This is how cutting back on sugar could save kidneys

Sugar is sweeter for everyone’s taste buds but harmful for vital organs like kidney, liver and heart. Though it serves as an energy source for the human body, those who consume more ‘added sugar’ — which is, the sugar that bakers and confectioners add to food products — are more likely to have diabetes, kidney failure, heart disease, and liver disease. Soft drinks, fruit drinks, flavoured milk, yogurts, cookies, cakes, and candy are the top sources of added sugar. This processed sugar is also present in food items such as soups, bread, processed meats, and ketchup. Natural sugar stored in fresh fruits and vegetables are good for health. But consuming too much processed sugar may lead to serious health problems. There are three types of sugar -- ‘fructose’, ‘glucose’ and ‘sucrose’ -- and each has specific characteristics. Each of them is processed by the human body a bit differently. Sugar plays a key role in triggering kidney disease risk factors such as diabetes, high serum uric acid levels, and obesity. Several studies indicate that the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is high among the consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages. Once the blood sugar level shoots up, kidneys start discharging sugar into the urine. The higher the blood sugar level, the more the amount of sugar discharged.

Chronic diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the kidney and its filters. The filtering units of the kidney contain tiny blood vessels. Gradually, high blood sugar can cause these vessels to become narrow. When the blood vessels are clogged or narrowed, the kidneys can’t function properly and purify the blood effectively. As a result, the kidneys become feeble, and albumin passes through these filters and ends up in the urine. Naturally, more waste materials precipitate in the blood, which leads to severe infection and major complications. Diabetes can also damage the nervous system. Nerves carry signals from one part of the body to another. These signals control a human being's voluntary movement, senses (touch, pain, hearing, taste, smell and sight), stress response, digestion, breathing and heart rate. The signals allow one’s brain to realise when to consume food or when to go to the toilet. If the nerves are damaged, people may not recognize the real condition of the organs like whether the urinary bladder is full or whether the stomach is empty. Eventually, it may lead to organ dysfunction. For example, consistent pressure from a full bladder may result in kidney failure. Thus, chronic diabetes debilitates nerves, destroys blood vessels, and damage kidneys. Further, if urine stays in the bladder for a long time, it will cause urinary tract infection. Bacteria grow rapidly in urine that contains high sugar levels, and soon the infection will spread to the nearby organs like kidneys.

When you reduce the sugar level in the blood, it will revitalize the nervous system and help many organs regain their strength. Apart from protecting the kidneys, it can have multiple effects on a human body. First, a lot of added sugar in the diet may tempt people to eat more. Thus, too many calories will lead to weight gain and high cholesterol levels, including triglycerides. Reducing added sugar content will help one avoid excess eating, and maintain calories and body weight, which could improve one’s cholesterol level. Second, by cutting back added sugar, people will be able to lower their heart disease risk. Notably, high triglycerides raise the risk of heart disease. Less added sugar can lower those levels and help control weight gain and fat build-up. Third, limiting processed sugar intake means better nutrition, especially when someone decides to consume more natural foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and whole grains. These foods carry sufficient nutrients that one’s body needs to replenish itself. They also contain fibre that helps the body absorb sugar slowly and thus maintaining the blood sugar levels stable.Fourth, giving up added sugars, especially in soft drinks and confectionaries, will help people prevent tooth decay. Sugar is the primary source for the bacteria that grows in one’s mouth, and leads to cavities and serious infections.

Above all, it’s to be remembered that the biggest casualty of high blood sugar or chronic diabetes is kidney failure as damage to this organ is completely irreversible. Either prolonged dialysis or kidney transplant is the only option if the organ fails to perform. So, it is better to take proactive steps to protect the kidneys from chronic diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol as it is essential for a happy and healthy living.

Contributed by: Dr. Bilal Thangal T M, Medical Lead, NURA