The "Healthy" Mistake: 7 Foods That Are Secretly Wreaking Havoc on Your Kidneys

3. Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

The rise in plant-based eating has inspired countless new options in grocery stores and restaurants. Many of these meat alternatives are praised for their heart benefits and reduced environmental footprints. But when it comes to kidney care, not all plant-based swaps are created equal. Popular burgers, sausages, and nuggets made from soy, peas, or other plants are often highly processed—and that means they can be surprisingly high in sodium, preservatives, and phosphates.

4. Whole Wheat or “Multi-Grain” Breads

It’s easy to feel virtuous reaching for a hearty multi-grain or whole wheat slice over white bread. While whole grains offer more nutrition in many ways, many commercially baked “healthy” breads are made with added sodium and sometimes even phosphorus-containing additives for shelf life and texture. And not all “whole grain” claims hold up—some breads use refined flours with just a sprinkle of whole grains for marketing’s sake.