Kidney specialist’s advice: 6 foods, including water, that put pressure on the kidneys

. In spite of the wide variety of foods and drinks that we consume, they make sure that what's needed for the body is retained in required amounts and what's not needed is discarded. For example : each liter of blood contains roughly one and a quarter teaspoon of salt(yes!) dissolved in it. The kidneys maintain this balance within a 5% range in spite of widely varying diet from day to day. That's a level of accuracy and efficiency that's hard to match.

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As kidney function declines due to age, diabetes, high blood pressure, the ability of the kidneys to handle many of these molecules decreases. That is when care is needed with one's diet.
Dr. Prashant C Dheerendra, Senior Consultant Kidney Specialist, Apollo hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore talks about foods that people with known kidney disease must be careful about.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 37 million adults in the United States, according to the NIH. This represents approximately 15% of the adult population. Many individuals with CKD are unaware of their condition, as early symptoms are often absent. The prevalence increases with age and is higher among those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Rates are also higher in African American, Hispanic, and Native American populations compared to white Americans. CKD is a significant public health concern due to its links to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and increased mortality.

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People with chronic kidney disease(CKD) need to be careful about their water intake. The internet is full of videos encouraging people to drink large amounts of water to "get rid" of kidney disease. That's not correct. As kidney function declines, the ability of the kidneys to handle water decreases. If a large amount of water is consumed, the kidneys are overwhelmed and water retention in the body happens. This can lead to swelling of feet('edema'), whole body and most dangerously the lungs ('pulmonary edema'). This advice also holds true for people with heart failure and liver disease.
Another effect of excessive water intake, especially in aged people, is that their blood sodium level goes down('hyponatremia'). If severe, this can be life threatening.

Adequate water intake is essential for kidney health, helping flush out toxins, reduce kidney stone risk, and maintain proper electrolyte balance. For most healthy adults in the US, UK, and Canada, the general recommendation is about 2–3 liters (8–12 cups) daily, though needs vary by age, activity, climate, and medical conditions. The National Academies of Sciences (US) suggest around 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women, including fluids from foods. Clear or light-yellow urine is a practical sign of proper hydration. Those with kidney disease should consult their doctor, as excessive fluids may sometimes be harmful.

Strictly speaking, added salt in the food is needed only for taste. The sodium that is present in the food items without adding salt is enough for our daily needs. High salt consumption leads to high blood pressure which leads to kidney failure, heart disease and paralysis. Most blood pressure medications work well only when salt intake is limited. Limiting salt is a low cost, high effect dietary change that can positively influence one's health in the long run.

People with kidney disease are prone to high blood potassium levels which can affect the functioning of muscles and heart adversely. Fruits are a rich source of potassium in the diet. Some fruits like apple, strawberry, blackberry, pineapple, pears, grapes are low in potassium and can be consumed in moderate amounts.

Proteins are portrayed as villains for patients with chronic kidney disease. This is rather unfortunate. Protein is not always the villain. Proteins are essential for proper functioning of the body. It's only when proteins are consumed in excess that they can affect kidney function. The "middle path" is needed between the two extremes. A typical Indian diet is already quite low on protein content. This is especially true for vegetarians.

Consuming excessive protein can strain the kidneys, especially in people with pre-existing kidney issues. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from protein metabolism, including urea and ammonia. A high-protein diet increases this workload, which may accelerate kidney function decline over time. For healthy individuals, moderate high-protein intake is generally safe, but long-term excessive consumption may raise the risk of dehydration, kidney stones, and reduced kidney efficiency. Health experts recommend balancing protein with adequate hydration, fiber, and plant-based foods to support kidney health while meeting nutritional needs.

Consuming a healthy diet can protect your kidneys well

Though tender coconut water is nutritious, its not for everyone. Being rich in potassium, they need to be avoided or minimised.

Many supplements with almost magical properties are marketed indiscriminately. They are also consumed with equal indiscretion. People with chronic kidney disease are especially prone to be taken advantage of by quacks since the disease can progress over years to decades. The usual result of such unscientific treatment is rapid progression of kidney disease to kidney failure and need for dialysis. Be very careful if you are taking any supplements, doubly careful if you have any pre-existing health conditions and triply careful if you(or a loved one) has kidney disease.

So, there go the six items that people with kidney disease need to be careful with. It's only an outline and I will request you to discuss your specific needs with a kidney doctor. Take care!

Kidney health often gets overlooked until problems show up, but knowing the risk factors can help you stay ahead. High blood pressure and diabetes are the top culprits, silently damaging kidneys over time. A family history of kidney disease also raises your chances. Smoking, obesity, and a diet high in processed or salty foods put extra strain on your kidneys too. Certain medications, like long-term use of painkillers, can hurt kidney function if not monitored. Even dehydration and not drinking enough water regularly can take a toll. Spotting risks early means protecting your kidneys before serious damage sets in.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to their diet.(Image: Canva)