How can our lifestyle accelerate the decline of kidney function?
Typically, people lose kidney function by about 1% a year after age 50. If you have a decline in kidney function faster than the regular rate associated with aging, you are in trouble.
There are things you can do or avoid to forestall further renal decline, particularly in the realm of lifestyle modifications.
- Painkillers
Frequent use of painkillers is one of the most common causes of renal failure. In the past, we know that painkillers in the NSAIDs and cox-2 inhibitors categories can cause accelerated kidney function loss, especially in those with dehydration or liver problem.
Lesser known to the public is the fact that the ubiquitous painkiller paracetamol or acetaminophen, if taken over a long period, can also lead to kidney failure. If you have chronic pain in any part of your body, you should consult a doctor to receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Refrain from taking painkillers for more than two weeks.
- Fruits high in oxalate
Some fruits have high oxalate and eating too many can cause kidney damage. According
to studies, star fruit or belimbing is rich in oxalate, which can precipitate in the kidney causing kidney failure. If you like star fruit, eat them in moderation and eat the fruit whole instead of juicing them into smoothies to avoid overconsumption.
- Medication for herpes simplex and herpes zoster treatment
These drugs can precipitate and form crystals during their excretion through the kidney, leading to kidney problems. If you must take these medications, don't forget to drink plenty of water. And inform your doctor if you have impaired kidney function so the medication doses can be adjusted and appropriately prescribed.
- Marathon running
According to a paper from Yale University, marathon running can cause kidney damage in up to 82% of the study subjects. However, the kidney function can recover after two days of resting. The damage is related to dehydration or the drop in kidney blood supply during marathon running. The long-term effect on kidney function is not yet known. When doing any exercise, do it in moderation. Keep yourself always hydrated.
- Depression or emotional stress
People with depression have a 2-fold kidney function loss compared to others. However, kidney function can recover if patients respond to the treatment of depression. As soon as you are aware that you have depression, seek medical care or practice meditation or mindfulness to relieve and improve your emotional state.
- Sweeteners
According to a study on 3,000 women in the Nurses' Health Study, USA, there is an association between sweetener intake and the risk of faster kidney function decline. Consuming two or more servings a day of artificially sweetened soda can increase the risk of renal failure, which may be due to the change in gut bacteria. It is recommended to cut down or avoid sweeteners. However, keep in mind that sugar can also cause fatty liver.
- Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a chemical widely used as an agricultural weed killer. There was a proposal to ban glyphosate in Thailand in 2019 due to its concerning effects on humans and the environment. The most up-to-date study from Taiwan in 2022 linked kidney failure in farmers with glyphosate and other heavy metals. According to a paper by the Chulabhorn Graduate Institute and the Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), in 2016, glyphosate residuals were found in all soybean samples in Thailand but at the acceptable daily intake based on the US and EU standard.
- Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of kidney failure by 60%. And the more you smoke, the higher your risk of kidney failure. Smokers have a 4-fold higher risk than non-smokers developing the disease. If you are trying to quit smoking, consult with your doctor for proper therapy to help you quit smoking.
- Vegetables and fruits consumption
Low fruit and vegetable intake is associated with a greater risk of kidney failure in U.S. adults regardless of whether they have chronic kidney disease, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Nephrology in 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the opposite of the former belief in the renal community.
I hope this can help you avoid further damage to your kidney and help reduce the risk of future dialysis requirements. Best of all, please discuss with your nephrologist the topic you want to explore further.
