Green juices and smoothies can cause acute oxalate nephropathy a serious ailment leading to kidney stones, and inflammation
New Delhi: Renowned hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips has raised concerns over green juices and smoothies saying regular consumption can lead to kidney damage.
In a series of tweets, Dr. Philips blending gooseberries, beetroot, spinach, and green leaves along with citrus fruits can cause acute oxalate nephropathy a serious ailment leading to kidney stones, and inflammation.
“Please don't mix fruits and a whole lot of raw green and colored veggies into a blender and make yourself a detox juice if you have pre-existing liver disease,” Dr. Cyriac wrote on Twitter.
The condition, according to health experts, is induced by a high dietary intake of oxalate-rich food. According to studies published in the National Library of Medicine, Acute Oxalate Nephropathy has a potential for progression to end-stage renal disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23830537/
How are smoothies and green juices dangerous?
It is often advised by health experts for taking smoothies or green juices as a great way to start the day. Smoothies are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, that help nourish and improve your health.
However, adding certain ingredients in higher proportions can provide minerals and other compounds in quantities exceeding the daily recommended intake, overworking the kidneys and affecting their health.
Green juices and smoothies are often high in oxalate - found in spinach, chard, dandelion greens, beets, collard greens, berries, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots. In some people, oxalates accumulate in body tissues and provoke inflammation.
Oxalate accumulation, according to doctors has been associated with chronic pain, kidney stones, neurological symptoms, vulvar pain, and fibromyalgia pain.
How much is a high oxalate intake
According to research, a high oxalate intake is defined as the consumption of 250 mg of oxalate per day. A cup of spinach contains around 650 mg of oxalate.
The body usually excretes oxalates through the urine and stool once they combine with calcium in the stomach to form calcium oxalates.
Taking foods rich in oxalates without adequate calcium levels significantly increases your risk of developing stones. Theoretically, having insufficient calcium levels in the diet makes oxalate available for absorption. It is then transported to the kidneys for eventual removal through the urinary system. This excess oxalate is broken down into oxalic acid, which reacts with calcium to form calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals grow in size over time, turning into kidney stones.
How to prevent kidney damage while drinking smoothies and juices
Here are a few steps you can take to minimise the risk of developing kidney stones or damage to the organ while having your favourite smoothies.
Make a kidney-friendly smoothie or juice
Include fruits and vegetables that are low in potassium like berries to make a balanced smoothie. Avoid adding too much spinach, and reduce the number of dairy products in your drink.
Also, you can add celery juice as it promotes kidney health and prevents the formation of stones.
Take a good amount of calcium
Increase your calcium intake to reduce the risk of developing kidney issues while taking smoothies and juices.
A calcium-rich diet which also includes vitamin D-rich foods helps eliminate most of the phosphate and oxalate in your intestines.
Reduce salt
Limiting sodium intake in food can help keep your kidneys ailment-free. Doctors recommend restricting your daily salt intake to about 2-3 grams.
Drink lots of fluids
Drinking 3-5 liters of water daily can help prevent kidney stone formation for those taking smoothies containing high levels of oxalate or phosphate.
Sufficient fluid intake ensures urine does not become highly saturated with these substances, preventing the development of calcium phosphate or oxalate crystals in your kidneys.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
