What Drinks Should You Avoid If You Have Kidney Problems?
Kidneys play a crucial role in your overall health. They are responsible for removing waste and extra fluid from your body. They are also responsible for several other functions to ensure your overall health. Kidney issues can occur for a variety of reasons. Common causes include complications from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain medications. Changing your diet and other habits can help take pressure off of your kidneys. You may wonder, what drinks should you avoid if you have kidney problems?
What Drinks Should You Avoid If You Have Kidney Problems?
Kidney issues require treatment to ensure your long-term health. Preventative medicine, lifestyle changes, and regular care from a nephrologist are necessary. Some lifestyle changes include what you consume. Below are some of the drinks you should avoid if you have kidney issues.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can increase blood pressure and strain the kidneys. It also dehydrates the body. This makes it significantly harder for the kidneys to effectively filter waste. If you have kidney disease, alcohol can make it worse by damaging kidney cells. It can also lead to imbalances in electrolytes. Avoid alcohol to reduce your risk for kidney damage.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are unhealthy and should be avoided, especially if you have kidney issues. They are filled with caffeine, sugar, and other additives. Caffeine increases your blood pressure and heart rate. Excess sugar increases your risk of diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure. If you already have diabetes, energy drinks should not be a part of your diet. In addition to the caffeine and sugar, other additives are difficult for your kidneys to process.
Soda
Cracking open a crispy soda is delicious. However, if you have kidney issues you should avoid soda altogether. This includes regular and diet soda. Soda is one of the worst drinks for kidney health. Regular soda is packed with sugar and caffeine. Dark sodas also contain phosphorus additives. These can be harmful to people with kidney problems because they can cause bone and heart issues. Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners and additives that cause stress to the kidneys.
Fruit Juice
Natural fruit juice can have some health benefits. However, this is if there is no added sugar. Unfortunately, many juices from the store are packed with added sugar. Some fruit juices also contain high amounts of potassium. This can be dangerous for people with advanced kidney disease.
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are problematic for those with kidney issues. They are specifically designed to replenish electrolytes after intense exercise. The problem with sports drinks is that they often contain high amounts of sodium, potassium, and artificial ingredients. These ingredients can be harmful to people with kidney disease. This is because excess sodium can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure.
Best Drinks for Kidney Health
There are several drinks to avoid if you have issues with your kidneys. It is important to avoid consuming foods or drinks that will cause further harm to your kidneys. Follow the instructions to your nephrologist, as they are aware of your current condition. Below are some safe drinks to consume if you have issues with your kidneys.
Water
Water is essential for kidney health. It helps flush out toxins and waste products through urine. Proper hydration also supports normal blood flow to the kidneys.
Herbal Tea
Many herbal teas are caffeine-free. This reduces the negative impact on your kidneys as it does not cause dehydration or increase blood pressure. Herbal teas also contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support overall kidney health.
Preventative Medicine
If you are struggling with kidney issues, contact Dr. Gura’s team today to schedule an appointment!