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You may be enjoying a meal that has the potential to cause kidney failure!
A recent report released by the World Health Organization has shocked countless people. The report reveals that a daily food, which many people overlook, is more likely to cause kidney failure than alcohol and sugary drinks.
What exactly is this food? Why is it so dangerous? How can we avoid this potential health threat?
This report from the World Health Organization states that excessive intake of processed meat is one of the main risk factors for kidney failure. Processed meats include meat products such as sausages, hams, bacon, etc., which have been cured, smoked, fermented, or otherwise processed.
This finding is shocking because many people believe that only alcohol and sugary drinks can cause damage to the kidneys.
Why does processed meat cause so much damage to the kidneys?
This is related to the high amount of additives such as salt, nitrite and phosphate contained in processed meat. These substances can increase the burden on the kidneys, and long-term excessive intake may lead to a gradual decline in kidney function, eventually leading to kidney failure.
A study published in the Journal of the United States Society of Nephrology showed that people who ate processed meat more than four times a week had a 23% higher risk of chronic kidney disease than those who rarely ate processed meat. This data is a sobering reminder that seemingly harmless foods in our daily diets may actually be quietly damaging our kidney health.
Processed meat is not only high in salt, but also rich in saturated fat and cholesterol. These substances can increase blood pressure and increase the burden on the kidneys. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. According to the National Kidney Foundation of United States, people with high blood pressure have twice the risk of chronic kidney disease.
In addition to directly affecting the kidneys, processed meat can also impair kidney function in indirect ways. They tend to contain high amounts of carcinogens, such as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These substances can cause diseases such as colon cancer, and some drugs and radiation therapy used in cancer treatment can cause damage to the kidneys.
Not all meat is bad for the kidneys. Fresh lean meats, such as chicken breasts, fish, etc., are a source of high-quality protein, and eating it in moderation is good for the body. The key is to distinguish between fresh and processed meats and control your intake.
How can we avoid this potential health threat in our daily lives?
Reducing your intake of processed meat is the most straightforward and effective way to do so. Fresh, lean meat can be used as a substitute for processed meat, which can meet protein needs and reduce health risks. When cooking, try to choose healthy cooking methods such as steaming and boiling, and avoid frying at high temperatures.
It is also important to increase your intake of vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, which help protect kidney function. In particular, dark vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial for kidney health.
Controlling salt intake is also crucial. The World Health Organization recommends that the daily intake of salt should not exceed 5 grams per person. Salt intake can be controlled by reducing the use of condiments and choosing low-sodium foods.
Maintaining adequate water intake can also help maintain kidney health. Drinking enough water every day can help your kidneys better flush out waste from your body. It is generally recommended that adults drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day.
Regular exercise is also important for kidney health. Moderate aerobic exercise can improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and thus reduce the burden on the kidneys. Get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, which is recommended by the World Health Organization.
While processed meat may increase the risk of kidney failure, that doesn't mean we want to ban it altogether. It's all about moderation and balance. Enjoying some processed meat once in a while doesn't immediately lead to health problems, and it's important to keep your overall diet balanced and healthy.
Traditional Chinese medicine also has unique insights into kidney health.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the main water of the kidneys is the same as that of the bladder. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the indirect protection of the kidneys by regulating the spleen and stomach. Some traditional Chinese medicines such as yam, wolfberry, and rehmania are believed to have the effect of nourishing kidney yin. Of course, one should consult a professional TCM practitioner before using any Chinese herb.
Returning to the topic of processed meat, we have to mention its ubiquity in modern society.
The fast-paced lifestyle has led many people to opt for processed foods that are convenient and fast, with processed meats accounting for a significant proportion. The dazzling array of sausages, hams, and luncheon meats on supermarket shelves have become frequent guests on the tables of many families.
This change in eating habits is to some extent a reflection of the lifestyle of modern society. Convenience often comes with potential health risks. We need to find a balance between convenience and wellness.
There are also differences in attitudes towards processed meat in different countries and regions.
For example, in some European countries, traditional cured meats such as Spain ham, Italy Parma ham, etc., are regarded as precious delicacies. These foods tend to be made using traditional processes with fewer additives and may be healthier than industrially produced processed meats.
This reminds us that when discussing food health issues, we can't generalize. It is necessary to consider many factors such as the production process of food, the quality of raw materials, and the use of additives. For consumers, understanding the production process of food and choosing high-quality products is also a way to protect their health.
In recent years, plant-based "meat" products have gradually emerged as an alternative to traditional meat for some. These products are typically made from plant-based ingredients such as soy, pea protein, etc., mimicking the texture and flavor of meat.
From a health perspective, these products are generally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and may be more beneficial for cardiovascular health. We also need to be aware that some plant-based "meat" products may have a lot of added salt and additives, so you still need to be cautious when choosing them.
Returning to the topic of kidney health, we also need to be aware of some risk factors that can be easily overlooked.
For example, long-term use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also cause kidney damage. When taking any medication for a long time, one should consult a doctor and have regular check-ups of kidney function.
Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are high risk factors for kidney failure. Controlling these underlying diseases is also an important aspect of protecting kidney health. Regular check-ups to detect and control these diseases early can greatly reduce the risk of kidney failure.
Some lifestyle habits that may seem unrelated to the kidneys may actually affect kidney health. For example, chronic sleep deprivation may increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, indirectly affecting the kidneys. Maintaining good sleep habits is not only good for your overall health, but also a way to protect your kidneys.
When it comes to kidney health, we can't ignore the influence of environmental factors. Some studies have shown that long-term exposure to certain environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, etc., may increase the risk of kidney disease. Paying attention to environmental protection and choosing non-polluting food and water sources is also a way to protect kidney health.
While processed meat may increase the risk of kidney failure, a healthy lifestyle is systems engineering. It is difficult for a single factor to determine a person's health. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, and a positive mindset are all important factors in maintaining good health.
For people who already have kidney disease, it is even more important to develop a personalized diet and life plan under the guidance of a doctor. Different stages of kidney disease may require different dietary strategies.
For example, patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease may need to limit their protein intake, while dialysis patients may need to increase their protein intake. Blindly following general recommendations can be counterproductive.
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.