Nephrologist Dr. Veller discusses kidney health and how to naturally take care of kidneys to prevent kidney damage and disease. Key points include:
* Many people are unaware they have kidney problems, which can be detected through blood and urine tests.
* Early symptoms of kidney disease include frequent nighttime urination, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
* Kidney failure can be prevented or slowed through natural methods, such as:
+ Reducing inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes.
+ Eating antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
+ Staying hydrated by drinking at least 30 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight.
* Habits to avoid include:
+ Holding back the urge to pee.
+ Sedentary lifestyle.
+ Abusing salt.
+ Consuming excess sugar and ultra-processed foods.
+ Eating red meat daily.
+ Consuming alcohol and cigarettes.
* Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, can damage kidneys if not used carefully.
* Controlling chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, is essential for kidney health.
By making these lifestyle changes, individuals can reduce their risk of kidney disease and maintain healthy kidneys for life.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Many people have kidney problems and don't know it, or they have symptoms but don't suspect kidney problems.
2. Kidney problems can be detected early with blood and urine tests.
3. Seven out of ten patients who end up on hemodialysis didn't know they had kidney problems until the problem had already advanced.
4. Getting up many times to urinate at night can be a sign of kidney disease.
5. The normal frequency of urinating at night is once, or twice if you're over 65 years old.
6. Kidney failure can cause tiredness, fatigue, muscular weakness, weight loss, anemia, and mood swings.
7. Kidney failure can also cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and itchy skin.
8. Kidney failure itself does not hurt, but kidney stones or large kidney cysts can cause pain.
9. There are five stages of kidney failure, with symptoms usually appearing from stage three.
10. Even if you feel healthy, if you have a chronic health problem or are over 40, you should get your kidneys checked with a blood test and urine test.
11. Elevated blood creatinine levels can indicate kidney problems.
12. Doctors use calculations to estimate the degree of kidney failure based on blood test results.
13. An abdominal ultrasound or tomography may be requested to check the size and shape of the kidneys.
14. Reducing inflammation in the body can help prevent kidney damage.
15. Eating foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, such as fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation.
16. Drinking at least 30 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day is essential for kidney health.
17. Holding back the urge to pee can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
18. Sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of kidney problems and premature death.
19. Consuming excess sugar can cause inflammation and increase the risk of kidney problems.
20. Eating red meat every day can inflame the body and increase the risk of cancer.
21. Varying protein sources, such as eggs, fish, and plant-based proteins, can help reduce inflammation.
22. Limiting or cutting consumption of alcohol and cigarettes can help reduce the risk of kidney problems.
23. Certain medicines, such as anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, can damage the kidneys if not used properly.
24. Controlling chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, is essential for kidney health.
25. 90% of chronic health problems could be controlled by changing habits and food.