Kidney failure is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are numerous causes of kidney disease, your diet can be one of the biggest factors that influence your risk of developing this condition.

Today, we’ll take a look at 30 foods that can increase your risk of kidney failure by 40% or more, so you can make better dietary choices and protect your kidney health.

1. Red Meat

Red meat is high in protein, which your body breaks down into nitrogen waste. Too much protein puts a strain on your kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage over time.

2. Processed Meats

Processed meats like bacon, ham, and sausage are high in sodium, preservatives, and other chemicals that can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney failure.

3. High-Sodium Foods

Foods that are high in sodium, like canned soups, salty snacks, and fast food, can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can damage your kidneys and increase your risk of kidney disease.

4. Sugary Drinks

Sodas, sports drinks, and other sugary drinks can cause your blood sugar to spike, which can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney failure over time.

5. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have been linked to kidney damage and an increased risk of kidney disease when consumed in large amounts.

6. High-Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup, which is found in many processed foods and drinks, has been linked to an increased risk of kidney disease and other health problems.

7. Trans Fats

Trans fats, which are found in many processed foods like chips, crackers, and baked goods, can cause inflammation in your body that can damage your kidneys over time.

8. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in excess can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can lead to kidney damage and an increased risk of kidney disease.

9. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar, which can cause your blood pressure to spike and damage your kidneys over time.

10. Dairy Products

Dairy products, like milk and cheese, are high in calcium and phosphorus, which can build up in your kidneys and cause kidney damage over time.

11. Caffeine

Caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, and other drinks, can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

12. Processed Foods

Processed foods are high in sodium, preservatives, and other chemicals that can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney failure over time.

13. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in sodium, fat, and sugar, which can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time.

14. Fried Foods

Fried foods, like fried chicken and french fries, are high in fat and sodium, which can damage your kidneys and lead to kidney disease over time.

15. White Bread

White bread and other refined grains are high in carbohydrates, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and damage your kidneys over time.

16. White Rice

White rice is high in carbohydrates, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

17. Pizza

Pizza is often high in sodium, fat, and sugar, which can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

18. Ice Cream

Ice cream is high in sugar and fat, which can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

19. Potato Chips

Potato chips are high in sodium and fat, which can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

20. Canned Soups

Canned soups are often high in sodium and preservatives, which can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

21. Frozen Meals

Frozen meals are often high in sodium and preservatives, which can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

22. Sauces

Sauces, like ketchup and barbecue sauce, are often high in sodium and sugar, which can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

23. White Sugar

White sugar is high in sugar, which can cause your blood pressure to rise and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

24. Artificial Flavors

Artificial flavors, like those found in candy and other sweets, can contain chemicals that can damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

25. Soy Products

Soy products, like soy milk and tofu, are high in phosphorus, which can build up in your kidneys and cause kidney damage over time if consumed in excess.

26. Spinach

Spinach is high in oxalate, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

27. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is high in oxalate, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

28. Black Tea

Black tea is high in oxalate, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones and damage your kidneys over time if consumed in excess.

29. Nuts

Nuts are high in phosphorus, which can build up in your kidneys and cause kidney damage over time if consumed in excess.

30. Chocolate

Chocolate is high in phosphorus, which can build up in your kidneys and cause kidney damage over time if consumed in excess.

By avoiding these foods and making healthy dietary choices, you can lower your risk of kidney failure and protect your kidney health for years to come.