The Right Diet and Lifestyle May Help Prevent Kidney Disease

Healthy eating plays an important role in reducing the risk of getting chronic kidney disease (CKD). Overweight and obese populations are at greater risk of getting obesity-related chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia. According to several global reports, obesity is becoming one of the major factors causing death worldwide. It is not just impacting adults, but children as well. Putting on a little weight once is a while is alright, but it shouldn’t become a habit and cross alarming levels.

The number of Indians suffering from chronic kidney ailments has doubled in the past 15 years, and at present 17 in every hundred citizens suffer from some form of kidney disease, health experts have said.

The experts noted that several Indian population-based studies in the past estimated that some 150-230 persons suffer from End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) in every million people, and about 2,20,000-2,75,000 new patients need Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) every year.

So how do we prevent kidney failure and other ailments? Here are some pointers –

Cut the sodium: Americans today consume 50% more than the recommended daily quantity of sodium — 2,300 mg of sodium, about one teaspoon of salt, should be the daily limit.
Reduce red meat: High protein diets, especially those containing large quantities of animal protein, may harm the kidneys. Red meat is also high in saturated fat—another no-no.

Obesity is a Lead Cause: Obesity is becoming a growing worldwide epidemic, and is expected to affect more people in the years to come. One’s lifestyle habits, particularly sedentary lifestyle, are adversely impacting health. According to researchers and authors of the study – Obesity and Kidney Disease: Hidden Consequences of the Epidemic, “Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for new-onset chronic kidney disease, and also for nephrolithiasis and for kidney cancer.”

Good Sleep Time is Crucial : According to a study done Brigham and Women’s Hospital, shorter sleep duration can lead to a more rapid decline in kidney function. Many of the body’s processes follow a natural daily rhythm or so-called circadian clock that is based on regular sleep-wake cycles. The study found that kidney function may be compromised when this natural cycle is disrupted.

Say No to Junk Food : According to a study by Anglia Ruskin University in Britain, a diet that relies mostly on junk food or processed food may cause long-term damage to the kidneys and trigger diabetes. “Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes both induce changes in glucose transport in the kidney but junk food or a diet high in fat causes changes that are very similar to those found in Type 2 diabetes,” said Havovi Chichger, lead author of the study.

Stop the soda: Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas are high calorie and contain no nutritious value. Colas also have phosphorus additives which can harm the kidneys.

Pass on processed foods: Crackers, potato chips, deli meats, cheese spreads, and instant potato mix are all examples of processed foods that are high in sodium and phosphorus additives – both which can have negative effects on the kidneys.
Slow down with sugar: An overdose of sugar can lead to diabetes and obesity, which are linked to kidney disease.

Pollution is to Blame As Well : According to a study by George Institute for Global Health, climate change may be accelerating the rate of chronic kidney disease caused by dehydration and heat stress. The research paper, published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN), suggests that a condition called heat stress nephropathy may represent a disease of neglected populations but one that may emerge as a major cause of poor kidney health in the near future.