The habit of eating a lot of meat and processed foods overloads the kidneys
Kidneys are likened to important "filters" of the body, helping to detoxify and maintain endocrine balance. However, according to experts, protein-rich diets and processed foods are becoming silent causes of impaired kidney function.
Dr. Kamyar Kalantar Zadeh - nephrology expert at the University of California, Irvine, USA (University of California, Irvine), said: "A diet high in protein, especially from red meat, can increase kidney filtration pressure, thereby contributing to promoting the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Red meat such as beef and lamb provides abundant protein, but when consumed excessively, it will create a lot of urea, waste that the kidneys have to process. This prolongs kidney aggregates to overload, reducing function over time.
In addition, the high acidity in red meat also forces the kidneys to continuously adjust the body's internal environment, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders. Experts recommend eating red meat at a moderate level, about 1-2 meals per week.
Red meat and processed foods are two groups that are harmful to the kidneys that need to be limited.
Besides red meat, processed foods such as sausages, bacon, and canned foods are also a big "burden" for the kidneys. The reason is that these products contain high levels of salt and phosphate.
Dr. Kamyar Kalantar Zadeh emphasized: "High sodium in processed foods increases the risk of high blood pressure, one of the leading causes of kidney failure." Not only that, excess phosphate also affects bone and cardiovascular health.
Maintaining "modern" eating habits, rich in meat and convenience foods, can make many people not realize that their kidneys are being silently damaged. In particular, people with underlying diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes need to be even more careful.
To protect the kidneys, experts recommend reducing red meat consumption, minimizing processed foods, and increasing green vegetables, fruits and drinking enough water every day. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular health check-ups also help detect kidney problems early.
