Here are 4 common mistakes in eating that easily damage the kidneys.
Eating too much salt
Salt (sodium) is a key factor affecting blood pressure and kidney filtering function.
When consuming too much salt, the kidneys have to work harder to eliminate excess sodium, which in the long run causes high blood pressure, the leading cause of chronic kidney failure.
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC, Americans consume an average of 3,400mg of sodium per day - 50% higher than the WHO's recommendation of 2,000mg.
Increased sodium in the blood leads to water retention, increased circulatory volume, causing increased pressure on the renal cau, leading to damage to renal blood vessels.
canned foods, instant noodles, and dipping sauces (soya sauce, fish sauce, seasoning powder) are "illegal" salt sources that need to be strictly controlled.
Drinking too little water
The kidneys need water to filter and remove waste from the body. Lack of water thickens urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones, urinary tract inflammation and reducing the ability to filter toxins.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, adults should drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day, depending on activity level, environmental temperature and health status. Light urine color is a good sign that the kidneys are functioning effectively.
Consuming too much animal protein
A diet rich in protein, especially from red meat (beef, pork), can increase the production of urea and uric acid - two waste products that need to be excreted through the kidneys. This causes the renal cau to speed up blood filtration, causing increased pressure to filter the renal cau (hyperfiltration) over time, a risk factor for chronic kidney disease.
People who eat a lot of red meat (over 100g/day) are at a 20% faster risk of kidney failure than those who eat plant dam (such as beans, nuts, mushrooms). Therefore, you should prioritize plant-based protein and limit red meat to less than 2 times/week.
Uncontrolled habit of taking supplements and herbs
Many people abuse natural liver supplements, detox, weight loss or herbs without knowing that some can contain lead, mercury, or cause acute renal pipeline inflammation.
A study from the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Report warned that more than 17% of acute kidney failure cases in Asia are associated with the use of herbs of unknown origin.
In particular, traditional Chinese medicine (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac) can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause chronic kidney failure if used for a long time.
