Foods To Avoid For Kidney Health Mayo Clinic

What Foods Should You Avoid When You Have Kidney Disease?

When you have kidney disease, the type and amount of food you eat can make a big difference. Eating the wrong foods can increase your risk of developing further health problems. So what foods should you avoid when you have kidney disease? According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several types of foods that you should avoid or limit:

Salt

One of the most important things to consider when you have kidney disease is to limit your salt intake. This is because your kidneys can't process salt as efficiently as a healthy person. Too much salt can increase your blood pressure, which can put additional strain on your kidneys. Additionally, salt can also increase your risk of developing heart disease. The USDA recommends that people with kidney disease limit their salt intake to less than 2,000 mg a day.

Protein

Protein is an important part of a healthy diet, but too much protein can be bad for your kidneys. This is because your kidneys need to work harder to process excess protein. It can also increase your risk of developing kidney stones. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people with kidney disease limit their protein intake to 0.8 to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight.

Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps your body maintain a healthy balance of fluids and electrolytes. However, when you have kidney disease, your kidneys can't process potassium as efficiently. This can lead to a build-up of potassium in your blood, which can be dangerous. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people with kidney disease limit their potassium intake to 2,000 mg a day.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is another mineral that is essential for a healthy body. Just like potassium, too much phosphorus can be dangerous for people with kidney disease. High levels of phosphorus in the blood can cause calcium to leech from your bones, which can lead to bone disease. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting phosphorus to 800 to 1,000 mg a day for people with kidney disease.

Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are a type of fat that can increase your risk of developing heart disease. This can be especially dangerous for people with kidney disease since their hearts are already at increased risk. The Mayo Clinic recommends limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of your total caloric intake.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be especially dangerous for people with kidney disease. This is because alcohol can damage your kidneys and increase your risk of developing further health problems. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people with kidney disease avoid alcohol altogether.

In summary, when you have kidney disease, it's important to pay attention to the type and amount of food you eat. There are several types of foods that you should avoid or limit, such as salt, protein, potassium, phosphorus, saturated fats, and alcohol. By following these guidelines, you can help keep your kidneys healthy and reduce your risk of developing further health problems.