The 5 most 'dangerous' things for the kidneys, as per top cardiologist

The 5 most 'dangerous' things for the kidneys, as per top cardiologist
Our kidneys are one of most important organs of the body, that perform a host of key functions. Apart from filtering blood, kidneys also help in fluid elimination, and remove waste. Over time, our kidneys can grow weak, that can impair their function. While diabetes, alcohol consumption, and obesity etc, are well-known causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), there are some other dangerous things too can damage your kidneys? Dr Evan Levine, a board certified cardiologist lists out these 5 things…

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen, serve as common medications for treating pain and inflammation in patients. The drugs decrease blood flow to kidneys through their ability to decrease prostaglandin production, which kidneys need to perform their filtration function. The decreased blood flow through the kidneys can result in acute kidney damage in the long run, and makes current kidney conditions more severe.

The risk of kidney damage from NSAID use becomes more significant, when patients take these medications frequently, or in large amounts, particularly among elderly patients and people who experience dehydration. The safe use of NSAIDs depends on following prescribed instructions, because using these medications for extended periods without medical supervision, can result in kidney damage that remains undetected.

The human body requires sodium for various essential functions, yet excessive sodium consumption puts substantial pressure on the kidneys. Dr. Levine demonstrates that excessive sodium consumption leads to elevated blood pressure, which forces the kidneys to perform additional work to eliminate waste products, and maintain fluid equilibrium. The prolonged exposure to high sodium levels, results in damage to kidney tissues, which eventually reduces their operational capacity.

People who do not have diagnosed kidney problems, can develop problems from consuming excessive salt, because it leads to fluid buildup in the body, and disrupts kidney waste removal functions. Your kidney health will benefit from eating unprocessed foods instead of processed or fast foods, that contain high amounts of salt.

The kidneys experience decreased blood flow during dehydration episodes, that results in their ability to filter waste products becoming less effective. The kidneys need sufficient body water to perform their toxin removal function, according to Dr. Levine, because insufficient water supply leads to acute kidney damage and kidney stone development. The kidneys experience continuous stress from dehydration, which results in permanent damage to their structures.

Your body needs enough fluids throughout the day to support kidney function, because it helps maintain blood volume and waste product elimination. The recommended daily water intake should be around 8 cups (2 liters or more), but individual needs may change based on environmental conditions and physical activity levels.

Certain antibiotics can cause kidney damage by either harming tubular cells directly, or triggering allergic reactions that impact kidney function. The severity of nephrotoxic effects from aminoglycosides and vancomycin increases, when healthcare providers do not perform adequate patient monitoring during treatment.

Healthcare providers perform kidney function tests on patients who need extended, or high-dose antibiotic treatment to prevent kidney damage. Patients need to follow their antibiotic prescriptions exactly, and contact their doctor right away, when they show any signs of kidney issues to prevent additional complications.

The administration of intravenous contrast dyes for CT scans and other imaging procedures, results in contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) which can cause deterioration of kidney function. The development of contrast-induced nephropathy becomes more likely for patients who have existing kidney disease or diabetes, according to Dr. Levine.

Doctors must conduct kidney function tests before contrast administration to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy, while using hydration protocols and minimising contrast material doses. Patients must inform their doctors about their kidney conditions before medical imaging tests, to get suitable diagnostic procedures.

Take care of your kidneys by staying well-hydrated and following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit excessive salt, sugar, and processed foods. Regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and routine check-ups also support kidney function, helping maintain overall health and prevent long-term kidney-related issues. Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly, as uncontrolled levels can silently damage your kidneys over time.

A healthy diet goes a long way in protecting your kidneys

This is for informational purposes only, please consult a medical health professional before adopting any advice.See More: 8 homemade drinks for kidney health and urinary wellness: Natural recipes to detox and support kidney function​