The kidneys may be small and unassuming little organs, but they are crucial to a healthy and comfortable life. Essentially serving as a filtration system for a person's entire blood supply, the kidneys need to be taken care of to ensure they are working optimally for the years ahead; this is especially true for people with chronic kidney disease. Eating the right foods can go a long way in managing kidney issues, but part of knowing the right foods to eat is knowing the foods you should avoid. Below is a discussion of a few of the foods unfriendly and even potentially dangerous to those with kidney disease.

4 Foods to Avoid When You Have Chronic Kidney Disease

1. Dark Colas

People with chronic kidney disease have kidneys that cannot effectively remove phosphorous, potassium, and sodium from the blood. Dark-colored colas typically have a high amount of phosphorous, which usually comes in the form of certain additives. What makes dark colas even trickier is that beverage manufacturers are not required by law to disclose on the label just how much phosphorous additives are in their sodas. For this reason, avoid dark colas at all cost.

2.  Avocados

In recent years, people around the world have embraced the avocado, its deliciousness, and all the health benefits it provides. Unfortunately, avocados are not conducive to a kidney-friendly diet. They naturally contain exorbitant amounts of potassium; just one cup of avocado equals more than 700 milligrams and that can be extremely challenging for an individual dealing with chronic kidney disease. To take the best care of yourself, eschew avocado in all its forms, including guacamole.

3. Whole Wheat Bread

While many nutritionists recommend whole grains as part of a healthy and balanced diet, whole wheat bread can be problematic for the kidneys. It contains all three of the elements that are hard on the kidneys: phosphorous, potassium, and sodium. Surprisingly, white bread contains half the phosphorous and potassium content as whole wheat bread; sodium levels, however, are still usually on the higher side.

4. Canned or Frozen Foods

Canned and frozen foods have made it easier than ever to whip up a meal in very little time. The only issue is that these foods often have massive amounts of sodium. Check the sodium content of a can of soup, a TV dinner, or a frozen burrito, and you will likely be shocked. All that sodium can wreak havoc on the kidneys, so always opt for fresh, whole foods whenever possible.

Steering clear of the above foods can help keep chronic kidney disease in check. For the best in kidney treatment and care in Hamilton County, Ohio, trust the professionals at Mt Auburn Nephrology. They provide professional guidance, support, and solutions for a variety of renal ailments, including kidney stones, elevated kidney function, and acute renal failure. Schedule an appointment by calling (513) 841-0222, visiting their website, or messaging them on Facebook.