However, many seemingly harmless eating and living habits can silently impair kidney function.
According to Dr. Luu Lap Quan, Head of the Nephrology Department, Beijing University Hospital No. 1 (China), the folk belief "eat what is tonic", especially eating animal kidneys to nourish kidneys, has no scientific basis.
Experts explain that after being digested, protein in animal kidneys will be broken down into basic amino acids for the body to use, and cannot be "transferred" directly to the kidneys to restore or improve the function of this organ.
It is noteworthy that animal kidneys are foods containing a lot of purines. When consumed excessively, purines will be converted into uric acid in the body. High uric acid levels not only increase the risk of gout but can also deposit in the kidneys, causing uric acid kidney disease or gout-induced kidney disease.
In people with impaired kidney function, a high-protein diet will increase the burden on the kidney's filtering process. Meanwhile, grilled or spicy dishes often contain high levels of salt. Consuming too much salt causes the body to retain water and sodium, increasing blood pressure - one of the leading risk factors for kidney damage.
Dr. Tieu Minh Trieu, Head of Urology Department, Chongqing Medical University Hospital, recommends that to protect the kidneys, everyone should maintain a healthy lifestyle, sleep enough 7-8 hours each night and limit high-intensity exercise before going to bed. Instead, you can choose light forms of exercise such as yoga, walking or stretching.
In addition, the diet should prioritize light protein, reduce salt and limit greasy dishes. Processing methods such as steaming or boiling help maintain nutritional value, while reducing the burden on the kidneys.
