Kidney health is an important aspect of overall health. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, so it is crucial to take care of them. One way to do this is by watching what you eat.

Certain foods can put a strain on the kidneys and worsen kidney function. Here are 30 foods to avoid if you’re concerned about your kidney health.

1. Processed Meats

Processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and deli meats are high in sodium and phosphorus. Both of these can put a strain on the kidneys and worsen kidney function over time. It’s best to avoid these altogether if possible.

2. Red Meat

Red meat is high in protein, which can also put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to limit your intake of red meat to once or twice a week at most and choose leaner cuts of meat.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in phosphorus and potassium, which can be difficult for the kidneys to process.

If you have kidney problems, it’s best to limit your intake of dairy products or switch to non-dairy alternatives.

4. Canned Foods

Canned foods are often high in sodium, which can put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to look for low-sodium or no-sodium options or opt for fresh or frozen foods instead.

5. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in sodium, fat, and calories, which can put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to avoid fast food altogether if possible and opt for healthier options instead.

6. Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juice are high in sugar and calories, which can contribute to obesity and diabetes. Both of these conditions can put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to stick to water or unsweetened beverages.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol can dehydrate the body and put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to limit your intake or avoid alcohol altogether if you have kidney problems.

8. Foods High in Oxalates

Oxalates are compounds found in certain foods that can contribute to kidney stones. Foods high in oxalates include spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, tea, and chocolate. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you are prone to kidney stones.

9. Foods High in Sodium

Sodium can cause the body to retain excess fluids, which can put a strain on the kidneys. Foods high in sodium include processed foods, canned foods, and fast food. It’s best to look for low-sodium options or avoid these foods altogether.

10. Foods High in Phosphorus

Phosphorus is found in many foods, but it can be difficult for the kidneys to process. Foods high in phosphorus include dairy products, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you have kidney problems.

11. Foods High in Potassium

Like phosphorus, potassium can be difficult for the kidneys to process. Foods high in potassium include bananas, oranges, tomatoes, nuts, and beans. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you have kidney problems.

12. Foods High in Protein

Protein is an important nutrient, but too much can put a strain on the kidneys. High-protein foods include meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods and choose plant-based sources of protein instead.

13. Soy Products

Soy products such as tofu and soy milk are high in protein and phosphorus, which can put a strain on the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, it’s best to limit your intake of soy products.

14. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame can be difficult for the kidneys to process and may contribute to kidney problems over time. It’s best to limit your intake or avoid these sweeteners altogether.

15. Foods High in Calcium

Calcium is an important nutrient, but too much can contribute to kidney stones. Foods high in calcium include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you are prone to kidney stones.

16. High-Fat Foods

High-fat foods such as fried foods, fast food, and baked goods are high in calories and can contribute to obesity and diabetes. Both of these conditions can put a strain on the kidneys.

It’s best to limit your intake of high-fat foods and choose healthier options instead.

17. Foods High in Sugar

Like sugary drinks, foods high in sugar can contribute to obesity and diabetes, which can put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to limit your intake of foods high in sugar and choose healthier options instead.

18. Foods High in Saturated and Trans Fats

Saturated and trans fats can contribute to high cholesterol and heart disease, which can put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to limit your intake of foods high in these fats and choose healthier options instead.

19. Processed Snacks

Processed snacks such as chips and crackers are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats, which can put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to opt for healthier snack options such as fruits and vegetables.

20. Pickled Foods

Pickled foods are often high in sodium, which can put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to limit your intake of pickled foods such as pickles and olives or opt for low-sodium options.

21. Whole Wheat Products

Whole wheat products such as bread and pasta are often high in phosphorus, which can be difficult for the kidneys to process. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you have kidney problems.

22. Bran Cereals

Bran cereals are often high in potassium, which can be difficult for the kidneys to process. It’s best to limit your intake of bran cereals if you have kidney problems.

23. Foods High in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important nutrient, but too much can contribute to kidney stones. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, and tomatoes. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you are prone to kidney stones.

24. High-Salt Foods

Salt can cause the body to retain excess fluids, which can put a strain on the kidneys. It’s best to limit your intake of high-salt foods such as processed foods, canned foods, and fast food.

25. Foods High in Nitrate

Nitrates are compounds found in certain foods such as cured meats and hot dogs. They can contribute to kidney damage over time. It’s best to limit your intake of foods high in nitrates or avoid them altogether.

26. Foods High in Fructose

Fructose is a type of sugar found in many processed foods and drinks. It can contribute to obesity and diabetes, both of which can put a strain on the kidneys.

It’s best to limit your intake of foods high in fructose and opt for healthier options instead.

27. Foods High in Magnesium

Magnesium is an important nutrient, but too much can contribute to kidney problems. Foods high in magnesium include nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you have kidney problems.

28. Foods High in Iron

Iron is an important nutrient, but too much can contribute to kidney damage over time. Foods high in iron include red meat, poultry, and fish. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods and choose plant-based sources of iron instead.

29. Foods High in Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important nutrient, but too much can contribute to kidney damage over time. It’s best to limit your intake of foods high in vitamin D such as fortified cereals and dairy products.

30. Foods High in Uric Acid

Uric acid is a waste product that can contribute to kidney stones and other kidney problems. Foods high in uric acid include organ meats, shellfish, and beer. It’s best to limit your intake of these foods if you are prone to kidney problems.