In this episode of Wellness Focused, Dr. Bismah Irfan exposes a hidden danger in renal care: many foods promoted as “superfoods” can accelerate kidney damage in patients with impaired function. She explains why generic health advice can be toxic without considering an individual’s kidney health.

Dr. Bismah discusses the “Green Smoothie Paradox,” where high-oxalate greens like spinach and kale can form calcium-oxalate crystals in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and fibrosis. She also highlights other “health halo” foods—brown rice, whole grains, starfruit, coconut water, and protein shakes—that can be risky for kidney patients.

Protective strategies include choosing low-oxalate greens, ensuring adequate calcium intake to bind oxalates, and monitoring hydration and electrolyte-rich drinks. Personalized nutrition, she emphasizes, is essential: what heals a healthy person may harm a struggling kidney.

Dr. Bismah Irfan explains why “superfoods” like spinach, kale, and coconut water can harm kidneys, and provides kidney-safe nutrition strategies for optimal health.

I’m Dr. Bismah Irfan, MD, a board-certified nephrologist and functional medicine physician. I help patients with kidney disease navigate personalized nutrition strategies to protect their kidneys while still enjoying a balanced, health-supportive diet.

Bismah Irfan, MD

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