A third of global kidney disease patients live in two countries: India and China
According to a study published in The Lancet in 2020, there were an estimated 697.5 million cases of kidney disease worldwide in 2017, with nearly one-third of these patients residing in China and India. In India alone, more than 115 million people are affected by kidney diseases.
In March last year, the Lok Sabha was informed about the prevalence of kidney disease in the country. Responding to a query, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, citing data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and findings published in The Lancet (2020), stated that the age-standardised prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in India increased by 5.6% between 1990 and 2017.
Did you know that kidney diseases can be avoided if you pay attention to your daily habits?
“Your kidneys are essential organs that filter waste, control electrolytes, maintain blood pressure, and balance fluids within the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society of Nephrology state that nearly 10% of the world's population is living with a silent killer called chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although diabetes and hypertension are the more common known causes of damaged kidneys, studies have shown that some daily habits can damage your kidneys over time,” Dr. Shalabh Agrawal, Director - Urology & Andrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told TOI Health and shared 5 common habits that do serious damage to the kidneys.
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Excessive salt consumption
A diet rich in salt is strongly associated with kidney stress and hypertension. The World Health Organization recommends that people take no more than 5 grams of salt per day. However, many people take in more salt than is recommended due to their consumption of processed foods, packaged snacks, and restaurant food. The effects of too much salt are that the body tends to hold water to dilute the sodium. The increased blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidney that filter out the blood. The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has shown that an increase in salt consumption can lead to an increased rate of decline in kidney function among hypertensive patients.
Overuse of painkillers
The overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac has been associated with kidney injuries. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the overuse of such drugs leads to a reduction of blood flow to the kidney by interfering with prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances responsible for the adequate blood flow to the kidney. The overuse of such drugs may cause kidney injuries among older persons or those with pre-existing kidney diseases.
Lack of water intake
The adequate intake of water ensures the elimination of toxins from the body through urine. Lack of water may result in the reduction of urine volume. This may cause an increased concentration of minerals in the kidney. According to a study, the low intake of water may increase the risk of kidney stones.
Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed foods like packaged snacks, instant noodles, sweet drinks, and processed meat products contain high amounts of sodium, phosphorus, and preservatives. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that “high consumption of processed foods is associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease.” The phosphorus additives found in ultra-processed foods are believed to have a negative effect on the kidneys.
Chronic sleep deprivation
Sleep is an essential factor for the proper functioning of the kidney. A study done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that “poor sleep quality or sleeping fewer than six hours per night can increase the risk of kidney disease.” The study found that sleep deprivation can affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is important for the proper functioning of the kidney.
Kidney damage is also a gradual process, and its signs are not immediately apparent. However, various studies emphasize that lifestyle is a major contributor to the condition of these organs in the future. Reducing salt consumption, taking medications correctly, drinking adequate fluids, reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, and getting adequate sleep are some of the measures that can be effective in maintaining these organs. Healthy lifestyle habits can be very important in helping these organs function properly.
Medical experts consulted
This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by:
Dr. Shalabh Agrawal, Director - Urology & Andrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram
Inputs were used to explain the common habits that silently damage our kidneys without our knowledge.