the blood and get rid of its toxins, they maintain a global balance of liquids and electrolytes and also play a role on our blood pressure. It is therefore essential to take care of it and hydrate properly, to ensure their proper functioning. But what are the foods to avoid? Dr. Michael Lahey answers this question for the media Shey.
Sweet drinks
Sugar drinks are pleasant to taste but are not really recommended for health. Sodas and energy drinks can indeed damage the kidneys. How ? Due to their high concentration in sugars, which promotes obesity and resistance to insulin.
The latter often constitutes the beginnings to a type 2 diabetes, which will generate renal lesion. “”The two conditions (obesity and diabetes) are considered as precursors of the chronic kidney diseasebecause they exercise stress on the kidney filtration function “ Note Dr. Lahey.
Transformed meats
Bacon, sausages or hot dogs are appreciated 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 those of our kidneys.
“”These foods contain so much sodium and preservatives that they promote thehigh blood pressureresulting in long -term renal failure“warns the doctor. In addition,”The sodium leads to an increased load on the kidneys which must filter excess salt, which leads to a weakening of its function“.
Oxalate high -content foods
These foods – spinach, beets or nuts – can cause kidney problems. Indeed, due to their high concentration of oxalate (a compound of oxalic acid), they can promote kidney stones. “”Although these foods are beneficial in daily food, we know that they promote the formation of kidney stones. Over time, a person can see their crises recurrent, which can affect the structure and performance of their kidneys in the long term “ estimates the doctor.
How to take care of your kidneys?
The doctor’s recommendations are simple. He recommends drinking enough and betting on food such as bays (blueberries, raspberries, etc.) but also on the different varieties of cabbage. “”Water also contributes to the elimination of toxins in the body and also prevents the formation of complications linked to the kidneys such as kidney stones. The berries are good for reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress in the kidneys “ he notes.
As for mole vegetables, he declares that “These vegetables are rich in nutrients likely to promote kidney health. In addition, they are not likely to overload our organism in oxalates“.