Kidney Diseases Attributed to Lifestyle

The increasing number of patients contracting kidney disease worldwide and locally may be attributed to one’s lifestyle.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 10% of the population worldwide is affected by chronic kidney disease and millions die each year due to inaccessibility to affordable treatment.

Kidney disease is categorized into two, acute and chronic, explained Nephrology specialist and Benguet Premium Kidney Care Center Proprietor Dr. Josefina L. Luspian.

Acute kidney failure leads to kidney malfunction such as dehydration, blood loss from major surgery, injury, or the use of medicines.

Chronic kidney disease accordingly is usually caused by long-term diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes which slowly damage the kidneys reducing their function over time.

There are some factors that damage kidneys due to lifestyle and other practices, said Luspian. A common factor not so much highlighted is cigarette smoking but if avoided, it will reduce the risk of developing kidney failure by as high as 30 percent.

High salt, soda and carbohydrate intake should also be avoided to reduce the risk of kidney damage.

High carbohydrate diet intake with less vegetables is associated with urban life as intake of vegetables and fruits is quite expensive compared to high carbohydrates, she added.

Kidney disease is also associated with the lack of physical activities in this digital age where many people would rather sit down and do internet.

Exposure to radiologic dyes used in imaging procedures such as Computed Tomography (CT) scan may also be associated with kidney damage such that they are more careful now not to subject right away patients but rather check blood sugar and  creatinine, she further said. If exposed to such procedures hydrating patients prevent kidney damage, she added.

The intake of herbal medicines is not also advisable. Even the Department of Health (DOH) and medical practitioners do not allow prescription of herbal medicines to patients, Luspian said.

Also intake of vitamins is not allowed in certain stages of kidney damage. Likewise dependence to pain relievers to ease muscle and joint pains also damage kidneys.

Too much water intake can also be harmful to kidney patients because if they cannot urinate liquid goes to the lungs and cause pulmonary congestion.

Luspian stressed that the more important aspect of preventing the disease is through information education campaign which she said their group hopes to expand.

The grand opening of the Benguet Premium Kidney Care Center was held last week along with the blessing and  turn-over of the computed radiography and CT scan at the Benguet General Hospital.(JDP/SCA-PIA-CAR, Benguet)