Protect Your Kidneys: Lifestyle, Screenings, and Supplement Safety
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for kidney health, as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity increase the risk of kidney disease. Regular screenings are vital, especially for those with diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. Certain supplements, medications, and even common antibiotics can harm kidneys, highlighting the need for careful use and medical consultation.
Kidney disease often shows no symptoms until it's advanced, making regular testing essential. Around 1 in 5 men and 1 in 4 women in the US have chronic kidney disease, mostly undiagnosed. NSAIDs, when combined with diuretics or ACE inhibitors, can also cause kidney damage. Even without risk factors, annual check-ups are necessary to assess kidney function. Doctors should be informed about all supplements and medications to prevent potential harm to kidneys.
Some dietary supplements have been linked to kidney injury, but specific studies on 17 supplements are not readily available. However, numerous studies and research projects have explored the effects of supplements on kidneys. Renowned institutions like the National Institutes of Health and various universities are dedicated to studying the safety and potential risks of supplements.
Protecting kidney health involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular screenings, and careful use of supplements and medications. If you're considering supplements, always consult your doctor to ensure they're safe for your kidneys. Early detection and prevention are key to managing kidney disease.
