How does eating eggs regularly affect kidney health?

Eggs are rich in protein and nutrients, but eating too many or eating them improperly can affect the kidneys, especially in people with chronic kidney disease.

Eating eggs the right way can offer many health benefits. Photo: Freepik .

Eggs are a familiar food in daily meals thanks to their high nutritional value, reasonable price, and ease of preparation. Many people worry that eating eggs regularly may increase the burden on the kidneys due to their high protein content. However, experts say that the impact of eggs on kidney health depends on each individual's health condition and consumption amount.

Egg whites may offer unexpected benefits for the kidneys.

According to Health Digest, not all parts of an egg have the same impact on kidney health. Nutrition experts say that egg whites are considered one of the best sources of high-quality protein suitable for people with chronic kidney disease.

Unlike egg yolks, egg whites contain very little phosphorus—a mineral that the kidneys must excrete from the body. When kidney function declines, phosphorus can accumulate in the blood, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, blood vessel damage, and cardiovascular complications.

A study published in the Journal of Renal Care tracked dialysis patients and found that replacing one serving of meat per day with pasteurized egg whites for six weeks improved blood phosphorus levels while slightly increasing protein intake. The results showed that patients could still get enough protein without increasing the burden on their kidneys.

Do not discard the egg yolk entirely.

While egg whites are highly valued for kidney health, that doesn't mean the yolk is the "harmful" part. In fact, most of the vitamins and minerals in an egg are concentrated in the yolk.

Egg yolks provide vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, choline, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that play important roles for the brain, eyes, and immune system. Therefore, healthy people don't necessarily need to eat only egg whites.

Experts recommend that people with chronic kidney disease, or those needing to control phosphorus or cholesterol levels, consult their doctor to adjust the ratio of egg whites to yolks. Meanwhile, for people with normal kidney function, eating whole eggs in moderation remains a healthy nutritional choice.

Egg whites are considered one of the best sources of high-quality protein suitable for people with chronic kidney disease. Photo: Shutterstock.

What happens if you eat too many eggs?

According to the National Kidney Association of America, although nutritious, eating too many eggs over a long period can lead to nutritional imbalances if they replace green vegetables, fruits, and other protein sources.

Egg yolks contain relatively high levels of cholesterol and phosphorus. Regularly consuming large quantities of eggs along with processed foods such as sausages, bacon, or fried foods can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. These factors indirectly affect kidney health.

In addition, people with chronic kidney disease need to pay special attention to their protein intake. As kidney function declines, processing waste products from protein becomes more difficult, leading to fatigue, edema, or electrolyte imbalances.

How to eat eggs in a way that's good for your kidneys?

Experts recommend that healthy individuals can eat about one egg per day as part of a balanced diet. It's important to combine this with green vegetables, whole grains, and adequate water intake.

To minimize unwanted effects on the kidneys and cardiovascular system, it is recommended to:

• Prefer boiled or steamed eggs instead of deep-fried ones.
• Avoid eating them with foods that are too salty or high in saturated fat.
• People with kidney disease should consult their doctor or a nutritionist to adjust their egg yolk and protein intake accordingly.
• Boiled eggs will spoil quickly if left out. Refrigerate them within 2 hours.

Furthermore, eggs are also a food at risk of bacterial contamination if not stored or processed properly. Salmonella bacteria are the most frequently mentioned culprit, and can survive on the eggshell or in the egg yolk before being fully cooked.

Experts recommend cooking eggs thoroughly before eating them, avoiding raw eggs or dishes containing unpasteurized eggs such as homemade mayonnaise, homemade whipped cream, or some types of pastries with raw egg fillings.

Source: https://znews.vn/an-trung-thuong-xuyen-suc-khoe-than-thay-doi-ra-sao-post1656103.html