Kidney health: Gurugram-based doctor shares 5 daily habits that quietly damage your kidneys

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.

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.

 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Why You Should Avoid Maraschino Cherries and What to Eat Instead

Maraschino cherries are quite literally the cherry on top of the cream. You can find them garnishing all sorts of delectable desserts and drinks, such as the ever-famous Shirley Temple, and pretty much every store-bought cream cake. They're easily distinguished by their signature bright red color. But doesn't that color make you question their value?

Maraschinos: a Historic Background

The Luxardo family's distillery was founded in 1821, and it produced a cherry liquor from the distilled leaves, stems, pits, and skins of the Marasca cherry itself. The family-owned business started selling candied cherries preserved in the liquor in 1905, thus inventing maraschino cherries, marketed as Luxardo cherries. In the aftermath of WWII, the Luxardo family business was nearly doomed but one family member managed to escape deep into Italy with a written recipe and a small Marasca cherry tree. At the time, Luxardo cherries had a naturally deep red color on the verge of black.

Then how did today's neon red version come about? The answer is tightly linked to another significant historical event. During the prohibition period, a horticulturist by the name of Ernest Wiegand found a way to imitate the flavor of the (originally alcohol-preserved) cherries with a mix of calcium salts and several artificial flavorings and dyes. The result was much sweeter and of much more vibrant color than the original, but was non-alcoholic and much, much cheaper to produce. Some of the materials Wiegand used are still used today in the manufacturing process of American Maraschinos.  

 

How Does a Cherry Become Maraschino?

The details of the manufacturing process alone might be enough to divert you from ever again eating those, and that's before we've even taken a look at the nutritional profile. Originally, the cherries were brined in salt water and then preserved in cherry liquor. There were no additives whatsoever, including thickeners, colorants or preservatives. These were considered a true delicacy and they still are today, but the manufacturing process is expensive, and finding original Luxardo cherries today can be a bit of a back-bend.

Modern American Maraschinos are brined in sulfur dioxide and calcium chloride, which also bleaches them. The bleaching removes all-natural pigment, and while that may sound like a purely visual issue, these pigments actually contain powerful antioxidants which are fully removed from the cherries. The fruit is stripped of all its anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as other benefits cherries hold, such as regulating blood pressure, improving arthritis symptoms, sleep, and brain function. 

 

Calcium chloride is a salty-tasting compound used for various purposes in the food industry. It is generally regarded as safe and is mainly used as a firming agent in canned vegetables. Sulfur dioxide is a gaseous compound mainly used for the preservation of dried fruits, thanks to its antimicrobial purposes. In wine-making, it is used as an antibiotic and antioxidant. 

 

After the bleaching, the now-yellow cherries are soaked in a mix of syrup and artificial food dye. One of the main components of this syrup is high fructose corn syrup, HFCS, commonly found in candy, sugared soda and processed food. It is known to increase risk of diabetes type 2, obesity, and heart disease.

What's the Alternative?

The nutritional value of a Maraschino cherry is heavily decreased compared to that of a fresh cherry. It contains over two times the calories, and less than half of the protein content. The processing almost fully strips the cherries of all their nutrients. That includes vitamins C and B6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Potassium. 

 

Apart from dry nutritional facts, I tend to avoid Maraschinos mainly because of their waxy texture. Hard to believe they ever grew on a tree, as there's truly nothing natural about them anymore. While these are consumed in small quantities and likely on special occasions, wouldn't you like to go for a better alternative if there was one? Well, there is! You can invest in original-made Luxardo canned Maraschinos or make your own at home. You're not likely to find those at the local grocer, but they will be easily found in the liquor aisle of any fine spirit store. As for the homemade recipe, here it is:  

 

You'll need: 

-1 quart of cherries 

-1 cup cherry pits 

-3 cups water 

-2 cups brown sugar 

-1 cup Hibiscus 

-3 star anise  

 

Preparation: 

 

1. Sterilize the jars by baking them in the oven at 350°F. Seed the cherries and reserve the pits.  

 

2. Toast the pits over medium fire, add the water and hibiscus and bring to a simmer. 

 

3. Add the anise and sugar. Cook until reduced but not too thick. Strain liquid into a bowl. 

 

4. Divide the cherries into the jars. The jars should still be warm.  

 

5. Cover with the liquid to the top of the jars. Seal and store upside down overnight. 

 

6. The cherries will be soft and dark, and will last up to 6 months in a sealed container in the fridge.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement