5 habits that can harm kidney health

5 habits that can harm kidney health


The doctor explains how everyday situations can cause serious damage to the organ

The kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste and excess water from the body, however, when inappropriate habits are adopted, this ability is compromised, compromising the overall health of the body. To give you an idea, according to an estimate by the World Organization for World Kidney Day, approximately 10% of the world’s population suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by being a lesion with progressive and irreversible loss of function. renal.




In this sense, some practices must be avoided and precautions taken to maintain the health of the organ, as highlighted by Dr. Bruno Zawadzki, medical director of DaVita (kidney care network):

1. Poor water intake and excess salt

How we manage our routine can directly influence ours renal function. Low water intake, for example, can build up solutes and form crystals, which later cause kidney stones. In turn, excess salt in the diet overloads the kidneys and increases blood pressure.

2. Excessive sugar consumption

Controlling blood sugar (glycemia) levels and monitoring blood pressure are essential, as is regular exercise to help maintain an ideal weight. This is because diabetes, hypertension and obesity are identified as important risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease.

3. Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the main steps towards this goal take care of your kidneys. “Smoking represents a relevant risk factor for chronic kidney disease, as well as being related to several diseases,” explains Dr. Bruno Zawadzki, who adds: “This happens because the absorbed chemicals reach the kidneys through the bloodstream.”



Indiscriminate use of drugs can damage kidney health

4. Alcoholic beverages and over-the-counter medications

As with smoking, the health director underlines, the same happens with excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. “Alcohol carries toxins and aggressive components to the kidneys and liver, can cause hypertension and turn into kidney problems,” adds Dr. Bruno Zawadzki, who also suggests avoiding drugs indiscriminately, especially without medical advice.

5. Hold urine

Dr. Bruno Zawadzki also draws attention to the act of hold urine for a long time, because when the storage capacity of the bladder reaches a certain volume, the body puts the nervous system on alert. “Urine retention can cause urinary tract infections and even promote the formation of kidney stones,” adds the specialist.

Consult a specialist

When faced with symptoms such as changes in the color and odor of urine, insomnia and the presence of foam in the urine, it is important to consult a nephrologist. Patients with comorbidities should undergo creatinine testing annually and check for protein loss in the urine.

By Juliana Batista de Moraes

Source: Terra

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