Dr Sashi Kiran A, Consultant Nephrologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, says that the incidence and prevalence of kidney diseases are increasing. "It’s going to be a major public health concern as it involves not just physical but also financial and psychological burden on the patient and in-turn the country’s economy," says Dr Kiran. (Pics: Pexels, Freepik)
Dr Sashi Kiran adds, "It’s important to educate the public about kidney health and prevent kidney diseases from occurring since kidney diseases often go undetected until it’s very advanced. It might come as a surprise to the common man that the following habits may damage his kidneys." Read on.
One of the common risk factors to cause kidney damage is the frequent consumption of over-the-counter painkillers.
Though it’s well known that smoking can damage the lungs and heart, little do people realise that it can damage their kidneys too. Smokers have protein in urine which is an early marker of kidney disease.
Alcoholism or excessive alcohol intake not just damages the liver but also the kidneys.
Salt is one the biggest killers of the kidneys next to painkillers. High salt intake increases blood pressure and therefore increases the risk of developing kidney disease.
This leads to obesity which in turn leads to the development of diabetes and hypertension, the two most common factors that cause kidney disease.
This leads to excessive accumulation of acids in the body that not only causes acidosis but also damages the kidney.
Adequate water intake is essential for eliminating the toxins in the body. Staying hydrated is essential to prevent the development of kidney stones.
Short sleep duration (6 hours or less) and poor sleep quality are risk factors for the development of kidney disease.
Sitting is the new analog of smoking. A sedentary lifestyle increases the development of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes which are the main risk factors of kidney disease.
Excessive consumption of junk food is bad not just for the heart but kidneys too.