Kidney Impact of Consuming Processed Foods: Understanding the Risks
Chronic Health Issues On the Rise: Blame it on Processed Foods
As modern society advances, health issues seem to be spiraling out of control. Particularly heart-related chronic conditions, some of which harm small arteries and blood vessels, are becoming increasingly common - and these can lead to some serious complications, like kidney damage.
You might not suspect it, but all those convenience foods we're hooked on, like hot dogs, bacon, potato chips, and those pre-packaged baked goods, are often called "heat-treated foods." They're processed at high temperatures to enhance flavor and aroma, making them irresistible. Unfortunately, this process also leads to the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) - compounds that could wreak havoc on your health.
Dangerous Side Effects
So, every time you indulge in processed foods, you essentially receive a side dish of AGEs.
Scientists and medical professionals are starting to recognize AGEs as potential dangers. They go to work, damaging your kidneys in specific ways.
AGEs as Toxic Invaders
Researchers decided to prove this in a study published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They fed rats either heat-treated chow (mimicking our processed food diets) or unprocessed rodent chow. They then measured the protein in the rats' urine.
After just six months on a processed food diet, the rats had a rate of albumin leakage - an indicator of kidney damage - five times higher than those on the unprocessed diet.
So, how do AGEs in processed foods damage the kidneys exactly? Well, it turns out that AGEs trigger an overactive immune response in your body, leading to increased levels of a protein known as complement component C3.
This hardworking protein is part of your innate immune system. It goes into action when your body senses invasive pathogens or injuries to vital tissues. In short, your body sees AGEs as dangerous invaders and sets off a whirlwind of action that ends up damaging your kidneys.
Protecting Your Kidneys
Obviously, your body doesn't exactly enjoy heat-treated, processed foods.
The key to preserving the health of your renal system and warding off chronic kidney disease lies in cutting out as many of these foods as possible and embracing a whole-food-based diet instead.
Additionally, consider supporting your microcirculation, which affects the smallest blood vessels, like lymphatic capillaries and collecting ducts. Given the kidneys' crucial role in maintaining fluid homeostasis in the body, maintaining the health of these tiny vessels is essential.
Among the best dietary ways to support circulatory health, whether for microvessels or major arteries, is beet juice. And here's the science behind it: it's an outstanding source of nitric oxide, which relaxes arteries for better flow and also supports the health of the arterial lining.
Researchers also suggested supporting gut health and protecting against inflammation for further kidney protection.
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Sources:
Study Links Processed Foods to Higher Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease - EurekAlert!
Trends in Heart Disease and Cancer Deaths in the United States (1969-2020) - CDC
Increasing Trends in Heart Failure Rates - WebMD
National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020 - CDC
The Impact of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) on Kidney Health - Expert consensus on the role of AGEs in kidney disease progression and approaches for reducing dietary AGEs in Mineral Metabolism, 2020.
- AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts) in processed foods could be damaging your kidneys, causing increased levels of a protein known as complement component C3, which signals an overactive immune response leading to kidney damage.
- To preserve the health of your renal system and ward off chronic kidney disease, it's crucial to cut out processed foods and embrace a whole-food-based diet instead, while also supporting microcirculation and protecting against inflammation.
- Beet juice, rich in nitric oxide, is an outstanding source for relaxing arteries, improving flow, and supporting the health of the arterial lining - all essential for maintaining the health of small vessels and major arteries.
- Embracing health-and-wellness practices such as fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and alternative therapies-and-treatments may also have a positive impact on kidney health, as they help reduce the risk of developing chronic-diseases like heart conditions, diabetes, and cancer.
- Discovering the benefits of natural health solutions like The Alkaline Secret to Ultimate Vitality can help you achieve wellness, lose weight, improve digestion, avoid illness, and build a healthier lifestyle for long-term kidney health management.
