In the city of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, a 56-year-old man with the surname Liao recently experienced sudden back pain along with frequent and urgent urination, dark yellow urine, and reduced urine output. He visited the nephrology department of a hospital, and his creatinine levels were found to be abnormally high at 216.6 µmol/L (normal range: 57-97 µmol/L). He was diagnosed with acute kidney injury.
Surprising Cause Hidden in Dietary Habits
According to media reports, the doctor discovered that Mr. Liao’s kidney function was normal during a check-up in February this year. However, this time, he was diagnosed with acute kidney tubule injury and interstitial nephritis, and some kidney tubules showed disc-shaped crystals. This condition was identified as oxalate nephropathy. Upon further inquiry, Mr. Liao recalled that his family had recently harvested chili peppers, and due to his love for spicy food, he had been consuming chili peppers at every meal.
Man’s Unexpected Diagnosis: Doctors Warn of Common Dietary Habit
The doctor attributed Mr. Liao’s condition primarily to his habit of regularly consuming spicy food. Chili peppers are rich in oxalic acid, and excessive intake can lead to its accumulation in the kidneys. At high concentrations, oxalic acid can damage kidney tissue and even increase the risk of acute kidney failure. Therefore, especially for those with kidney problems, it is advisable to reduce spicy food intake. When diagnosed with oxalate nephropathy, immediate treatment is necessary.
Other Dietary Habits That May Harm the Kidneys
In addition to spicy food, the doctor warns against the following habits:
Consuming strong tea over an extended period: Tea contains caffeine and tannin, which easily combine with iron in the body to form insoluble compounds, leading to kidney stones.
Boiling water for an extended period: Prolonged boiling results in very high purine levels in the water, and regular consumption can increase blood uric acid levels, triggering acute gout attacks and causing damage to the kidneys or cardiovascular system.
Signs of Kidney Failure: Be Alert
The doctor emphasizes that if you experience any of the following symptoms, an early kidney check-up is advisable to prevent missing the optimal treatment window:
Edema (swelling) in the eyelids, face, or legs
Fatigue and lack of energy
Frequent urination at night, foamy or bloody urine
High blood pressure, especially in young individuals
Nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite
Pale skin, eyelids, and fingernails, along with ammonia-scented breath
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