Avoid these foods that promote kidney damage

The kidneys are vital organs that many people do not think much about, nor are they very knowledgeable about them. Many people know the general area where the kidneys are located in the body and

that their function has something to do with

urine, but that is about it. It is important to know about the kidneys, though, because they play a vital role in the proper functioning of the body.

The kidneys are a set of two fist-sized organs, with one located on either side of the backbone, under the ribs. They are responsible for providing a filter for about 200 quarts of blood each day. The amount of waste from this is about two quarts, which, along with water, is then filtered to the bladder before it is released from the body as urine.

Keeping the kidneys healthy is vital. The following foods are known to be harmful, and amounts eaten should be kept to a minimum.

Meat

A diet that includes a great deal of animal protein puts a strain on the kidneys. The metabolism of protein puts a heavy strain on the kidneys, making the elimination of its toxins difficult. That is not the only problem with eating a diet high in animal protein, though.

According to a European Journal of Nutrition study completed in 2003, participants who consumed a diet high in animal protein were more likely to develop kidney stones due to an accumulation of uric acid when compared to those people who ate a vegetarian diet. Uric acid is a byproduct of eating meat and is also a common reason for the formation of kidney stones.

Meat might also trigger the formation of the other common type of kidney stones. These calcium oxalate stones are caused by increased amounts of calcium excreted into the body due to the acidic residue formed from the digestion of meat. Instead, add more fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet.

Carbonated beverages

Sodas, as well as energy drinks that are carbonated, have been shown to increase the incidence of kidney stone formation, according to a study released in 2007. That study showed that drinking two or more drinks of that nature increased the risk of chronic kidney disease. Water is a better choice, as it helps flush the body of its toxins.

Genetically modified foods

With their heavy reliance on processed foods, people eat a great deal of genetically processed foods. Some of the more common ingredients that are found in processed foods that are genetically modified include sugar cane, corn, rice, soy and canola. A study completed in 2009 on laboratory rats showed the effects of corn from Monsanto, one of the largest producers of genetically modified seeds in the world. Three of the varieties tested increased the levels of kidney and liver toxicity. It is best to avoid genetically modified foods and eat organic as often as possible.