you are welcome HT Health TalkA reader-centric health initiative of Hindustan Times. Each week, we bridge the gap between Internet rumors and medically backed solutions by inviting you to submit your most pressing medical questions. This week, we’re tackling a vital organ that’s often overlooked until it’s too late: your kidneys. Read this also HT Health Talk: Bengaluru’s dietitian answers all your burning questions about the right foods for weight loss
Kidney disease is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it can progress quietly without causing any symptoms until significant, irreversible damage occurs. Is your favorite traditional food putting you at risk? Is water causing permanent damage in your neighborhood?
To cut through the online noise, we contacted Dr Kishan A, Senior Consultant, Nephrology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, to answer your top 10 burning questions about keeping your kidneys safe. Read this also Doctor shares lifestyle habits that reduce risk of kidney disorders; Explains the importance of balanced hydration
1. How do high-sodium Indian foods like pickles and papads affect my kidneys?
high sodium foods Foods such as pickles, papads, packaged snacks and processed foods can put additional stress on the kidneys, especially when consumed in large quantities regularly. Excess salt causes water to accumulate in the body, which increases blood pressure, which is one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease. Over time, high blood pressure damages the small blood vessels that filter waste from the blood. People with diabetes, existing kidney disease or heart disease are particularly vulnerable. While occasional consumption is generally fine for healthy individuals, moderation is important. Choosing fresh, homemade foods, limiting processed foods, and using herbs and spices instead of added salt can help protect kidney health and reduce the long-term risk of kidney damage.
2. Does drinking hard water from municipality or bore well cause kidney stones?
Hard water contains high amounts of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, but there is no strong scientific evidence that it directly causes it. kidney stones In healthy individuals. Kidney stones develop due to many factors, including dehydration, genetics, dietary habits, obesity, and certain medical conditions. In fact, calcium present in drinking water is generally not considered harmful and may even be beneficial. The bigger concern is inadequate water intake, especially in hot climates like India, which causes urine to become concentrated and increases the risk of stone formation. If borewell water contains excessive contaminants or heavy metals, it should be tested and treated. Drinking enough clean water throughout the day is the most effective strategy for preventing kidney stones.
3. How much water should I drink to protect my kidneys during the extreme Indian summer?
Water requirements vary depending on age, body weight, physical activity and climate. During India’s scorching heat, most healthy adults should aim to drink about 2.5 to 3.5 liters of fluids per day, with larger amounts required if they sweat a lot or work out. Adequate hydration helps the kidneys remove waste efficiently and reduces the risk of kidney stones and dehydration-related kidney injury. Instead of following a certain number, monitor the color of the urine, it should be light yellow. Very dark urine usually indicates dehydration. People with kidney failure, heart failure, or certain medical conditions may need to limit fluid intake based on medical advice. keep drinking water continuously throughout the day It is more effective than consuming large amounts at once.
4. Can long-term use of Ayurvedic herbs harm my kidneys?
Many Ayurvedic medicines are safe when prescribed by qualified physicians and manufactured by reputable companies. However, some herbal products may contain unknown heavy metals such as lead, mercury or arsenic, or herbs that may be toxic to the kidneys if taken over a long period of time. Self-medication, excessive dosage, and irregular dosage increase the risk of kidney injury. Individuals with existing kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure should be especially careful. Before starting any long-term herbal treatment, consult a health care professional and inform them about all supplements you take. The risk of kidney complications associated with herbal medicines can be significantly reduced by purchasing products only from trusted manufacturers and avoiding unverified online remedies.
5. Are common Indian OTC painkillers like Combiflam dangerous for kidney health?
Painkillers including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as combiflameIbuprofen and diclofenac may affect kidney function with repeated or prolonged use. These drugs reduce blood flow to the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney injury, especially in older adults, people with dehydration, diabetes, high blood pressure, or existing kidney disease. Occasional use at recommended doses is usually safe for most healthy adults. However, relying on these medicines regularly without medical supervision for headache, body ache or arthritis can be harmful. Staying well hydrated and avoiding unnecessary long-term NSAID use are important preventive measures. If pain persists, consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and safe treatment options.
6. Since diabetes rates are high in India, how often should diabetic patients get their kidneys checked?
People with diabetes should have their kidneys checked at least once a year, even if they have no symptoms. diabetes One of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease is because high blood sugar gradually damages the filtering units of the kidneys. Annual tests usually include a blood test for serum creatinine to estimate kidney function through urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and eGFR to detect early protein leakage. People with poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure or previously diagnosed kidney disease may need more frequent monitoring as advised by their doctor. Early detection allows timely treatment, better blood sugar and blood pressure control, and lifestyle changes that can slow or even prevent further kidney damage.
7. Which specific, budget-friendly blood tests can quickly detect this ‘silent killer’?
Kidney disease is often called the silent killer because symptoms may not appear until significant damage has occurred. Fortunately, affordable tests can detect problems early. The serum creatinine blood test is inexpensive and helps calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste. Additionally, urine albumin or urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) testing identifies early protein leakage, often before symptoms develop. Blood pressure measurement and blood sugar testing are also important because high blood pressure and diabetes are major causes of kidney disease. People with risk factors should undergo these simple tests annually to detect kidney problems early and begin treatment before irreversible damage occurs.
8. Does a high protein diet including pulses and cheese put pressure on the kidneys?
For healthy individuals with normal kidney function, moderate intake of protein from pulses, cheese, milk, eggs and other nutritious sources does not harm the kidneys. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, immunity and overall health. However, extremely high protein dietThe workload on the kidneys may increase over time, especially in those who rely heavily on protein supplements. People who already have chronic kidney disease often need to limit protein intake because damaged kidneys cannot process protein waste products efficiently. The best approach is to eat a balanced diet with adequate protein based on individual needs rather than excessive intake. Anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure or known kidney disease should seek dietary advice from a doctor or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.
9. Is foaming in urine a sure early warning sign of kidney disease?
Foamy urine is not always a sign of kidney disease. Temporary foam may occur when urine hits toilet water with force, following dehydration or due to concentrated urine. However, persistent or excessive foaming may indicate protein leaking into the urine, known as proteinuria, which may be an early sign of kidney damage. If foamy urine continues for several days or is associated with swelling of the legs, swelling around the eyes, high blood pressure or low urine output, medical evaluation is important. A simple urine albumin test can detect protein leakage. Persistent foamy urine should never be ignored, especially in people with diabetes high blood pressure.
10. Can untreated high blood pressure, which is very common in India, lead to kidney failure?
Yes. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Persistently elevated blood pressure damages the delicate blood vessels inside the kidneys, reducing their ability to effectively filter waste and excess fluid. As kidney function declines, blood pressure can rise even further, creating a harmful cycle that accelerates damage. Because high blood pressure often causes no symptoms, many people are unaware of it until complications develop. Regular blood pressure monitoring, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and taking prescribed medications consistently are essential steps to protect kidney health. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of kidney failure.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
