7 Foods That Destroy the Kidneys

Summary

The video discusses seven foods harmful to kidney health, highlighting how chronic high blood pressure and diabetes can damage kidney function. Key offenders include instant noodles, artificial dyes, fried chicken, commercial bread, soda, agave syrup, and certain cereals that often contain harmful preservatives and ingredients. The impact of these foods on kidney function stems from their high sodium, sugar, and artificial components, which strain the kidneys and may lead to severe health issues. The importance of maintaining healthy kidneys and the role of diet in preventing damage is emphasized.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kidneys have about 2 million nephrons, filtering 50 gallons of blood daily and retaining essential nutrients.
• 💔 Chronic high blood pressure and high sugar levels (diabetes) can severely damage kidney function.
• 🔍 Presence of sugar and protein in urine can indicate kidney damage.
• 🌊 Drinking excessive water without adequate electrolytes may strain kidneys instead of helping them.
• 🍜 Instant noodles, particularly those with TBHQ preservative, are harmful to kidneys and can increase cancer risk.
• 🌈 Artificial food dyes in candies (like Skittles) put a significant burden on kidney filtration.
• 🍗 Fried foods, especially from fast food, lead to glycation, which clogs proteins and disrupts kidney function.
• 🍞 Commercial bread contains potassium bromate and preservatives that are detrimental to kidney health.
• 🥤 Soda is harmful due to phosphoric acid and added sugars, contributing to diabetes and kidney damage.
• 🌿 Agave syrup is high in fructose, which stresses the liver and can lead to insulin resistance, increasing kidney risk.
• 🌾 Instant cereals may contain glyphosate, a herbicide linked to chronic kidney disease.

Q & A

What are the main functions of the kidneys?

The kidneys filter blood, remove waste, retain essential nutrients, and activate vitamin D. Each kidney contains about a million nephrons, which are tiny filters that help perform these functions.

How does high blood pressure affect kidney health?

Chronic high blood pressure can damage the nephrons in the kidneys, leading to reduced filtration ability and potential kidney damage.

What role does sugar play in kidney health?

High levels of sugar, particularly from diabetes, can damage the nephrons by making them smaller, leading to the loss of sugar and protein in urine, indicating potential kidney damage.

How can one determine if there is kidney damage?

Signs of kidney damage include the presence of sugar and protein in urine, as well as changes in urine color, which can indicate impaired kidney function.

What is the issue with instant noodles regarding kidney health?

Instant noodles contain high levels of sodium and a preservative called tbhq, which can be toxic to the kidneys and may cause them to enlarge and potentially lead to cancer.

Why are artificial food dyes harmful to the kidneys?

Artificial food dyes can be difficult for the kidneys to filter out, leading to potential toxicity and damage as they are recycled through the bloodstream.

What is glycation, and why is it a concern for kidney health?

Glycation occurs when sugars bind to proteins at high temperatures, causing those proteins to malfunction. This process can clog up the kidneys and lead to complications, particularly for individuals with diabetes.

Why is commercial bread harmful to the kidneys?

Commercial bread often contains preservatives like potassium bromate, which can be harmful to the kidneys and is banned in many countries due to its carcinogenic properties.

How does phosphoric acid in soda affect kidney health?

Phosphoric acid is destructive to the kidneys and, combined with added sugars in soda, increases the risk of diabetes, which is a leading cause of kidney damage.

What is the issue with agave syrup in relation to kidney health?

Agave syrup is high in fructose, which can lead to insulin resistance and liver stress, both of which contribute to the development of pre-diabetes and diabetes, the number one cause of chronic kidney disease.

What are the risks associated with glyphosate in cereals?

Glyphosate, often used in agricultural practices, is linked to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease, especially in workers exposed to it. Even non-GMO grains like oats and wheat can be contaminated due to its use in processing.

What should be consumed to improve kidney function?

While the video focuses on foods to avoid, it suggests watching additional resources for information on foods that can support kidney health.