In Hainan, a pot of seafood soup simmered over low heat holds the most authentic island flavor.
Fresh shrimp, plump shellfish, and tender sea fish slowly release their freshness and sweetness in the soup, which is clear and fragrant. It is not only a warm and comforting staple on family dinner tables, but also regarded by many as a daily health supplement.
But many people have doubts in their minds while drinking: "Seafood is high in purine, will drinking too much soup damage the kidneys?"
Is this bowl of seafood soup, which Hainan people both love and fear, a health recipe or a health hazard?
For this reason, we conducted an exclusive interview with Chen Wen, the director of the Nephrology Department at Hainan Chengmei Hospital, to teach everyone how to drink soup scientifically without harming their kidneys.
Seafood is very nutritious, so why would improper consumption harm the kidneys?
Director Chen Wen bluntly stated: Seafood is inherently a good thing, rich in high-quality protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and various trace elements. Eating it in moderation is indeed beneficial to health.
However, the key to "health preservation" lies in moderation and science. The kidneys are like the "purification factories" of the human body. If they are "overworked" by the ingredients in seafood soup for a long time, they may be quietly damaged.
Director Chen Wen summarized that there are two major risks of kidney damage when drinking seafood soup improperly:
Risk 1: High purine levels can lead to excessive uric acid, potentially damaging the kidneys
Seafood is mostly high in purine. Purine is metabolized into uric acid in the body, which needs to be excreted by the kidneys.
Drinking seafood soup in large quantities over a long period of time → excessive production of uric acid
Failure of kidney excretion → hyperuricemia
Uric acid salt deposition in the kidneys → gouty nephropathy
In severe cases, it may even induce kidney failure
Risk 2: Excessive salt content, leading to a "vicious cycle of kidney damage"
In order to make the soup fresh and flavorful, many people will add excessive amounts of salt and soy sauce, or use salted fish and shrimp. The result is that the soup tastes fresh, but the salt content is also seriously excessive.
High salt intake → kidneys desperately excrete sodium → kidney function damage
High salt intake → Induced hypertension
Hypertension → further kidney damage, ultimately leading to a vicious cycle: kidney damage → hypertension → even more kidney damage
In addition, contaminated seafood may contain heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium, which can directly damage kidney cells if ingested over a long period of time.
True case: Developing kidney disease after consuming two bowls of seafood soup every day
Clinically, Director Chen Wen has treated numerous patients who developed health issues due to their "love for seafood soup".
There is a local patient from Hainan in his fifties who drinks two bowls of heavy-flavored seafood soup every day, and eats less vegetables and drinks less water in general.
Later, symptoms such as lower limb edema and general fatigue gradually emerged. Upon examination, it was found that the blood uric acid level was significantly elevated, indicating kidney dysfunction. The diagnosis was gouty nephropathy. After treatment and strict dietary adjustments, the condition gradually improved.
"There are indeed many such patients, and many of them are due to minor dietary oversights that unknowingly cause their kidneys to 'overdraw'," said Director Chen Wen.
Can I still drink the seafood soup?
Yes!
Remember these 4 points, and drink with confidence
Experts say that seafood soup is not undrinkable, but it is crucial to consume it in a "scientific way".
Here is a simple and easy-to-remember soup-drinking guide for you:
Control frequency and amount for healthy adults: 2-3 times per week, with a total seafood intake of 100-150 grams per meal
Choose the right seafood and avoid pitfalls ✅ Prioritize: sea cucumber, jellyfish (low purine) ❌ Limit: shellfish, sardine and other high-purine seafood
Cook lightly, with less salt and seasoning. Stewing and steaming are best, avoid heavy salt and sauce. Use ginger and lemon to enhance freshness. It's healthy and delicious
"Combination + Drink plenty of water, double the kidney protection. Soup ingredients: winter melon, broccoli, and other vegetables rich in vitamin C, help excrete uric acid. Drink plenty of water after consuming: 1500-2000 ml per day, promote the excretion of uric acid."
Many people in Hainan are making these kidney-protection mistakes
In addition to seafood soup, Director Chen Wen also reminded everyone not to fall into these common misunderstandings:
Back pain ≠ kidney deficiency. Don't blindly take tonics, as they may increase the burden on your kidneys
Drinking cold drinks excessively in hot weather and indulging in cold foods for a long time can damage the spleen and stomach, indirectly affecting the kidneys
Drinking more water is not necessarily better, as excessive intake can also increase kidney pressure
The simplest kidney care strategy: remember these 4 things
Maintaining kidney health doesn't rely on heavy tonification, but on daily habits:
Diet: low salt, low fat, moderate protein intake, with daily salt intake less than 5 grams
Lifestyle: Don't stay up late, get enough sleep
Habit: Don't hold back on urination, urinate promptly when needed
Medication: Do not use folk remedies or health products indiscriminately, and avoid nephrotoxic drugs
Want to enjoy seafood soup but afraid of damaging your kidneys? Remember: drink less, cook lightly, choose the right ingredients, and drink plenty of water after consumption. You can still enjoy the deliciousness of seafood while staying healthy and at ease
Expert Introduction
Chen Wen, Director of Nephrology Department
Chief Physician, Professor, Master's Supervisor
Outstanding Experts with Outstanding Contributions in Hainan Province
Leading talent in Hainan Province
Key experts directly connected with the Hainan Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government
Medical expertise
Specializes in primary glomerular disease, IGA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, hypertensive nephropathy, uric acid nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy; especially proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of critical and complex diseases, as well as clinical pathological diagnosis and treatment in nephrology; proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of indications and complications of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis; proficient in the establishment of temporary and long-term vascular dialysis access and peritoneal dialysis access, as well as the management of complications.
Source | China News Service, Hainan Channel