Good Lifestyle

When we think of kidney health, we tend to go directly to sodium And hydration . If you don't eat a lot of salt or are seriously dehydrated, you probably think that your kidneys are doing very well. But these vital organs - they filter your blood, eliminate toxins and produce certain hormones - are much more complex than we sometimes give them.

In fact, the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) believe that chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 out of 7 American adults . This represents around 35.5 million people, or 14% of the population. Even more alarming is that up to 90% of these Americans do not know that they have MCDs, a condition in which the kidneys are damaged over time and cannot effectively filter blood. This can cause an accumulation of liquid and toxins in the body, and it may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Another worrying fact is that doctors say that certain common "healthy" habits could silently harm your kidneys. But the good news is that these things are easy enough to change to put your kidney health on the right track.

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Of all the comments we received, eat Too much protein was the most common "healthy" habit that can harm your kidneys. This often comes into play when people consume excessive protein shakes as part of a fitness diet.

"Eating double or triple the recommended protein does not build more muscle, it simply makes overtime on your kidneys," said Certified urologist from the board of directors David Shusterman , Md.

In fact, a 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) has linked protein -rich diets to an increased incidence of new appearance CKD because your kidneys are responsible for filtering blood proteins. Over time, this additional tension can cause serious problems.

Nephrologist TIM PFLEDERE , MD, chief doctor of Néphrologie à feuilles persistantes , add that proteins consumed from animal meat are particularly dangerous for people with chronic kidney disease.

Try this instead: Of course, it would be counterproductive to completely eliminate proteins from your diet. This is why Pflederer recommends abandoning animal sources and opting for plant proteins such as legumes, soy, nuts and whole grains such as quinoa and lenses.

Research also supports this: a study in 2021 published in the journal Nutrients concluded that vegetarian regimes improve the body's ability to manage the complications of the IRC.

More generally, Shusterman advises to keep track of your protein intake: "Think of 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, unless your doctor says the opposite."

It seems that there is an additional cost for all days, and indeed, the supplements market in the United States increases by billions of dollars. However, as vitamins and supplements are not pre-approved by Food & Drug Administration (FDA), there is a lot of disinformation and improper use.

At this point, doctors warn that Some supplements , especially when taken in high doses, can damage your kidneys.

Turmeric, vitamin C in high doses and high -dose calcium can all cause kidney stones, while vitamin D can be problematic for those who have CKDs.

"Vitamin D supplements can interact with phosphate binders containing aluminum often used in patients with chronic kidney disease to reduce phosphate levels in the blood", " HAVY NGO-HAMILTON , Pharmd, a Buzzrx clinical consultant , previously told Best life . "Consequently, vitamin D can cause harmful levels of aluminum in people with chronic kidney disease."

Although less common, potassium supplements are also dangerous, as are plant supplements that you may not make potassium. "People with chronic kidney disease, including those under dialysis, must monitor their potassium intake to prevent the accumulation of potassium in the blood," said NGO-Hamilton.

Try this instead: The supplements are not intrinsically bad. If you plan to take it, speak first with your doctor, who can alert you to potential side effects or medication interactions.

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Detoxication teas claim that they can rid your body of toxins and excess waste, while promoting weight loss. However, there are few supporting scientific evidence, and Shusterman points out that these products can even harm your kidneys.

On the one hand, these teas contain diuretics, which increase your urine flow (hence the rapid "weight loss"). This can cause dehydration and electrolytic imbalances, which can both filter the kidneys.

Destoxication teas also generally contain ingredients based on unregulated plants such as the licorice root, Saint-Jean must and the Séné leaf, which are all known to be harmful to the kidneys.

Try this instead: "The best detoxification is that your body already has, your kidneys," advises Shusterman. “Support them with whole foods, fibers and hydration. Avoid modes, trust your biology. "

Yes, it is possible to over-hydrate, especially when you lower an excessive amount of water in a short time.

As Calm explains , "Your kidneys are responsible for balance the amount of water and electrolytes (like sodium) in your body, but they can only treat 0.8 to 1.0 liter of water per hour. If you drink water faster than your kidneys can filter it, electrolytes in your blood circulation can dilute."

"This is a problem because sodium helps regulate the balance of fluids inside and outside your cells - and if it is too little, this can cause swelling," continue their experts. "This can affect different parts of your body, including your brain, which can cause serious symptoms and, in very rare cases, deadly conditions."

Try this instead: Shusterman says his general rule is to drink when you are thirsty. He also underlines that your urine should look pale yellow if you are properly hydrated.

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxene (Aleve) are over-the-counter drugs to reduce pain, inflammation and fever.

Since they are non -addictive (like dangerous opioids) and so easily available, many people take them without a second reflection. However, exaggeration of NSAIDs is "a quick path of renal stress," says Shusterman.

"NSAIDs restrict blood flow in the renal arteries, which over time alters the filtration process, and this may mean a drop in renal function on prolonged use, even with regular low -dose use" pain expert Thomas Pontinen , MD, previously said Best life .

"It may not be a big problem at 28, but at 48, add a certain dehydration, high blood pressure or other health complications, and you could risk a chronic kidney disease," he added.

Pontinen said that he had even seen "people end up with an acute kidney injury after taking only two Advil tablets per day for three weeks in a row."

Try this instead: "Save pain relievers when you really need it," advises Shusterman. “For daily pain, your best medication is stretching, sleep and hydration. Ice and heat can do wonders without renal risk. ”

“The CKD can be detected at light stages by a simple blood and urine test. The blood test is called glomerular filtration rate (DFG), and the urine test is called the albumin / creatinine urinary relationship (UACR), "explains PfLEDER.

"These two tests can identify people who have undergone early renal lesions so that measures can be taken to prevent worsening, including the complication of kidney failure that may require a kidney transplant or dialysis," he adds.

To maintain a lifestyle in kidney health, avoid tobacco products, maintain healthy weight, regularly exercise, monitor your sodium intake and monitor your hypertension rate.