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7 signs of kidney disease due to excessive sugar

7 signs of kidney disease due to excessive sugar

Excessive sugar levels can lead to several health complications. One of these significant disorders is diabetic nephropathy, which is a kidney disease. It is a debilitating condition that slowly affects the kidney’s function over time. According to the CDC, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 3 people with diabetes develop poor signs of kidney disease due to excessive sugar. Here are a few things one needs to know about the various diabetic nephropathy symptoms.

Signs of kidney disease due to excessive sugar
Diabetic nephropathy advances in stages according to a person’s estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which evaluates the kidney’s efficiency in filtering substances in the body. The normal eGFR value is approximately 100, and it decreases as kidney function declines.

During the early phase of diabetic nephropathy, the eGFR level typically falls between 60 and 90. There are no observable symptoms at this point, and the kidney continues to function adequately, even if it is slightly damaged. However, if the eGFR level drops below 60, it may indicate poor kidney health due to high blood sugar levels.

Changes in the frequency and amount of urination
Normally, the kidneys filter blood and produce urine. However, high blood sugar levels can cause a loss of kidney function over time. This can result in changes in urination frequency and amount, including the need to urinate more often. Additionally, there may be blood in the urine, or the urine may appear foamy or bubbly, which may indicate the presence of protein due to kidney damage.

Experiencing consistent fatigue
Healthy kidneys filter the blood to help the body eliminate toxins and other substances that affect overall health. With excessive sugar affecting kidney function, there is a consistent buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This can prevent the flow of essential nutrients, oxygen, and water to the various organs, resulting in decreased energy levels and persistent fatigue.

Persistent itching
This symptom occurs due to two reasons. One reason is the high levels of phosphorus in the body caused by the body’s inability to excrete the excess phosphorus due to kidney damage. The extra phosphorus in the blood combines with calcium leading to persistent itching. Another reason is the high levels of cytokines circulating in the body.

Cytokines are substances that cause inflammation and are processed by the kidney. If the kidney is not functioning properly due to conditions like diabetic nephropathy, excess cytokines can trigger the immune system, resulting in persistent itching sensations.

Swelling in the hands, legs, or feet
With the kidneys unable to function optimally due to excess sugar levels in the blood, extra fluid and sodium accumulate in the cells of the body. Under normal healthy circumstances, these extra fluids and sodium would have been expelled from the body through the kidney. However, since the kidney malfunctions, these are retained within the body. This causes edema or swelling of the extremities, such as the hands, feet, and legs.

Shortness of breath
The extra fluid not only accumulates in the cells of the body but also builds up in the lungs. Furthermore, the damage to the kidney may cause anemia, which leads to low production of red blood cells. Since these cells carry oxygen to the different organs, the low production causes low oxygen levels. Thus, the excess fluids in the lungs and anemia contribute to the frequent feeling of breathlessness.

Loss of appetite
The impaired kidney function causes toxin buildup in the body. This can lead to the accumulation of certain compounds in the bloodstream during the early and middle stages of diabetic nephropathy. These compounds can affect a person’s appetite, causing it to be suppressed. Additionally, a person’s sense of taste may weaken, making most foods taste slightly metallic. These factors can make it difficult for a person to eat full and complete meals.

Puffiness around the eyes
If one’s kidneys do not function well, they may not be able to hold on to vital proteins, which will then be lost through urine. This can cause a decrease in protein levels in one’s body and lead to swelling around the eyes. This swelling is a recognizable sign of kidney disease, which can be caused by consuming too much sugar.

If one has diabetes, the most effective way to lower the chances of developing diabetic nephropathy is to properly control blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Making lifestyle changes like eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, monitoring blood glucose levels consistently, and following the doctor’s recommended treatment plan will assist an individual in managing this condition effectively.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 impacts of high sugar intake on gastrointestinal health

It isn't uncommon for people to consume sugar through foods like coffee, cookies, and other products. Furthermore, the ingredient could also serve as an energy boost whenever needed. However, sugar is one of the most unhealthy ingredients for the body, especially for individuals who are at risk of diabetes. Poor gastrointestinal health is one of the main complications triggered by high sugar intake. Some early warning signs associated with excessive sugar consumption are listed below. Eating more frequently Many individuals might eat more frequently once in a while, and this is okay. However, if an individual has the urge to overeat more regularly, it is advised to consult an expert. This warning sign is associated with high sugar intake. Excessive sugar consumption could prevent the stimulation of insulin, which could increase the production of ghrelin, a hunger hormone. As a result, one may be affected by lower stimulation of leptin - a satiety hormone - in the body. Low leptin levels could make one feel hungrier than usual and drive them to eat more frequently. Therefore, individuals experiencing unusual eating habits must consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause. Bloating Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract gets filled with air. It could occur due to multiple factors. For example, an individual may swallow air when they chew on foods like gum or when they overeat. Women may also experience bloating during menstruation. However, high sugar consumption could also lead to this symptom. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water. However, if the individual consumes too much of the sweet ingredient, it could draw water from the intestine or prevent absorption. As a result, they may experience a bloating sensation. Liver damage One may often develop complications with their liver if they consume too much sugar. The organ is responsible for digesting food and getting rid of toxic substances from the body. Fructose can only be metabolized by the liver. However, the excessive consumption of the ingredient may result in overloading the liver and potentially damaging it. The phenomenon could affect one's normal digestive process. Furthermore, the affected organ could even fail, leading to life-threatening complications.  Constipation The intake of food high in sugar may also lead to constipation. Sugar-rich products are usually low in fluid content, which is necessary for fibers to work better. A deficiency of fluids could prevent the addition of bulk to stools and make it difficult to pass them. So if one develops symptoms like constipation, they might be eating too much sugar and should speak to a healthcare professional or nutritional expert about ways to manage or reduce the intake. Gas Eating too many foods rich in sugar may hamper the digestive system's ability to break down the ingredients quickly. The phenomenon could result in food lying around the large intestine for longer and fermenting. The ingredient may also pass through the large intestine at a slower rate and feed unhealthy bacteria and yeast in the process. It may trigger a buildup of gas in the digestive tract. People with these symptoms may also notice other complications like pain, cramping, and spasms in the region around their stomach. Acid reflux Acid reflux is a common warning sign that stems from problems with digestive health. When an individual consumes too much sugar, it could affect their pancreatic function. The poor condition of the pancreas could reduce its ability to produce enzymes responsible for the digestion of fructose. Furthermore, problems with the organ could trigger an increase in bacterial growth followed by intestinal imbalances. One may consequently suffer from poor nutrient absorption and increased acidity in the digestive tract. The excessive amount of acid may flow back into the esophagus - a phenomenon known as acid reflux. Therefore, someone who experiences this symptom should check with an expert if it is triggered by their sugar intake. Diarrhea Another sign of poor gastrointestinal health due to too much sugar intake is diarrhea. When an individual consumes excess amounts of sugar, it may stimulate the gut to release electrolytes and water. The phenomenon may loosen bowel movements and result in diarrhea. Diarrhea could also result from Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. To avoid misinterpreting the underlying cause behind the symptom, one should consult a health expert for an accurate diagnosis.

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