The functioning of the kidneys is a high-precision biological engineering process. These organs are responsible for filtering approximately half a cup of blood per minute, using about a million structures called nephrons to separate essential nutrients from liquid waste. However, this cleaning mechanism can be compromised by eating habits that, over time, lead to chronic pathologies.
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According to Gabriel Lapman, nephrologist and author, it is common for many people to suffer from kidney conditions without knowing it. In statements to the media LN Bienestar, The specialist pointed out that diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes are usually the origin of kidney problems, linking directly with what we eat daily.
Three food groups that require moderation
Prevention and treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) largely depend on the quality and quantity of certain components in the diet. Scientific research has identified three groups of daily consumption that negatively impact these organs:
* Industrial sugars and sweetened drinks: Excess added sugars are related to insulin resistance, obesity and increased uric acid. According to a meta-analysis in the Journal of Nephrology, the risk of kidney damage increases significantly in individuals who consume more than seven sugary drinks, sodas or industrial juices, per week.
- Foods high in sodium: Excess salt affects blood pressure, which directly damages the kidney blood vessels. Institutions such as the National Kidney Foundation warn that products such as frozen foods can exceed 1,000 milligrams of sodium per serving, recommending that people with hypertension or kidney problems do not exceed 1,500 milligrams daily.
- Foods with high potassium density such as potatoes: For a healthy person, potassium is eliminated without problems; However, in patients with CKD, the kidneys fail in this task. A study on dietary potassium intake revealed that this mineral, when it comes from potatoes, tends to raise serum levels more drastically than other vegetables, which can cause alterations in heart rhythm.
Seven foods that in excess can harm your kidneys, according to experts Photo:iStock
The danger of lack of filtration
When these organs fail to purify the blood effectively, the consequences extend to the entire body. María Clara Delucchi, a graduate in nutrition from the Hospital de Clínicas of the UBA, explained to LN Bienestar that poor kidney function can lead to anemia, cardiovascular complications, bone disorders and a sustained increase in blood pressure.
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Current scientific evidence suggests that diet is the most determining risk factor in disability or death linked to kidney problems. Therefore, the regulation of the consumption of salts, sugars and certain minerals It is presented as the most effective protective measure to maintain the internal balance of the body.
*Article developed with AI support and reviewed by a journalist.
