Kidney disease is a growing health concern in India and lifestyle factors play an important role in the development of kidney disease, so it is important to understand the symptoms and preventive measures. In today’s rush and rush world, where people can access things at their finger tips, health seems to have taken a back seat and fast food, long hours of sitting, increased stress levels have led to many unnecessary ill health. Problems especially in the younger generation.
Lack of adequate sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity have added to the current problem and for this people are taking more over the counter (OTC) painkillers. Diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart attacks are on the rise in India due to these lifestyle factors but it is a surprising fact that only 10% of people with kidney disease are known to be suffering from kidney disease.
Lifestyle factors leading to kidney disease:
The main reason is that the symptoms of kidney failure are not visible until the last stage, they are not noticeable and there is a lack of public awareness about it. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sharad Seth, Consultant and Head of Nephrology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, revealed, “One of the primary lifestyle factors leading to kidney disease is an unhealthy diet. Consuming foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fat can increase the risk of kidney disease. This is because Such a diet can lead to high blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for kidney disease.
He added, “Smoking is another lifestyle factor that causes kidney disease. Smoking not only increases the risk of kidney disease but also makes it harder for the kidneys to function properly. This is because smoking can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing blood flow and reducing the kidney’s ability to filter waste from the blood. Lack of physical activity is also a contributing factor to kidney disease. Physical inactivity can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, all of which are risk factors for kidney disease. Therefore, it is essential to engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Symptoms of kidney disease:
Dr. Sharad Seth said, “Symptoms of kidney disease can vary according to the stage of the disease. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and muscle cramps. Swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles and changes in urination may also occur.”
According to Dr Neha Punatar, Nephrology Consultant at PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar, the possible warning signs of kidney disease are:
- Extreme fatigue
- trouble sleeping
- Dry and itchy skin
- Urge to urinate more frequently
- Drop in urine output
- Blood in the urine or blood in the urine
- Swelling around the eyes
- Swollen feet
- less appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cramps in the muscles
- Shortness of breath
Prevention Tips:
Dr Sharad Seth suggested, “Prevention measures for kidney disease include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking and managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water and avoiding sugary drinks. Regular health checkups are also important for early detection and management of kidney disease. People at high risk of kidney disease, such as those with a family history of the disease, should be especially vigilant in getting regular checkups.”
Adding to the list of preventative measures for healthy kidneys, Dr Neha Punatar advises:
- Make healthy food choices – eat fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and whole grain products, cut back on salt and sugar, avoid processed foods, eat low-fat foods.
- Be active – Make physical activity a part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily.
- Aim for a healthy weight – avoid obesity
- Get enough sleep – 7 to 8 hours of good sleep is essential
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Explore stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation
- Drink enough water – avoid dehydration
- Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control
- Be careful when taking OTC painkillers
- The only way to be sure is to get yourself tested. Tests like sr. Creatinine (blood test) and urine spot albumin to creatinine ratio (urine test) help diagnose kidney disease.
- It’s especially important to get evaluated annually if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are over 60, obese, have heart or liver disease, a family history of kidney disease, kidney stones, prostrate problems, have taken or are taking long-term pain relievers. Past kidney injury.
The good news is that with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the outlook for kidney disease is bright. Lifestyle factors play an important role in the development of kidney disease. By making healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing kidney disease. Early detection and management of the disease can also help prevent it from progressing to more serious stages.