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Thursday, March 26, 2026

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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Labels: avoid, avoid painkillers, avoid ultra-processed foods, chronic sleep deprivation, hydrated, kidney disease, less salt

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Symptoms Of Kidney Disease Don’t Show Early, 5 Healthy Habits To Prevent Complications

Kidneys function as highly durable organs, yet their ability to recover from damage remains extremely limited. A new study reveals that even doctors can miss the early signs of disease due to “normal” kidney test results. However, these results can signal danger if they’re unusually low for someone’s age.

This can lead to the silent progression of kidney disease, which presents a major threat because most individuals fail to identify their condition until they reach a point of losing half their kidney function. While there may be gaps that need to be corrected, it’s best to prevent the problem by taking a careful approach.

Dr Topoti Mukherjee, Lead Consultant, Nephrology & Kidney Transplant at Aster Whitefield Hospital, told Moneycontrol, “People can safeguard their kidney health through their daily decision-making processes. The development of chronic kidney disease together with its extended health effects can be prevented through the implementation of specific behaviour patterns which people need to maintain throughout their lives.”

How to protect your kidneys

Dr Mukherjee suggested five simple, science-backed ways to look after your kidney health. These include:

Controlling Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar

High blood pressure and diabetes together account for nearly two-thirds of chronic kidney disease cases worldwide. “High blood sugar levels that continue to rise throughout the day cause damage to the small blood vessels which exist within the kidneys while high blood pressure creates excessive force inside the kidney’s filtering systems which results in gradual tissue damage. The most effective measures to protect kidneys involve regular monitoring together with prompt medical treatment and lifestyle modifications that maintain stable health measurements,” Dr Mukherjee said.

Eating Kidney-Friendly, Not Just “Healthy”

The kidneys receive protection from a balanced diet because it reduces both metabolic stress and inflammatory responses. The nephrologist added, “The kidneys must work harder when people consume too much salt because sodium intake causes increased blood pressure while ultra-processed foods create acidic substances that lead to oxidative damage in the body.” Kidney health improves through diets that contain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant proteins and healthy fats. The kidneys need water to remove waste materials, but people must drink enough fluids during their daily activities.

Be Cautious with Painkillers and Supplements

One of the important causes which results in kidney damage from untreated pain medication which includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs remains unknown. “High-dose consumption of herbal supplements and detox products over extended periods of time creates dangerous risks to kidney health. Medical professionals must guide patients who use both medications and supplements because their current health problems already increase their risk of adverse effects,” Dr Mukherjee pointed out.

Move Regularly and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Physical activity enhances blood flow and insulin absorption and hypertension management which help maintain kidney health. The doctor said, “The combination of obesity and obesity-related factors leads to higher kidney disease risk because it increases both inflammation and metabolic stress. The kidneys benefit from regular movement because even moderate activities such as walking help decrease the organ’s workload.”

Get Routine Kidney Check-Ups

Doctors use basic blood tests and urine tests to find kidney damage which occurs before patients show any signs of the condition. “People with diabetes and high blood pressure and heart disease should pay special attention to their health because of their family history of kidney problems. Early detection allows timely intervention and prevents progression.”

Protecting your kidneys does not require extreme measures—just consistent, informed choices. By managing blood pressure and sugar, eating thoughtfully, using medications wisely, staying active, and testing early, kidney disease can often be delayed or prevented altogether.