Unmasking the common foods that could be damaging your kidneys

Medical practitioners have long cautioned that excessive consumption of salt heightens the risk of developing hypertension, stomach cancer, and osteoporosis. Moreover, this predictive "white death" escalates the concentration of protein in urine, an effect that can lead to the formation of kidney stones. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) experts, our daily salt intake should not exceed approximately 0.18 ounces for optimal health.

It's important to note that this widely used food enhancer is found in our salt shaker and countless other food items. This includes ramen noodles, canned meats, fast food, pre-prepared meals, chips, salty sticks, crackers, sauces and marinades, breakfast cereals, and bakery products.

Protein is a crucial nutrient, the basic building block of bones, skin, muscles, and cartilage. However, an unchecked amount of protein, specifically from animal sources like meat, cheese, or eggs, can harm the kidneys—the digestion of excessive protein results in the production of keto acids and ammonia. If the body can't eliminate these substances, they accumulate and put undue stress on the kidneys.

Vegetables like rhubarb, spinach, chard, and sorrel are highly regarded as nutritious food items. However, partaking in them may not always be healthy for us.

The vegetables mentioned contain notable quantities of oxalates. Under certain conditions, these can accumulate and form deposits that crystallize into kidney stones, particularly when excess salt and oxalic acid esters fail to dissolve appropriately in urine. Kidney stone disease is a grave condition that brings about intolerable pain for the patient.