World Kidney Day 2019: Avoid these food items if you have kidney problem

World Kidney Day is observed on the second Thursday of every year as a global health awareness campaign to focus on the importance of the kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. Shaped like a bean, kidneys play a pivotal role in filtering blood, removing waste through urine, producing hormones, balancing minerals and maintaining fluid balance.

Affecting more than 850 million worldwide kidney disease are caused by factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, alcoholism, heart disease, hepatitis C virus, HIV among many others. And while some food help in keeping the kidney strong and functional, some food only abets to it, particularly when you have kidney disease. Below are the foods to avoid if you have kidney related diseases:

Avocados: They are one of the healthiest foods there is, but when it comes to kidney problems, it is always wise to limit them or stay away from them. This is because avocados are a very rich source of potassium. High potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia, which may occur in people with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease.

Brown rice: Compared to its white rice counterpart, brown rice also has a high amount of potassium and phosphorus. It is hence always wise for people with kidney diseases to substitute brown rice with lower phosphorus grains like bulgur, buckwheat, pearled barley and couscous.

Pickles: Pickles have high sodium content and though sodium is essential for the body functions too much sodium can be harmful for people with kidney disease because your kidneys cannot eliminate excess sodium and fluid from your body.

Apricots: Apricots are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber and potassium. The potassium content is even more concentrated in dried apricots.

Dairy products: Diaries are rich in various vitamins, protein, nutrients and also a natural source of phosphorus and potassium. Yet, consuming too much dairy, in conjunction with other phosphorus-rich foods, can be detrimental to bone health in those with kidney disease.