2. Sugary Beverages
The easiest way to reduce dietary fructose sugar is to eliminate sugar-rich sodas and juices from your diet. Fruit juice might look healthy, but in large quantities it is a significant contributor to insulin spikes and the kidney problems that accompany metabolic disorders.
Don’t completely cut fruit juice from your diet. If you need fruit consider whole fruits instead of juice. Whole fruits, according to one study, don’t produce the same insulin spike because of their fiber content[4].
3. High Salt Intake
Studies show that in addition to reducing your blood pressure, reducing your intake of salt can also prevent kidney disease. Researcher Paul Sanders recently published a report that suggests high levels of dietary salt cause “end-organ damage,” particularly in the kidneys[5]. Avoiding salt might be the key to preventing renal damage.
4. Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol use is a leading contributor to unbalanced electrolyte levels and improper kidney function. According to German researchers, the long-term effects of alcohol overconsumption include water and salt retention and the expansion of extracellular volume[6].
Additionally, researchers found that magnesium, phosphate, and calcium levels become strained and depleted in alcohol abusers. All of these factors play a role in diminishing kidney function. Avoid too much alcohol.
5. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Also known as NSAIDs, these drugs frequently go by the name of ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. The main problem is self-medication. Just because they are sold over the counter does not mean that they are safer to take than prescribed medication.
One recent article discussed the relationship between renal failure and NSAID overuse and self-medication explaining that 1-3% of people exposed to an NSAID will develop “renal function abnormalities” that often require medical intervention[7].
The problem, according to the analysis of scientists, was that the “current use profile of NSAIDs and their availability” as over the counter drugs. Always follow the instructions for NSAIDs.