7 Myths About Kidney Disease—What Nephrologists Want You to Know About Prevention, Treatment, and Dialysis
Are analgesics safe for the kidneys? Can kidney disease be avoided by drinking more water? Nephrologists respond to frequently asked questions and dispel kidney-related myths.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a US-based organisation, states that chronic kidney disease is characterised by kidney deterioration that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter blood. Dr. Saiprasad Sahoo, senior consultant in nephrology at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, told HT Lifestyle that there are a number of misconceptions about kidney health that keep individuals from adopting the proper precautions.
How to keep your kidneys healthy
According to Dr. Sahoo, the kidneys are the body’s unsung heroes since they filter waste, control blood pressure (BP) and electrolyte balance, and maintain our health. However, a number of things, including bad eating habits, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical disorders, can harm kidneys. In addition to lifestyle variables, established risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure can exacerbate renal disease.
“Track your health parameters, eat good food, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and manage your stress to ensure that your kidneys remain functional for a long time,” he continued, advising people to preserve kidney health through thoughtful dietary choices and smart lifestyle practices.
Eight kidney-related myths you may have heard
There are a number of misconceptions about kidney disease that “lead to confusion, and delayed diagnosis and treatment,” according to Dr. Maria Bethsaida Manual, consultant in nephrology and transplant medicine at Manipal Hospital Whitefield. Drs. Sahoo and Manual listed certain falsehoods they hope you will no longer believe:
Myth 1: Kidney disease only affects the elderly
1. One such misconception is that kidney illness only affects the elderly. In actuality, kidney problems can impact individuals of any age, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of renal problems, according to Dr. Sahoo.
Myth 2: To avoid kidney disease, drink more water
2. Can renal disease be avoided by drinking water? Dr. Manual states that while maintaining proper hydration is crucial for kidney health, excessive hydration can be detrimental in certain kidney illnesses, such as End-Stage Renal Disease or Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5.
Myth 3: Kidney illness doesn’t have any symptoms
3. According to Dr. Manual, people assume that if there are no symptoms, the kidneys are healthy. She claimed that because kidney illness advances slowly, no signs appear until serious harm has been done.
Myth 4: Kidney disease may be cured with herbal remedies
4. Another common misconception is that kidney disease can be cured by using herbal remedies. Nevertheless, a lot of herbal medicines include dangerous and uncontrolled ingredients that could damage the kidneys. Therefore, before using them entirely, please see your doctor, Dr. Sahoo advised.
Myth 5: Pain relievers don’t affect the kidneys
5. “A lot of people believe that painkillers are safe,” he continued. However, few individuals are aware that excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can harm kidneys in those who already have risk factors.
Myth 6: Dialysis is essential for kidney disease treatment
6. Another misconception is that if you have kidney illness, dialysis is a given. But not every patient develops end-stage renal disease (ESRD), according to Dr. Manual. A healthy lifestyle and appropriate medical care can help many individuals maintain stable kidney function for years.
Myth 7: There is no way to avoid kidney disease
7. A lot of people also believe that renal illness cannot be avoided. In response, Dr. Manual stated that “healthy lifestyle changes like controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and staying active gradually reduce the risk of disease progression, even though not all forms are preventable.”
