7 Key Things to Steer Clear of for Optimal Kidney Health

Adopting an active lifestyle and a healthy diet may help prevent kidney diseases. However, several conditions can increase your chances of kidney injury or illness.

Introduction

The kidneys, a cornerstone of renal science, filter waste, balance electrolytes, and regulate blood pressure, all of which contribute to our general health. Despite their importance, many people ignore the habits and lifestyle choices that can impair kidney function. As the prevalence of chronic kidney disease grows worldwide, it is becoming increasingly important to implement policies that protect these vital organs.

Understanding of Optimal Kidney Health

Renal illness is a growing epidemic in India.  Approximately 10 percent of the Indian population suffers from chronic kidney disorder (CKD), and every year over one lakh cases of renal failure are reported.

The expanding population outweighs the natural risk factors for getting such diseases, one of which is age. However, this condition is increasingly affecting persons as young as 30 to 40 years old.

Modern lifestyles cause more stress, and the younger generation's poor behaviors make them more susceptible to kidney disorders. Diabetes and hypertension, together with obesity, contribute to the environment of problems that lead to renal disease. 

Exposure to dirty food, water, and air has also had a significant impact on health. Because the majority of these diseases are caused by lifestyle choices, there are a few steps you may take to lower your risk of developing renal disease. 

To make things easier, start by avoiding the seven things that lead to renal failure. These are lifestyle-related disorders that can be monitored if you change your lifestyle.

7 Things to Preserve Your Renal Health

These guidelines are known as the "7 Things to Preserve Your Renal Health." They are stress, smoking, salt, sugar, sleep deprivation, sedentary lifestyle, and spirit-free. 

1. Stress: The majority of diseases, including renal problems, are caused by stress. Today's lifestyle is extremely demanding and fast-paced, putting us under constant physical and emotional stress. Stress raises blood pressure and blood sugar levels, exposing the body to stressful diabetogenic hormones, which add to the burden on your kidneys.

2. Smoking: Smoking is extremely harmful to your health and can exacerbate the situation by causing the arteries to spasm for an extended period, restricting blood supply to vital organs such as the kidney. It also conflicts with high blood pressure medications. Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer. If you smoke and stop smoking, your risk will decrease. However, it will take several years to return to the risk level of a nonsmoker.

3. Salt: Many foods contain salt, which helps people maintain a good fluid balance. However, chronic kidney disease indicates that your kidneys are unable to eliminate extra sodium and fluid from the body. The best thing you can do is minimise your sodium intake. Processed and cured meats (bacon, ham, deli meat, smoked meats and cheese), as well as pickles, olives, salad dressings, marinades, soups and salted snack items, are high in sodium. Many fast foods have significant levels of sodium and fat. Taking the salt shaker off the dining table is also a smart idea. Instead of salt, flavour meals with herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Look for reduced-sodium and low-sodium items instead of the standard high-sodium variety.

4. Sugar: Don't just avoid sugar in your beverages; also limit its use in your meals. Drive your grocery cart to the store's perimeter, where you'll find all of the fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish. Stay away from the centre aisles, which are piled with highly processed items. If you enjoy takeout or gourmet meals, you might want to change your behaviors. Instead of eating at eateries/cafes/restaurants that provide food high in sugar, seed oils, and sodium, try becoming an adept chef yourself. If time is a concern, try kidney-friendly meal packs.

5. Sleep: Sleep deprivation is bad for your overall health because it is the time when your organs replenish and recover their utility, allowing you to face the challenges of the next day. Sleeping less than 7 hours is a big risk factor for heart attacks.

6. Sedentary: A sedentary lifestyle, defined by extended periods of inactivity, can have serious consequences for overall health, including renal function. With modern conveniences and the popularity of desk employment, many people are living less active lives, which can be harmful to their kidneys.

7. Spirit: Spirit or alcohol raises blood sugar levels, which contributes to kidney problems. Besides weakening the liver and heart, it may also contribute to pot belly.

How to Improve Kidney Health

Your kidneys are essential for your overall health. These organs perform a variety of duties, including digesting body waste and producing hormones. That is why maintaining good kidney health should be a primary priority. Maintaining an active, health-conscious lifestyle is the most effective way to keep your kidneys healthy. If you have a chronic health condition that puts you at risk for kidney damage or kidney disease, you should work closely with your doctor to look for indicators of renal function loss.

Conclusion

Maintaining your kidney health is critical for overall health and quality of life. You can dramatically lower your risk of kidney damage and illness by avoiding excessive salt intake, dehydration, high-sugar diets, usage of painkillers, high-protein diets, alcohol, smoking, and failing to address underlying health concerns. Adopting a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and living a healthy lifestyle improves not only your kidneys but also your overall health. Your dietitian can help you choose the right items for the kidney diet and eat them in moderation.

At Marengo Asia Hospitals, our team of urologists specializes in providing advanced kidney care for everything from prevention to the treatment of kidney-related conditions like kidney stones and chronic kidney disease. With the personal advice of our experts and dietitians, ensure the best care for your kidneys. Trust Marengo Asia Hospitals for comprehensive urological care tailored to your needs.