The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that form a part of the urinary system. These perform various crucial functions such as filtering waste and excess water from the blood, which is then thrown out of the body in the form of urine and balancing minerals and fluids. Kidneys also play a vital role in the production of various important hormones. However, there are certain diseases and ailments that can interfere with the normal functioning of the kidneys. Some of these can progress over time resulting in the partial or complete loss of kidney function. To prevent this from happening or to slow down the pace of the same, doctors suggest different treatments and medications. These are also accompanied by some healthy lifestyle and dietary modifications, which just like the treatment, vary from one patient to another. There are certain foods that you are allowed to eat and certain that you need to strictly refrain from adding to your diet. In this blog, we are going to elaborate on the latter, with the help of the experts offering the best kidney transplant in India.

So, here are a few foods that you need to avoid if you have kidney disease.

Dark soda - Sodas are one of the unhealthiest drinks that one can think of. These are loaded with calories and sugar, which put you at a higher risk of developing various diseases and ailments. Dark coloured soda especially contains hi amounts of artificial phosphorus for preventing discolouration and adding flavour. Doctors specialising in kidney transplants in Pune suggest that this artificial phosphorus is much more easily absorbed by our bodies as compared to natural phosphorus. 200 ml of dark soda contains as much as 50 to 100 mg of artificial phosphorus.

Avocado - You must be wondering why we have listed avocado in this list after all it is one of the healthiest known foods. Indeed avocado has many health benefits as it is loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats however for those with kidney disease, it might not be as healthy. Avocados are loaded with potassium. In fact, if we take a regular-sized avocado, it contains as much as 690 mg of potassium. If you do not wish to strike off the fruit from your diet, you can limit the portion and eat one-fourth of the fruit instead.

Preserved foods - Preserved and canned foods surely help to save a lot of time, especially when you have a hectic work schedule, however, these are preserved using a high amount of sodium, which is not at all good for patients with kidney disease. In case you have no other option and you have to necessarily resort to canned food, go with the low sodium varieties. Also, before preparing your meals with preserved ingredients, make it a point to wash them thoroughly to drain out as much sodium as possible.

Brown rice - Here's another healthy food that people with kidney disease need to stay away from. Brown rice contains higher amounts of potassium and phosphorus, as compared to regular white rice. If we have to speak in numbers, one cup of steamed brown rice contains 150 mg of phosphorus and 154 mg of potassium. On the other hand, one cup of steamed white rice contains 69 mg and 54 mg of phosphorus and potassium respectively. If you still wish to take brown rice, practising portion control is extremely important.

Bananas - Bananas are known to be one of the greatest sources of potassium. Indeed they have very low sodium content, however, we cannot simply ignore the fact that one regular-sized banana can contain as much as 422 mg of potassium. So, bananas are a big no for you if you have kidney disease. It is pertinent to note that not only bananas but many other tropical fruits, which are otherwise considered to be healthy, contain high amounts of potassium which is not good for someone who has an existing renal ailment.

If you want to know more about kidney diseases and how you can manage the same with a healthy diet, consult the best doctor in India, today, at Jupiter Hospital.