Mega Doctor News
Your kidneys, two bean-shaped organs nestled below your rib cage, work tirelessly, filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood, regulating blood pressure, and even producing hormones crucial for red blood cell production.
Yet, kidney disease often progresses silently, including significantly reduced kidney function, with many unaware of its presence until significant damage has occurred.
This makes understanding kidney health, separating fact from fiction, and taking proactive steps to protect these vital organs paramount.
Myths Versus Reality
Many misconceptions surround the causes of kidney disease. Let’s debunk some of them:
Myth: Only people with diabetes or high blood pressure are at risk for kidney disease.
Fact: While diabetes and hypertension are leading causes, other factors like autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus), certain medications (including some over-the-counter pain relievers when used excessively), genetic conditions (polycystic kidney disease), infections, and even prolonged dehydration can contribute to kidney damage.
Myth: Drinking lots of water flushes out toxins and prevents kidney disease.
Fact: While staying hydrated is essential for overall health and kidney function, excessive water intake won’t necessarily prevent kidney disease. It’s more about consistent, healthy hydration than sheer volume.
True Silent Kidney Killers
Heavy drinking can harm the kidneys over time, but moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to cause kidney disease.
Holding your urine for too long can cause kidney damage. When you urinate, you filter waste out of your blood. If you don’t urinate, waste can build up and damage your kidneys.
Prolonged or excessive use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can impact kidney health, especially with prolonged or excessive use, because they can cause inflammation in the kidney tissue, disrupt blood flow to the kidneys, or directly damage the cells responsible for filtering waste products.
High-salt diets can increase blood pressure, which can harm kidneys as can diets high in protein.
Eating too much sugar can lead to obesity, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Processed foods can be high in sodium and phosphorus, which can harm kidneys.
Protecting Your Kidneys with Proactive Steps
While some forms of acute kidney injury can be reversed with prompt treatment, chronic kidney disease often progresses over time, and the damage can become irreversible. Prevention, early detection and management are crucial to slowing progression and preventing complications.
Nephrologist Nikhita Gadi emphasizes the importance of preventative measures: “Protecting your kidneys is largely about managing overall health. Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar through lifestyle modifications and medication, if necessary, is paramount. Regular exercise, a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods, and maintaining a healthy weight are also crucial.”
Dr. Gadi also warns against the overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers, especially NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. “These medications can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and, over time, contribute to damage. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication regularly, especially if you have pre-existing kidney issues.”
If kidney function continues to worsen, to 45% or less, patients are placed on stricter diets limiting fluid intake, protein, salt, potassium, and phosphorus becomes essential to manage the disease and prevent further complications.
Taking Charge of Your Kidney Health
By understanding the real risks, dispelling myths, and adopting a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney disease and protect these vital organs for years to come. If you have any concerns about your kidney health, consult your doctor or a nephrologist for personalized advice and guidance. Resources like the Kidney Cancer Resource Center at Hackensack University Medical Center offer valuable support and information for those facing specific kidney-related cancer.
Kidney disease is a significant health problem, and the numbers are indeed on the rise. It’s estimated that 1 in 7 American adults, or 37 million people, are living with chronic kidney disease. For more information or an interview on this topic during March, Kidney Health Awareness Month, contact: mary.mcgeever@hmhn.org.
