Kidney disease is a common condition, and unfortunately, many people are unaware they have it until their kidneys are significantly damaged. A poor diet, high in sugar, salt, and fat, is a leading cause of kidney problems.

It’s important to review your diet and identify any harmful foods that may be damaging your kidneys.

## 5 Foods That Can Harm Your Kidneys:

**1. Soft Drinks:** Soft drinks are a popular choice for many, but they are extremely harmful to kidneys. A typical 330ml can contains 39 grams of sugar, providing 150-180 calories. This far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended daily intake of sugar (maximum 25 grams per day for adults). Research published in the *Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology* (CJASN) in 2011 revealed that consuming more than two cans of soft drinks per day could double the risk of reduced kidney function. Even diet drinks, which use artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, are not a healthy alternative. In recent years, concerns have been raised about the potential negative effects of these sweeteners, including metabolic disorders, low-grade inflammation, and kidney function issues.

**2. Processed Meats:** Sausages, bacon, ham, and canned meats often contain high levels of sodium and nitrates, which are harmful to kidney health when consumed regularly. A 2016 study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that eating just one serving of processed meat daily increased the risk of death from chronic kidney disease by 23%. Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies nitrates as potentially carcinogenic to humans.

**3. Butter and Margarine:** Animal butter is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, while margarine, made from vegetable oil, often contains trans fats. Both of these can negatively impact kidney and cardiovascular health. A diet high in saturated fat increases inflammation in the body, exacerbating kidney disease.

**4. Mayonnaise:** Mayonnaise is a common condiment, but it is high in calories, with just one tablespoon providing 103 calories, 90% of which come from fat. It also contains added sugar, salt, and preservatives, making it an unhealthy choice, especially for those at risk of kidney disease.

**5. Frozen Meals:** Pre-packaged frozen meals, such as pasta, pizza, and rice dishes, are convenient, but they often contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and trans fats. These are considered processed foods, increasing the risk of diabetes and kidney disease.

It’s important to opt for fresh, unprocessed foods with lower sugar and salt content. A healthy diet not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of kidney disease.

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