Strategies for Preventing Kidney Failure Through Balanced Diet and Healthy Lifestyle
Strategies for Preventing Kidney Failure Through Balanced Diet and Healthy Lifestyle
Amritsar, March 2024: Emphasising the importance of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can significantly prevent kidney failure, a condition with serious health repercussions. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and producing essential hormones. Conversely, kidney failure, characterized by impaired kidney function, can stem from compromised kidneys. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts approximately 10% of the Indian population, with over a lakh cases of renal failure being reported annually.
Dr Gaurav Singla, Associate Consultant Nephrology, Fortis Escorts Amritsar, said, “Renal illness tends to be asymptomatic until it reaches severe stage, meaning that 90% of affected patients may not be aware of their condition. Renal disease screenings should therefore be routine for people with risk factors, such as being older than 60 or having underlying chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, or Autoimmune Diseases like Lupus. To prevent kidney failure in the first place, adopting a proactive approach that includes lifestyle choices and a balanced diet is essential. The timely identification of problems related to kidney health is critical because it allows us to reduce risks and increase longevity by implementing kidney-friendly practices like eating a diet high in nutrients and engaging in regular exercise.”
Dr Fayaz Ahmad Wani, Associate Consultant Nephrology, Fortis Escorts Amritsar, said, “Preventing kidney failure involves focusing on food and lifestyle choices. By being proactive, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of kidney problems. Routine screenings help detect issues early, allowing for timely intervention. Kidney failure can progress through various stages, from mild impairment to severe malfunction, possibly leading to end-stage renal disease. Early identification and intervention are essential for effectively managing declining renal function.”
To assist people in maintaining their best kidney health the following pointers must be considered:
Balanced Diet: The risk of kidney disease can be considerably decreased by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. For the kidneys to remain healthy, minimizing intake of processed foods, salt, sugar, and saturated fats is crucial for kidney health.
Hydration: Sufficient hydration is essential for renal health. Encouraging people to stay hydrated throughout the day can help prevent the formation of kidney stones and improve renal function in general.
Regular Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure through exercise is fundamental in preventing kidney disease. Promoting regular exercise can assist people in lowering their risk of renal failure.
Avoiding Hazardous Substances: Retaining kidney function necessitates limiting alcohol consumption and abstaining from tobacco products. These substances contribute to hypertension and other disorders that increase the risk of kidney damage.
Early Detection: Early detection and intervention can be facilitated by educating people about the value of routine health examinations, which include tests for kidney function. Early kidney disease detection facilitates timely treatment and may help prevent additional kidney damage.