Kidney damage: From soda to salt, doctor lists everyday American foods that worsen kidney health

The kidneys are silent workhorses of the human body in blood filtration, electrolyte balance, blood pressure regulation, and bone and red blood cell health. The impact of processed and convenience-based diets, especially in Western society, is insidious and is silently attacking these essential organs.
Study shows an increase in young or middle-aged individuals signs of early kidney damage without the classic risk factors; no diabetes, no hypertension. What do most of these individuals have in common? Their diet, including foods that are high in sodium, phosphates, sugars, and unhealthy fats.

Regular use of soda, specifically cola-based sodas, has been directly linked to kidney injury, independent of underlying medical conditions in many studies.
How it harms:
High fructose level; increases uric acid and promotes insulin resistance, both of which are considered precursors to kidney injury.
Phosphoric acid (in dark sodas) pulls calcium from bones and harms the kidneys.

Processed meats are some key proteins in many diets but take a toll on your kidneys.
How it harms:
Background of high sodium and preservatives, this can increase blood pressure (the second cause of CKD).
Most processed meats are high in nitrates and nitrites that promote inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

Yes, canned food (canned soup) and instant foods (packed noodles) are convenient but often they are high in salt contents.
How it harms:
High salt contents lead to retention and build up along with elevation in blood pressure which makes kidneys work harder.
Some of these foods contain hidden phosphate additives which can upset the calcium-phosphorus balance and damage nephrons.

Fast food is not just high in calories, they are high in sodium, trans fats, and/or some form of processed ingredient that can overload renal function.
How it harms:
A sodium load of fat which skyrockets your blood pressure.
Processed cheese and sauces are often very high in sodium.

High-oxalate foods (i.e., spinach, beets, sweet potatoes, nuts) are considered to be healthy in moderation. The more they are consumed, the more issues the patient can have (especially for patients who have had kidney stones in the past).
Why it harms:
Because oxalate can combine with calcium to create kidney stones, it is a burden on filtration.

White bread, pastries and other refined carbohydrates contribute to obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for kidney dysfunction.
Why it harms:
Increases blood levels of glucose and insulin.
Contributes to fat mass, which is a significant contributor to both CKD, and kidney stones.
It isn’t just one meal or simply one snack; it’s the cumulative daily exposure to kidney harming ingredients that drives our loss of kidney function over time. Even in individuals without current kidney complaints, this can lead to insidiously progressive kidney disease in many ways: microalbuminuria (protein loss), hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, kidney stones, and progression to Stage 1-2 CKD.

If you are at risk, limit sodium to a maximum of <2,000 mg/day.
Choose fresh, whole foods instead of pre-packaged meals.
Drink water (not soda/energy drinks).
If you already have impaired kidney function, watch your protein consumption (especially animal protein).
Maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Limit your phosphorus intake (if you eat a poor diet) from food additives (i.e., look at all food labels).
Regular blood or urine samples are used in clinical practice to detect the majority of the early indicators of kidney strain. For this reason, it is crucial to approach dietary changes as a preventative measure. Despite their deliciousness and convenience, many common American diet staples may be slowly depriving you of kidney health! Generally speaking, kidneys don't complain until they have already suffered significant harm! Before it's too late, let us take care of and nourish our kidneys!

Dr. Naveen M Nayak, Consultant - Nephrology and Renal Transplantation
Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru