Chicken Cutlet and Braised Snacks Aren't the Worst! Doctor Reveals Top 5 Traditional Foods 'High in Calories and Damaging to Kidneys' — One Patient Reversed Kidney Failure After Quitting for 3 Months

Night markets in Taiwan are filled with delicious food, offering many people a comforting 'small joy' after work. However, for those with weakened kidney function, frequenting night markets daily could turn into a serious health disaster. Nephrologist Dr. Hung Yung-hsiang shared on Facebook a case of a patient who, after continuously eating night market food, gained 8 kilograms in just six months, experienced worsening kidney function, and developed uremic acne on his face. Most surprisingly, the number one item on his list of 'top five kidney-damaging traditional foods' was completely unexpected.

### Top 5 Traditional Foods 'High in Calories and Damaging to Kidneys' — One Patient Reversed Kidney Failure in 3 Months

Dr. Hung recounted treating a 58-year-old male patient with pre-existing hypertension and stage 3 chronic kidney failure. Over six months, the patient inexplicably gained 8 kilograms. His kidney function markers (creatinine) worsened significantly, and he developed severe swelling in both legs and itchy 'uremic acne' on his face.

Upon detailed questioning, it was discovered that six months earlier, he and his wife had moved near a night market. Since then, they had been eating dinner at the night market every day—rotating through meat noodle soup, braised pork rice, beef noodle soup, and braised snacks—and ending each night with takeout large bubble tea and fried chicken cutlets as late-night snacks. Unknowingly, Mr. Lin had consumed excessive amounts of salt, sugar, and high concentrations of 'phosphate additives' found in processed foods, pushing his already fragile kidneys to the brink of failure.

Fortunately, after Dr. Hung strongly advised him to stop eating out and start cooking at home, the patient’s kidney function miraculously stabilized within just three months. To prevent others from making the same mistake, Dr. Hung published his 'Top 5 Kidney-Burdening Night Market Foods' ranking—check if your favorite foods made the list.

### Top 5 Kidney-Burdening Night Market Foods Ranking

#### Fifth Place: Braised Snacks (Lu Wei)

Dr. Hung points out that the biggest hidden danger in braised snacks is 'invisible salt.' The braising liquid is typically made with large amounts of soy sauce, salt, and seasonings. Ingredients absorb sodium like sponges during long soaking. Choosing processed items like sweet tofu fish, fish balls, meatballs, sausages, and beancurd skin further increases intake of chemical additives like 'phosphates,' which can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure, severe swelling, and even blood vessel calcification.

#### Fourth Place: Rich Soup Noodles (Beef Noodles, Ramen, Meat Soup Noodles)

Whether it’s the rich red broth of beef noodles, the creamy pork bone soup of ramen, or the thickened meat soup, these flavorful broths require large amounts of salt, soy sauce, and MSG. Drinking a full bowl of soup is equivalent to consuming an entire day’s recommended sodium intake. 'For kidney patients, remember the golden rule: eat the solids, don’t drink the soup. Never consume that high-sodium broth,' warns Dr. Hung.

#### Third Place: Popular Street Snacks (Salt-Baked Chicken, Fried Chicken Cutlet)

Fried chicken cutlets are a classic 'triple threat' of high oil, high salt, and high calories. The thick batter on the chicken absorbs plenty of oil during frying, and a heavy sprinkle of pepper salt afterward causes sodium levels to skyrocket. Long-term high-fat, high-salt diets can lead to obesity, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

Dr. Hung explains that kidneys are made up of countless tiny blood vessels called 'glomeruli.' Once these vessels are damaged by the 'three highs' (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol), kidney function declines irreversibly. While an occasional chicken cutlet is fine, don’t make it a weekly habit.

#### Second Place: Bubble Tea and Sugary Hand-Shaken Drinks

Many people think drinking bubble tea only leads to 'getting fat,' but excessive sugar is actually a slow, chronic 'poison' for the kidneys. Long-term overconsumption of fructose and sugar leads to obesity and insulin resistance, greatly increasing the risk of diabetes.

Clinically, 'diabetic nephropathy' is now the leading cause of dialysis (hemodialysis) in Taiwan—something to take seriously.

#### First Place: Traditional-Style Star Fruit Juice

Dr. Hung emphasizes that while star fruit is a very healthy fruit for people with normal kidney function, it is a deadly drink for those with chronic kidney failure. Star fruit contains trace amounts of a natural neurotoxin. Healthy kidneys can easily filter and excrete it, but those with impaired kidney function cannot, leading to toxin buildup in the body.

Clinically, there have been cases where kidney patients drank just one glass of star fruit juice and immediately experienced persistent hiccups, confusion, seizures, or even coma. Therefore, people with poor kidney function must absolutely avoid star fruit and star fruit juice.

Dr. Hung concludes by reminding everyone that night markets aren’t completely off-limits, and you don’t need to give up all delicious food. The key is 'smart choices.' Regardless of whether you're healthy or have a chronic illness, follow the five kidney-protecting principles: 'less salt, less sugar, less processed food, don’t drink the soup, control portion sizes'—to enjoy food happily and healthily.