Good Lifestyle

Your kidneys Serve several important functions in the body. Not only do they work hard to eliminate liquids and waste over 200 liters from your blood per day, but they also produce hormones that help control your blood pressure, keep your bones in good health, control pH levels and produce red blood cells.

"They also play [also] an essential role in water balance and regulate important levels of minerals in our body such as sodium, potassium and calcium," explains the nephrologist Kalyani Perumal , MD, medical director of dialysis in the department of kidney diseases at Cook County Health .

Perumal stresses that kidney disease is one of the fastest growth epidemics in the United States, with one in three adults at risk of developing the condition.

"About 37 million American adults have kidney disease, and most of them ignore them," she said. "Kidney disease is often called a" silent killer "because many have no symptoms until it has reached late stages."

However, despite being an essential organ, many of us have put our kidneys through daily writer. This is why we contacted doctors to find out more about do and things to do kidney health. Read the rest to learn the eight ways that you silently damage your kidneys.

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According to Mayo Clinic, artificial sweeteners can be Sure for healthy adults consume in moderation. However, "certain research on the daily use in the long -term use of artificial sweeteners suggest a link with a higher risk of stroke, heart disease and death overall," recognize their experts.

A study suggests that food soda done with artificial sweeteners can also hinder your kidney health.

"Several years ago, he was reported in a 11 -year research study made by the Harvard Medical School of more than 3,000 women that Diet Soda was associated with a doubled increase in the decline in kidney health, ” S. Adam Ramin , MD, urologist and medical director of Urology cancer specialists In Los Angeles, California, noting that the same results have not been reproduced in a study of sweet soft drinks.

This has led researchers to conclude that the negative effects on the kidneys are associated with artificial sweeteners found in these drinks.

"My advice: stick to water," urges the urologist. "It has no calories and is so much better for almost all organ systems in your body, including your kidneys."

"Because caffeine is a stimulant, too can increase blood pressure, which increases stress on the kidneys and makes them" overdouez ", explains Ramin, adding that long -term effects may include kidney failure.

"Avoid the risk by reducing your contribution to no more than one or two daily cups of coffee," he said. However, if you have a known kidney condition, it is better to speak with a doctor or dietitian recorded on the amount of caffeine safe for you.

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People with chronic kidney disease or history of kidney stones should always speak with their doctor before starting a new supplement. However, some of supplements , in particular, could harm this vital organ.

Angela Dori , Pharmd, pharmaceutical patient consultant and Creator of medical content , previously told Best life This "mega doses" of vitamin C can be particularly harmful because "excess vitamin C is excreted as oxalate, which can form kidney stones".

In addition, a 2023 Study concluded that a "high and toxic dose of vitamin C has proven to cause hyperoxaluria and complications as an acute renal lesion".

Dori also underlined calcium supplements, especially if they are taken with Vitamin C. "Calcium is excreted through urine, and most kidney stones are made up of calcium and oxalate," she said.

Staying hydrated helps everything, from your mood and your energy levels to blood pressure and heart health. It also helps your kidneys work properly.

"A common habit that can damage the kidneys is not to drink enough water," says family doctor certified by the board of directors Laura Purdy , MD. "Dehydration can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, which can put tension on the kidneys. It is essential to drink enough water to keep the body hydrated and help the kidneys eliminate waste and toxins. ”

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Minimize your salt consumption May have a significant impact on your kidney health, especially if you already have a known kidney problem.

According to the NKF, healthy adults can plan to consume 2,300 mg of sodium per day, while those with renal disease or high blood pressure should be limited to 1,500 mg per day.

"The problem is that when you Eat too much salt , the kidneys react while keeping the water in order to dilute it, "explains the Ramin." This is a protective measure which helps to balance the chemical levels of the blood circulation, which is necessary to keep our heart in working order. Over time, puting so much stress on the kidneys can damage them and the heart muscle. »»

There are many evidence that suggests that animal proteins acquire the kidneys when working to remove waste from blood circulation, red meat exceeding the list.

Ramin warns that, in particular, frequent consumption of red meat has been linked to an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Although undoubtedly painful, kidney stones are not the worst possible result linked to the heavy red diets of meat.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that Red meat contribution was "strongly associated" with the risk of terminal kidney disease (ESRD) in a dose dependent way (which means that the more frequently consumed red meat, the higher their risk). Meanwhile, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products were not correlated at an increased risk of ESRD.

The study authors and the RAMIN recommend exchanging red meat for plant proteins as far as possible. Nuts and seeds, whole grains, beans and legumes and vegetables rich in protein such as peas and broccoli are all considered as renal sanic options.

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According to a study in 2022 published in the journal Nutrition , Study of subjects that have eaten the greatest quantity of ultra-transformed foods had the highest impact of chronic kidney disease.

"The human body and its filtration system, including the kidneys, were not designed to treat" fast foods "that our society consumes so easily today", explains Ramin Best life . "Too much of these foods over too much time, effectively close how our body manages the waste of them."

The urologist adds that if many health professionals boast eating "everything in moderation", this can be a misleading concept, especially with regard to fast food.

"The idea of a person's moderation could be the next idea of the excessive person. Instead, focus on incorporating or increasing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and water in your diet," he advises. "This will help leave much less room for foods that can ultimately ruin your kidney health."

According to the NKF, drink Four alcoholic drinks daily May double your risk of chronic kidney disease. Being a smoker can worsen this risk.

"Big drumers who smoke also have an even higher risk of kidney problems. Smokers who are heavy drinkers have about five times the possibility of developing a chronic kidney disease that people who do not smoke or drink alcohol," writes the organization.

Likewise, people who abuse pain relievers or other drugs are more likely to develop kidney problems, says the NKF. This is true for over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers. "Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never review the recommended dose," urges their experts.