The main factors that damage kidney health are:
1. Uncontrolled diabetes
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease worldwide. High blood sugar damages the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys (Diabetic Nephropathy). This can eventually lead to complete kidney failure.
2. High Blood Pressure
After the heart, high blood pressure affects the kidneys the most. High BP narrows the blood vessels to the kidneys. This makes it difficult for the kidneys to filter waste products.
3. Excessive use of painkillers
Regularly taking painkillers without a doctor’s prescription can directly affect the kidneys. Long-term use of such drugs can damage kidney cells.
4. Kidney stones and urinary obstruction
Kidney stones, blockages in the urethra, or inflammation of the prostate gland in men can prevent urine from flowing out. This can put too much pressure on the kidneys and lead to infection (UTI).
5. Glomerulonephritis
This is a swelling of the small units in the kidneys that filter blood. It can be caused by infections or changes in the body’s immune system.
6. Lifestyle and diet
Not drinking enough water, consuming too much salt, smoking, and drinking alcohol increase the workload of the kidneys and make them more susceptible to damage.
Watch out for symptoms of kidney disease:
Swelling (edema) in the face and limbs.
Changes in the amount of urine.
Chronic fatigue and shortness of breath.
Loss of appetite and nausea
