HealthDay TV: Meat Kidneys

Sometimes nothing is better than a big juicy steak, am I right? And red meat every once in while is of no adverse health consequence: remember - it is all about moderation.

But new research in an upcoming journal from the American Society of Nephrology says food additives that are sometimes added to meat products may be harmful to patients with kidney disease.

People with kidney disease need to be especially cautious about additives and chemicals, because their ability to excrete them through the urine is hampered. And those with severe disease, who are on dialysis, must carefully monitor intake of things like phosphorus and potassium, so that blood amounts do not rise to dangerous levels. According to the researchers, one growing source of dietary phosphorous and potassium could be fresh meat and poultry, which is sometimes injected with a solution containing them.

What to do? Be aware that what you are eating can have a significant effect on your health, especially if you have a chronic condition such as chronic kidney disease. Until more is known, sound advice includes practicing dietary moderation and diversification...eating a wide and varied diet. And, yes, that can include the occasional steak. I'm Dr. Cindy Haines for HealthDay TV, bringing you what doctors are reading now...and why it matters.... to you.