19. Restaurant and Fast Food Meals – A Hidden Sodium Minefield
Dining out can be a delightful experience, but it can also be a hidden danger for your kidneys. Restaurant and fast-food meals can often be loaded with sodium, unhealthy fats, and added sugars, all of which can harm your kidney health.
Most restaurant and fast-food meals are high in sodium. Whether it’s the soups, the sauces, or the main dishes, sodium is often used liberally to enhance flavor. Over time, this can lead to high blood pressure, which can strain your kidneys.
In addition to sodium, restaurant and fast-food meals can often be high in unhealthy fats. Deep-fried items, creamy sauces, and fatty meats can all contribute to an excessive intake of unhealthy fats. As we’ve discussed before, this can lead to obesity and heart disease, which can indirectly harm your kidneys.
Then there’s the issue of portion sizes. Restaurant and fast-food meals are often oversized, leading to overconsumption. This can contribute to weight gain and related health issues, further exacerbating the strain on your kidneys.
To mitigate these risks, consider opting for healthier choices when dining out. Choose grilled over fried, ask for sauces and dressings on the side, and consider sharing your meal or taking half of it home. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your kidneys. (19)
