Health Tip Category: Nephrology

The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder so it can be expelled from the body. Usually the urethra is wide enough for urine to flow freely through it. When the urethra narrows, it can restrict urinary flow. This is known as a urethral stricture. Urethral stricture is a medical condition that mainly affects men.

Causes
Urethral stricture involves constriction of the urethra. This is usually due to tissue inflammation or the presence of scar tissue. Scar tissue can be a result of many factors. Young boys who have hypospadias surgery (a procedure to correct an underdeveloped urethra) and men who have penile implants have a higher chance of developing urethral stricture. A straddle injury is a common type of trauma that can lead to urethral stricture. Examples of straddle injuries include falling on a bicycle bar or getting hit in the area close to the scrotum. Men are more likely to have a urethral disease or injury because of their longer urethra. For this reason, strictures are more common in men. They are rare in women and in infants. Stricture (narrowing of the urethra) can happen at any point from the bladder to the tip of the penis. This narrowing restricts or slows the flow of urine in. Some common causes are:

• trauma to the urethra
• infection such as a sexually transmitted disease
• damage from surgical tools
• conditions that cause swelling

In most cases, no cause can be found.
In adults, urethral strictures are most often due to:

• injury from a fall onto the scrotum or perineum
• prostate surgery
• kidney stone removal
• urinary catheterization
• other surgical tools

Risk Factors
Some men have an elevated risk of developing urethral stricture, especially those who have:

• had one or more STIs
• had a recent catheter (a small, flexible tube inserted into the body to drain urine from the bladder) placement
• had urethritis (swelling and irritation in the urethra), possibly due to infection
• an enlarged prostate

Symptoms
Urethral stricture can cause numerous symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the signs of a urethral stricture include:

• weak urine flow or reduction in the volume of urine
• sudden, frequent urges to urinate
• a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination
• frequent starting and stopping urinary stream
• pain or burning during urination
• inability to control urination (incontinence)
• pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area
• urethral discharge
• penile swelling and pain
• presence of blood in the semen or urine
• darkening of the urine
• inability to urinate (this is very serious and requires immediate medical attention)

Diagnosis
Doctors may use several approaches to diagnose urethral stricture.

• Reviewing your symptoms and medical history
  You can self-report the symptoms mentioned above. Your doctor may also ask about past illnesses and medical procedures to determine whether one or more risk factors are present.
• Performing a physical examination
  A simple physical examination of the penis area can help the doctor identify the presence of a urinary stricture. For instance, the doctor will be able to readily observe redness (or urethral discharge) and find out if one or more areas are hard or swollen.
• Conducting tests
  To make a definite diagnosis of a urethral stricture, the doctor may also decide to perform one or more of the following tests:
• measuring the rate of flow during urination
• analyzing the physical and chemical properties of urine to determine if bacteria (or blood) are present
• cystoscopy: inserting a small tube with a camera into the body to view the inside of the bladder and urethra (the most direct way to check for stricture)
• measuring the size of the urethral opening tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea

Treatment
There are many options depending on the size of the blockage and how much scar tissue is involved. Treatments include:

• dilation – enlarging the stricture with gradual stretching
•  urethrotomy – cutting the stricture with a laser or knife through a scope
• open surgery – surgical removal of the stricture with reconnection and reconstruction, possibly with grafts (urethroplasty)

There are no available drugs to help treat strictures. Without treatment, you will continue to have problems with voiding. Urinary and/or testicular infections and stones could develop. Also, there is a risk of urinary retention (when you can’t pass urine), which could lead to an enlarged bladder and kidney problems.

Prevention

• Avoid injury to the urethra and pelvis.
• Be careful with self-catheterization
• Use lubricating jelly liberally
• Use the smallest possible catheter needed for the shortest time
• Avoid sexually transmitted infections.
• Gonorrhea was once the most common cause of strictures.
• Antibiotics have helped to prevent this.
• Chlamydia is now the more common cause.
• Infection can be prevented with condom use, or by avoiding sex with infected partners.
• If a problem occurs, take the right antibiotics early. Urethral strictures are not contagious, but sexually transmitted infections are.

Kidneys are extremely vital to your body as their main job is to filter your blood.Include these foods in your diet if you are suffering from kidney-related diseases or to maintain healthy kidneys.

Red bell peppers:
Low in potassium and an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as vitamin B6, folic acid and fiber, red bell peppers contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against certain cancers. Have them raw with dip, as a salad or snack served on crackers or bread.

Apples:
Known to reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of cancer, apples are high in fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Cabbage:
High in vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, cabbage is also a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid. It is known to protect against cancer, as well as improve cardiovascular health. Add raw cabbage to coleslaw and serve it as a side dish.

Garlic:
Garlic helps prevent plaque from forming on your teeth, lowers cholesterol and reduces inflammation. Due to its flavor, garlic powder is a great substitute for garlic salt that can be added to those on the dialysis diet.

Onions:
Rich in flavonoids, especially quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that works to reduce heart disease and protects against many cancers, onions are low in potassium and a good source of chromium, a mineral that helps with carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.

People with kidney disease or kidney failure are at risk for heart disease. In fact, it is very common. These ten tips can help you lower your risk for getting heart disease — or help keep heart disease from getting worse.

• Control Blood Sugar If You Have Diabetes
• Control High Blood Pressure
• Reduce High Cholesterol Levels
• Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
• Increase Physical Activity
• Treat Anemia
• Keep Calcium and Phosphorus in Balance
• Stop Smoking
• Talk to Your Healthcare Provider about Taking Aspirin to Prevent Heart Attacks
• Reduce Stress

Many people dream of sipping lemonade while gently rocking in a hammock during the sultry summer days. Yet, for people with kidney failure, the lemonade, or more specifically the amount of lemonade they drink, could be a problem.

For people with normal kidney function, their kidneys help to regulate the amount of fluid in the body. When a person has kidney failure, the kidneys are not able to remove the excess fluid from the body. While many people with kidney failure rely on dialysis to remove fluid, they still must be careful to stay within strict fluid limits. Too much fluid may cause swelling, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure, which can have severe consequences. Also, the more fluid a person consumes between dialysis treatments means the more fluid that has to be removed during a dialysis treatment. This can lead to a longer or less comfortable treatment.

During the hot summer days, controlling thirst can become a complicated matter for people with kidney failure. Here are 6 tips to drink less and control the thirst in the summer.

A light spray may help combat dry mouth

• Using a refreshing spray can re-wet the mouth and will use less fluid than drinking from a container.
• Mint spray: 1 teaspoon peppermint extract in 1 cup of water. Mix together in spray bottle. Spritz as needed.
• Lemon spray: ½ cup lemon juice in ½ cup of water. Mix together in spray bottle. Use as needed.
• Frozen fruit

Ice can sometimes quench thirst better than water. Try freezing lemon juice with water to make lemon ice cubes. Also, try sucking on frozen grapes.

Chew sugar free gum or suck on sugar free mints
Eating salty and sugary foods can encourage thirst. Avoid high sodium and concentrated sweets. To combat cravings, chew sugar free gum or suck on sugar free mints.

Take medications with applesauce
Use applesauce to take medicines instead of liquid, which controls the thirst.

Avoid the hottest part of the day and stay out of direct sun
Try avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Maintain a fluid and food diary
Many people with kidney failure may not realize how much fluid they eat or drink. Anything that pours or melts is a fluid. Also, certain foods, such as watermelon, contain large amounts of fluid. Keep a fluid and food diary to identify what is consumed over time.

 

The hemodialysis diet is an eating plan tailored to patients who are on hemodialysis. It’s designed to reduce the amount of fluid and waste that builds up between hemodialysis treatments so that you can feel your best.

Now that you are beginning hemodialysis, there may be many changes in your daily life. Your doctor has probably told you that you may need to make some changes in your diet. The renal dietitian at your dialysis center will help you plan a diet for your special needs.

Why do I need to be on a special diet?
Because your kidneys are not able to get rid of enough waste products and fluids from your blood and your body now has special needs, you will need to limit fluids and change your intake of certain foods in your diet. How well you feel will depend on:

• Eating the right kind and amounts of food from your diet
• Having the hemodialysis treatments your doctor orders for you
• Taking the medications your doctor orders for you.

Your diet is very important to your care. It is important that you have the right amount of protein, calories, fluids, vitamins and minerals each day. Your dietitian will help you plan your meals to make sure you get the proper balance. Some general guidelines to follow can be found in our free brochure, “Nutrition and Hemodialysis.

What can I eat?
In addition to enjoying a variety of nutritious foods, the hemodialysis diet will introduce a higher amount of high-quality protein into your eating plan. Your dietitian will determine the amount. High-protein foods such as lean meat, poultry, fish and egg whites provide all the essential amino acids your body needs.

What can’t I eat?
Foods containing high amounts of sodium, phosphorus and potassium are restricted. Your dietitian will provide you with food lists that indicate which foods are allowed and which ones you should avoid or limit. You will also limit your fluid intake.

Why do I have to eat this way?
Your dietitian and doctor will strongly recommend you follow the hemodialysis diet, so your dialysis treatments will be effective, you can feel your best, and help reduce the risk of health complications associated with kidney disease and dialysis.

What about fluid intake?
Too much fluid gain between hemodialysis sessions can cause discomfort, including swelling, shortness of breath or high blood pressure. Fluid intake is not limited to what you can drink; it’s also hidden in some foods you eat, including gelatin, ice, sherbet, watermelon, sauces and gravies. Your dietitian will give you guidelines to help you monitor your fluid intake.

What if I have high cholesterol?
Changing your diet may help lower the cholesterol level in your blood. Your dietitian will talk with you about the kinds of fat and animal foods you eat. Also, your doctor may decide you need a special medication to reduce the cholesterol in your blood.

What if I have diabetes?
In some cases, you may need to make only a few changes in your diet to fit your needs as a kidney patient. For example, some of the free foods you have been using may need to be limited on your kidney diet. Your dietitian will help develop a meal plan especially for you.

How does the hemodialysis diet help?
Your hemodialysis diet will include a balance of nutrients to help keep your body healthy and strong, while allowing the amount of potassium, phosphorus and sodium your body can safely handle.

Potassium is easily removed by dialysis, but when it builds up in the blood between treatments, it can cause muscle weakness and make your heart stop beating. Certain fruits, vegetables, dairy products and other foods that are high in potassium will need to be restricted from your diet.

Phosphorus is difficult for hemodialysis to filter from the blood so it’s important to limit foods that contain the mineral. Phosphorus can build to high levels in the bloodstream and cause weak bones, heart problems, joint pain or skin ulcers. Your doctor may also prescribe a medicine called a phosphorus binder to help keep phosphorus levels normal.

Sodium causes your body to hold onto more fluid and raises your blood pressure. Eating less sodium and drinking less fluid can help you feel comfortable before and after your dialysis sessions.

How long do I have to follow the hemodialysis diet?
You will follow the hemodialysis diet as long as you need hemodialysis. Your dietitian may make some changes to it in order to adjust to your current condition and activity levels.

Is there anything else I should know?
The following important tips can be helpful with your diet:

• Fresh or plain frozen vegetables contain no added salt. Drain all the cooking fluid before serving.
• Canned fruits usually contain less potassium than fresh fruits. Drain all the fluid before serving.
• Non-dairy creamers are low in phosphorus and can be used in place of milk.
• Labels on food packages will give you information about some of the ingredients that may not be allowed in your diet. Learn to read these labels.
• To help you avoid salt, many herbs and spices can be used to make your diet more interesting. Check with your dietitian for a list of these.

If I follow the hemodialysis diet will my kidneys get better?
Your kidneys are already damaged and cannot be cured or reversed. However, the hemodialysis diet can help you feel you are best between dialysis treatments and afterwards.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Acute kidney failure is also called acute kidney injury or acute renal failure. It’s common in people who are already in the hospital. It may develop rapidly over a few hours. It can also develop over a few days to weeks. People who are critically ill and need intensive care have the highest risk of developing acute kidney failure.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is sudden damage to the kidneys that causes them to not work properly. It can range from minor loss of kidney function to complete kidney failure. AKI normally happens as a complication of another serious illness. It’s not the result of a physical blow to the kidneys, as the name might suggest.
This type of kidney damage is usually seen in older people who are unwell with other conditions and the kidneys are also affected. It’s essential that AKI is detected early and treated promptly. The role of the kidneys is to:

• filter – removing waste and water from the blood (as urine, via the bladder)
• clean the blood
• keep the bones healthy
• look after blood pressure
• stimulate the bone marrow to make blood

Without quick treatment, abnormal levels of salts and chemicals can build up in the body, which affects the ability of other organs to work properly. If the kidneys shut down completely, this may require temporary support from a dialysis machine, or lead to death.

Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of acute kidney injury differ depending on the cause and may include:

• Too little urine leaving the body
• Swelling in legs, ankles, and around the eyes
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures or coma in severe cases
• Chest pain or pressure
• Dehydration
• high blood pressure
• abdominal pain
• slight backache

In some cases, AKI causes no symptoms and is only found through other tests done by your healthcare provider.

Causes
Acute kidney injury can have many different causes. AKI can be caused by the following:

• Impaired blood flow to the kidneys

Some diseases and conditions can slow blood flow to your kidneys and cause AKI. These diseases and conditions include:

• Blood or fluid loss
• Blood pressure medications
• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• Infection
• Liver failure
• Use of aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen (Aleve, others) or related drugs
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Severe burns
• Severe dehydration
• Direct damage to the Kidneys

Some disease and conditions can damage your kidneys and lead to AKI. Some examples include:

• A type of severe, life-threatening infection
• A rare condition that causes inflammation and scarring to your blood vessels, making them stiff, weak, and narrow
• An allergic reaction to certain types of drugs
• A group of diseases that affect the connective tissue that supports your internal organs
• Conditions that cause inflammation or damage to the kidney tubules, to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, or to the filtering units in the kidneys
• Blockage of the urinary tract

In some people, conditions or diseases can block the passage of urine out of the body and can lead to AKI.
Blockage can be caused by:

• Bladder, prostate, or cervical cancer
• Enlarged prostate
• Problems with the nervous system that affect the bladder and urination
• Kidney stones
• Blood clots in the urinary tract

Acute kidney failure can occur when:

• You have a condition that slows blood flow to your kidneys
• You experience direct damage to your kidneys
• Your kidneys’ urine drainage tubes (ureters) become blocked and wastes can’t leave your body through your urine

Risk factors
The chances of acquiring acute kidney failure are greater if you’re an older person or if you have any of the following long-term health problems:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• diabetes, especially if it’s not well controlled
• high blood pressure
• heart failure
• morbid obesity

If you’re ill or being treated in a hospital’s intensive care unit, you’re at an extremely high risk for acute kidney failure. Being the recipient of heart surgery, abdominal surgery, or a bone marrow transplant can also increase your risk.

When should AKI be suspected?
A doctor may suspect AKI in people known to be at risk who suddenly fall ill or develop symptoms which suggest complications of AKI.
AKI may also be suspected in people who have been unwell for a while and have either:

• chronic kidney disease
• a urinary system disease
• new or worsening urinary symptoms
• symptoms or signs of a disease affecting the kidneys and other organs

Diagnosis
If you have acute kidney failure, you may have generalized swelling. The swelling is due to fluid retention. Using a stethoscope, your doctor may hear crackling in the lungs. These sounds can signal fluid retention. Results of laboratory tests may also show abnormal values, which are new and different from baseline levels. Some of these tests include:

• blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• serum potassium
• serum sodium
• estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
• urinalysis
• creatinine clearance
• serum creatinine

An ultrasound is the preferred method for diagnosing acute kidney failure. However, abdominal X-ray, abdominal CT scan, and abdominal MRI can help your doctor determine if there’s a blockage in your urinary tract. Certain blood tests may also reveal underlying causes of acute kidney failure.

Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (also called PKD). PKD is an inherited kidney disorder. It causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts are filled with fluid. If too many cysts grow or if they get too big, the kidneys can become damaged. PKD may impair kidney function and eventually cause kidney failure. PKD is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure.

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes cysts to form on the kidneys.
• There are three types of PKD: autosomal dominant PKD, autosomal recessive PKD, and acquired cystic kidney disease.
• There is no cure for PKD, but there are treatments that can control symptoms.

Other organs besides the kidney are affected by PKD
PKD can affect other organs besides the kidney. People with PKD may have cysts in their liver, pancreas, spleen, ovaries, and large bowel. Cysts in these organs usually do not cause serious problems, but can in some people. PKD can also affect the brain or heart. If PKD affects the brain, it can cause an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulging blood vessel that can burst, resulting in a stroke or even death. If PKD affects the heart, the valves can become floppy, resulting in a heart murmur in some patients.

Symptoms
Many people live with PKD for years without experiencing symptoms associated with the disease. Cysts typically grow 0.5 inches or larger before a person starts noticing symptoms. Initial symptoms associated with PKD can include:

• pain or tenderness in the abdomen
• blood in the urine
• frequent urination
• pain in the sides
• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• kidney stones
• pain or heaviness in the back
• skin that bruises easily
• pale skin color
• fatigue
• joint pain
• nail abnormalities

Children with autosomal recessive PKD may have symptoms that include:

• high blood pressure
• UTI
• frequent urination

Symptoms in children may resemble other disorders. It is important to get medical attention for a child experiencing any of symptoms listed above.

CausesAbnormal genes cause polycystic kidney disease, and the genetic defects mean the disease runs in families. Rarely, a genetic mutation can be the cause of polycystic kidney disease.
There are two types of polycystic kidney disease, caused by different genetic flaws:

• Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Signs and symptoms of ADPKD often develop between the ages of 30 and 40. In the past, this type was called adult polycystic kidney disease, but children can develop the disorder.

Only one parent needs to have the disease in order for it to pass along to the children. If one parent has ADPKD, each child has a 50 percent chance of getting the disease. This form accounts for about 90 percent of cases of polycystic kidney disease.

• Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). This type is far less common than is ADPKD. The signs and symptoms often appear shortly after birth. Sometimes, symptoms don’t appear until later in childhood or during adolescence.

Both parents must have abnormal genes to pass on this form of the disease. If both parents carry a gene for this disorder, each child has a 25 percent chance of getting the disease.

Diagnosed?
To diagnose all three types of PKD, your doctor may use imaging tests to look for cysts of the kidney, liver, and other organs. Imaging tests used to diagnose PKD include:

• abdominal ultrasound: a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to look at your kidneys for cysts
• abdominal CT scan: can detect smaller cysts in the kidneys
• abdominal MRI scan: uses strong magnets to image your body to visualize kidney structure and look for cysts
• intravenous pyelogram: uses a dye to make your blood vessels show up more clearly on an X-ray

Does everyone with PKD develop kidney failure?
No. About 50 percent of people with PKD will have kidney failure by age 60, and about 60 percent will have kidney failure by age 70. People with kidney failure will need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Certain people have an increased risk of kidney failure including:

• Men
• patients with high blood pressure
• patients with protein or blood in their urine
• women with high blood pressure who have had more than three pregnancies

Treatments
Some of the treatment options may include:

• pain medication, except Ibuprofen, which is not recommended as it may worsen kidney disease
• blood pressure medication
• antibiotics to treat UTIs
• a low sodium diet
• diuretics to help remove excess fluid from the body
• surgery to drain cysts and help relieve discomfort

With advanced PKD that causes renal failure, dialysis and kidney transplant may be necessary. One or both of the kidneys may need to be removed.

Kidney Failure
Kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is the last stage of chronic kidney disease.Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They keep your whole body in balance. They remove waste products and extra water from your body, help make red blood cells, and help control blood pressure. When your kidneys fail, it means they have stopped working well enough for you to survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant. They cannot do these important jobs well enough. Having kidney failure means that:

• 85-90% of your kidney function is gone
• Your kidneys don’t work well enough to keep you alive

There is no cure for kidney failure, but with treatment, it is possible to live a long life. Having kidney failure is not a death sentence. People with kidney failure live active lives and continue to do the things they love.

Causes
In most cases, kidney failure is caused by other health problems that have done permanent damage (harm) to your kidneys little by little, over time.When your kidneys are damaged, they may not work as well as they should. If the damage to your kidneys continues to get worse and your kidneys are less and less able to do their job, you have chronic kidney disease. Kidney failure is the last (most severe) stage of chronic kidney disease. This is why kidney failure is also called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD for short.
Diabetes is the most common cause of ESRD. High blood pressure is the second most common cause of ESRD. Other problems that can cause kidney failure include:

• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and IgA nephropathy
• Genetic diseases (diseases you are born with), such as polycystic kidney disease
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Urinary tract problems

Sometimes the kidneys can stop working very suddenly (within two days). This type of kidney failure is called acute kidney injury or acute renal failure. Common causes of acute renal failure include:

• Heart attack
• Illegal drug use and drug abuse
• Not enough blood flowing to the kidneys
• Urinary tract problems

This type of kidney failure is not always permanent. Your kidneys may go back to normal or almost normal with treatment and if you do not have other serious health problems.

Having one of the health problems that can lead to kidney failure does not mean that you will definitely have kidney failure. Living a healthy lifestyle and working with your doctor to control these health problems can help your kidneys work for as long as possible.

Symptoms
Healthy kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from your blood. But when your kidneys fail, wastes and extra fluid can build up in your blood and make you feel sick. You may have some of the following symptoms:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually gets worse slowly, and symptoms may not appear until your kidneys are badly damaged. In the late stages of CKD, as you are nearing kidney failure (ESRD), you may notice symptoms that are caused by waste and extra fluid building up in your body.

You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your kidneys are beginning to fail:

• Itching
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Not feeling hungry
• Swelling in your feet and ankles
• Too much urine (pee) or not enough urine
• Trouble catching your breath
• Trouble sleeping

If your kidneys stop working suddenly (acute kidney failure), you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nosebleeds
• Rash
• Vomiting

Having one or more of any of the symptoms above may be a sign of serious kidney problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.

Once you begin treatment for kidney failure, your symptoms will improve and you will begin to feel much better.

Treatment
If you have ESRD, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. There is no cure for ESRD, but many people live long lives while having dialysis or after having a kidney transplant.

When it comes to dietary sodium, less is certainly best. Diets high in sodium increase blood pressure levels. High blood pressure damages the kidneys over time and is a leading cause of kidney failure.

• Make reading food labels a habit. Sodium content is always listed on food labels. Sodium content can vary from brand to brand, so compare and choose the lowest sodium product. Certain foods don’t taste particularly salty but are actually high in sodium, such as cottage cheese, so it’s critical to check labels.
• Stick to fresh meats, fruits and vegetables rather than their packaged counterparts, which tend to be higher in sodium.
• Avoid spices and seasonings that contain added sodium, for example garlic salt. Choose garlic powder instead.
• Many restaurants list the sodium content of their products on their websites, so do your homework before dining out. Also, you can request that your food be prepared without any added salt.
• Wait it out. You can learn to adjust to eating less salt. It typically takes about six to eight weeks on a low-sodium diet to get used to it. After that, you’ll actually find that some of your favorite salty foods, like potato chips, taste too salty to you.

“You can learn to adjust to eating less salt. It typically takes about six to eight weeks on a low-sodium diet to get used to it. After that, you’ll actually find that some of your favorite salty foods, like potato chips, taste too salty to you.”

Your kidneys work silently in the background, filtering waste, balancing fluids, and supporting overall health every single day. But certain everyday habits, often overlooked, can slowly damage them over time.

The concerning part is that many people don’t notice the problem until it progresses into serious conditions like chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure.

Understanding what can cause damage to your kidneys is necessary in order to prevent any future health problems. 

Let’s take a closer look at 10 common habits that could be putting your kidney health at risk.

1. Overusing Painkillers

It’s easy to rely on painkillers for headaches or body aches. However, frequent use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause long-term damage.

For kidney patients, this risk is even higher. Always use these medications cautiously and under medical advice.

2. Consuming Too Much Salt

A high-sodium diet increases blood pressure, which directly impacts kidney health. Over time, this added strain can impair kidney function.

Instead of relying on salt, try flavouring your food with herbs and spices. This simple change can make a huge impact on your kidney health.

3. Eating Processed and Packaged Foods

Processed foods are often loaded with sodium and phosphorus, both harmful in excess.

High phosphorus intake, even in people without existing kidney disease, may negatively affect kidney and bone health. Shifting toward fresh, whole foods can make a significant difference.

4. Not Drinking Enough Water

Hydration plays a key role in helping your kidneys flush out toxins.

Not drinking enough water can increase the risk of kidney stones and impair filtration. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to prevent kidney stones and support healthy kidneys.

5. Ignoring Sleep

Poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired, it affects your kidneys too. Your body regulates kidney function through the sleep-wake cycle. 

Consistent poor sleep may contribute to a faster decline in kidney performance over time.

6. Eating Too Much Animal Protein

While protein is essential, excessive intake, especially from red meat, can increase acid levels in the blood. This makes it harder for the kidneys to maintain balance.

A more balanced diet with fruits and vegetables helps reduce this burden.

7. Consuming Too Much Sugar

High sugar intake is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, all major causes of chronic kidney disease.

Hidden sugars in packaged foods like cereals, sauces, and bread can add up quickly. Make sure you read the labels carefully.

8. Smoking Regularly

Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and increases the risk of protein leakage in urine, an early sign of damage.

It also accelerates the progression of conditions like chronic kidney disease and raises the risk of kidney failure.

9. Drinking Alcohol in Excess

Heavy alcohol consumption puts significant strain on the kidneys.

Over time, it can double the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, especially when combined with smoking.

Moderation is crucial when it comes to protecting your kidneys.

10. Leading a Sedentary Lifestyle

Sitting for long hours with minimal physical activity has been linked to a higher risk of kidney problems.

Regular movement improves blood pressure and blood sugar control, both essential for maintaining healthy kidneys.

Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Kidney damage often develops silently, but there are warning signs you should watch for:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Swelling in feet or face
• Changes in urination
• Persistent puffiness around the eyes

These may be early signs of kidney disease and should not be ignored.

In some cases, symptoms may vary, especially kidney disease symptoms in females, where swelling and fatigue are often more noticeable.

When to Get Tested

If you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney issues, regular kidney function tests are essential.

These tests help detect problems early, before they progress into serious conditions like acute kidney failure or long-term damage.

Understanding Kidney Conditions

There are different types of kidney disease, including:

• Chronic kidney disease – gradual loss of kidney function over time
• Acute kidney failure – sudden loss of kidney function

Conclusion

Your daily habits play a bigger role in kidney health than you might think. Small, consistent changes, like staying hydrated, eating better, and avoiding harmful substances, can go a long way in protecting your kidneys.

If you notice any kidney disease symptoms or have underlying risk factors, don’t delay seeking medical advice. Early intervention can prevent complications and help maintain healthy kidney function for years to come.