Foods To Avoid For Optimal Kidney Health

Pickled Food

Pickled food, as well as relishes and olives, can be incredibly high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium forces kidneys to work harder to process it, which could lead to further kidney damage and decreased function. Even a small serving of pickled cucumbers could contain three hundred milligrams of sodium. Olives, for example, are often processed with sodium to improve taste and reduce a bitter taste, which means just a handful could add up to a significant portion of an individual's daily sodium allowance. While reduced-sodium pickles and relishes are commonly available, they can still contain fairly high levels of sodium and potassium, so it's important not to eat them too often.