Dr Amit Nagarik, Senior Consultant Nephrologist, Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, Navi
Mumbai.
Remember that just like your heart, lung and liver, kidneys are also important. Many people fail to pay attention to their kidney health, suffer in silence, and as a result, their quality of life is compromised. Kidney diseases are quietly increasing across all age groups, yet most People remain unaware of how vital kidneys are and how easily they can be protected with timely care and lifestyle changes.
Kidney problems are far more common today than many people realise. With the rising burden of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and unhealthy eating habits, kidney disease has become a major public health concern. Currently, kidney disease is commonly seen not only in the older population but also in youngsters and demands timely care.
What makes kidney disease dangerous?
Understand that it tends to develop silently, without clear warning signs in the early stages. As a result, many people are diagnosed only when damage has already occurred. Despite this growing problem, awareness about kidney health remains low, and several myths continue to mislead people. There is also misinformation widely circulated on social media regarding kidney health that prevents people from seeking timely care.
How Common Are Kidney Problems Today?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing rapidly, especially in countries like India. Millions of people are living with reduced kidney function, and many do not even know it. Factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure, frequent painkiller use, dehydration, infections, and poor diet will give a tough time to the kidneys. Young adults aged 30-45 can also be affected due to stress, junk food, lack of exercise, and irregular health checkups.
Apart from CKD, other issues such as acute kidney injury (AKI), kidney stones, and glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the glomeruli, which are the tiny filters inside the kidneys is also seen in many patients. There can also be a surge in polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can cause them to enlarge and lose function over time. It is advisable to stay alert in view of rising kidney problems.
Understanding the importance of kidney health:
The kidneys are organs that work to filter your blood and flush out toxins from the body. Your kidneys are part of your urinary system and are located below your rib cage and in your lower back.
Kidneys play a pivotal role in keeping the body healthy.
- They will help to filter waste and toxins from the blood, remove excess water, and regulate blood pressure.
- They will also make sure to balance minerals like sodium and potassium, and help produce red blood cells.
But, kidney function can be impacted, causing disruption in these functions and can steal the peace of mind. So, when kidneys fail, toxins tend to build up in the body, leading to concerning signs and symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, swelling, heart problems, weak bones, and poor immunity.
These symptoms should be managed promptly, as healthy kidneys are essential for overall well-being.
Ignorance and lack of awareness can prevent people from seeking timely help:
The kidney disease progresses silently. Many people ignore symptoms like fatigue, swelling, changes in
urination, or high blood pressure. Routine kidney tests are often skipped unless a serious problem arises. Self-medication, unmonitored use of painkillers, can take a toll on the kidneys.
When it comes to kidney stones, herbal remedies, such as having basil juice, apple cider vinegar, or celery juice, or even taking herbal supplements, which are not backed by experts, can further damage kidney health.
Lack of awareness leads to delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options. Unregulated use of herbal medicine can harm the kidneys. So, don’t follow any post on social media that advocates a herbal cure for kidney problems.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are life-saving:
The expert will examine you, take down the history, and recommend blood and urine tests to determine the extent of the kidney damage at an early stage. With timely treatment, lifestyle changes, and proper medication, patients can avoid dialysis or kidney failure. Regular monitoring is crucial for people with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or a family history of kidney problems. Preventing kidney
disease is necessary to reduce the emotional and financial burden of long-term treatment like
dialysis or transplantation.
Tips to protect your kidneys:
It is the need of the hour to keep the kidneys safe.
- Drink water as advised by the doctor,
- control blood sugar and blood pressure levels,
- cut down on salt intake, and
- Avoid processed foods.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid self-medication
- Exercise regularly
- quit smoking and alcohol
- Get regular kidney function tests if you are at risk
Timely diagnosis and treatment will help the patients to improve the functioning of their kidneys.