The kidneys are the organs that purify the blood in the body and remove excess fluids. The main reasons that hinder its functioning are as follows:
1. Uncontrolled diabetes
The most important cause of kidney diseases is diabetes. High levels of sugar in the blood damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter blood over time.
2. High blood pressure (High BP)
When blood pressure increases, the blood vessels to the kidneys experience severe strain. The second main cause of kidney failure after diabetes is uncontrolled BP.
3. Excessive use of painkillers
Regular use of painkillers (NSAIDs) without a doctor’s prescription can directly affect the kidneys. This can lead to a condition called ‘nephropathy’.
4. Heredity (Polycystic Kidney Disease)
If someone in the family has kidney diseases, it is likely to be passed on to the next generation. Genetic diseases that cause kidney stones can cause this.
5. Urinary obstruction and stones
Kidney stones or prostate gland inflammation can cause urine to flow back into the kidneys. This can lead to infection and swelling in the kidneys.
6. Lifestyle and dehydration
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and not drinking enough water shorten the life of the kidneys. In addition, excessive salt consumption in the diet also puts an excessive workload on the kidneys.
3 super tips to protect the kidneys:
Drink plenty of water: Drinking at least 2-3 liters of water a day will help flush out toxins.
Reduce salt: Reducing the amount of salt in the diet will help control blood pressure and reduce strain on the kidneys.
Regular check-ups: People with diabetes or BP should get their creatinine and urine tests done at least once a year.