Your kidneys work nonstop to filter waste and balance fluids in your body. When your diet includes certain foods in excess, you put your kidneys under extra stress. Over time, this strain may potentially lead to kidney damage or chronic kidney disease. Here are ten foods that can harm your kidneys if you consume too much of them.

1. Processed Meats

Hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats contain high amounts of sodium and preservatives. Studies have shown that sodium causes your body to hold onto water, which forces your kidneys to work harder. Preservatives often add excess phosphorus, too. The National Kidney Foundation notes that phosphorus can build up in your blood and damage your kidneys when levels get out of control. This is known as hyperphosphatemia. Cutting back on processed meats can help reduce sodium and phosphorus overload.

2. Canned Soups and Vegetables

Canned products may seem convenient, but they often have hidden salt. Salt boosts flavor and prolongs shelf life, yet it can overwork your kidneys. Increasing evidence shows that too much salt raises blood pressure, which puts stress on your kidneys’ blood vessels. If you want canned goods, check labels for low-sodium or no-salt-added versions. Rinsing items like beans before cooking can also reduce the sodium content.

3. Soda

Sodas, particularly cola, often contain added phosphoric acid. While this acid gives the beverage its tangy flavor, it also poses a risk to your kidneys if you drink it daily. Phosphorus from soda can disrupt the balance your kidneys try to maintain. Coca-Cola or Coke also carries large amounts of sugar, which can raise your blood sugar and increase your likelihood of diabetes—a major cause of kidney disease. Switching to water or unsweetened drinks is a better choice.

4. High-Sugar Foods

Pastries, candy, and sweetened cereals may taste good, but they can harm your kidneys. Sugary snacks and beverages spike blood sugar. Repeated spikes can lead to insulin resistance and, eventually, diabetes. Diabetes is notorious for damaging blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney problems, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you enjoy sweets, try fruit or smaller portions of desserts with less added sugar.

5. Deep-Fried Foods

French fries, fried chicken, and onion rings may seem tempting, but they are often loaded with saturated fat and salt. Excess saturated fat can raise your cholesterol and put more strain on your cardiovascular system. When your heart works harder, your kidneys do, too. High salt in these foods also drives up blood pressure. Choose baked or grilled versions of your favorite foods to protect your kidneys.

6. Fast-Food Meals

Combo meals are convenient, but they typically pack a lot of sodium, sugar, and fat into one serving. Burgers with processed cheese, large fries, and sugary beverages add up fast. Fast-food meals often exceed daily sodium recommendations. This level of sodium can throw off your body’s fluid balance and damage the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. Limiting fast-food intake can help prevent kidney stress.

7. Red Meat

A juicy steak once in a while might not be harmful, but too much red meat can tax your kidneys. Red meat is rich in protein, which is essential in moderation. However, a high-protein diet can produce more waste than your kidneys can handle with ease. Several studies have shown that excess protein breakdown leads to increased urea levels, stressing the kidneys. Consider adding lean poultry, fish, or plant-based proteins to your meals instead.

8. Dairy Products

Milk, cheese, and ice cream are healthy sources of calcium and protein, but large servings can become an issue if your kidneys are weak. Dairy contains phosphorus and potassium, which can build up in people with kidney problems. High potassium levels can cause heart rhythm issues, and excess phosphorus may pull calcium from your bones. Moderation or switching to lower-potassium and lower-phosphorus milk alternatives can help safeguard your kidney health.

9. Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol doesn’t just harm your liver; it can also affect your kidneys. Alcohol dehydrates you and reduces blood flow to vital organs. This dehydration makes your kidneys work harder to conserve water. Over time, heavy drinking can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage. As stated by the National Kidney Foundation, “Most patients in the United States who have both liver disease and associated kidney dysfunction are alcohol dependent.” Limiting alcohol intake is a key step to keeping your kidneys stable.

10. High-Oxalate Foods

Spinach, beets, and rhubarb are nutritious, but they contain oxalates, which can bind with calcium and form kidney stones. Kidney stones irritate the urinary tract and stress your kidneys. If you eat these foods regularly, stay hydrated and balance your meals with calcium-rich foods to help reduce oxalate absorption. It’s not about removing these veggies entirely but being mindful of portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

Your kidneys are vital for filtering toxins and keeping your blood balanced. Too much sodium, sugar, unhealthy fats, or certain minerals can force your kidneys to work beyond their limits. Over time, constant strain can turn into long-term damage.

Making better food choices can preserve your kidney function and promote overall health. Try to limit processed and high-sodium foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Go for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water each day. If you have ongoing kidney issues, work with a healthcare provider to plan a diet that meets your specific needs.