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7 signs of poor kidney function due to excessive sugar

7 signs of poor kidney function due to excessive sugar

The pervasiveness of added sugars in one’s food supply has reached alarming levels, leading to a surge in chronic health conditions. Among the potential health risks, its impact on kidney health is significant. Knowing how excessive sugar intake affects one’s kidneys is pivotal for early intervention and management of this silent threat. Here are some of the common signs and proactive measures that can protect one’s kidneys from the harmful effects of sugar.

The sugar and kidney connection
Store-bought foods, including energy drinks, desserts, packaged snacks, and sauces, contain high levels of processed sweeteners. While one’s body requires sugar for energy, too much of it can lead to various health risks, including kidney problems. Sugar doesn’t directly affect one’s kidney, but high glucose in one’s blood can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the kidneys and put pressure on the organ to filter out and remove toxins. Over time, this strain on the kidneys can impair their function and ultimately lead to organ damage.

Signs of kidney disease

  • Frequent urination
    Excessive sugar intake can cause the kidneys to work harder to filter and excrete the sugar, resulting in increased urine production. If one feels the need to urinate more frequently than usual, especially during the night, it could be a sign of kidney dysfunction.
  • Protein in urine
    Healthy kidneys filter out waste and excess substances from the blood but retain essential proteins. But diabetes or high blood sugar can lead to protein loss. This can, however, be diagnosed only with lab tests. So, getting one’s urine sampled and tested can help determine if there’s protein loss in one’s urine.
  • Fatigue
    The accumulation of toxins due to kidney disease can cause weariness and keep one tired throughout the day, despite getting enough rest. So if one feels fatigued even with no lifestyle shifts, it may be due to kidney issues.
  • Fluid retention and swelling
    Kidney damage can bring fluid retention and cause swelling in one’s hands, feet, ankles, and face. Inflammation is also a common sign of diabetes.
  • Changes in urine color
    If one notices any unusual changes in one’s urine, either in color or consistency, like blood or darker urine, it can be a potential kidney issue.
  • High blood pressure
    Kidney disease and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. Excessive sugar in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of hypertension, which, in turn, can lead to kidney damage.
  • Constipation or bowel disorder
    High blood sugar can affect one’s digestive system and lead to a build-up of toxins, further compromising kidney health. In addition, straining during bowel movements due to constipation can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

It’s best to get these abnormalities checked by a doctor since these early signs can often lead to severe health complications if left untreated.

Ways to maintain kidney health
At the behest, it’s important to cut back on one’s sugar intake. For this, one must review the ingredients list before buying packaged items. Sugar has many names, like sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, cane sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, high fructose corn syrup, and more. One can choose healthier alternatives like fresh fruits or fruit juices to satiate one’s sweet cravings. Eating whole grains and balanced foods that are rich in nutrients can also support kidney function. Alternatively, staying adequately hydrated can help the body to flush out toxins, while physical activity can help the body to use excess sugar for energy. It’s best to go for regular check-ups to monitor kidney function and detect any potential issues early on.

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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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5 gastrointestinal issues caused due to high sugar

Despite the satisfaction sugar provides, the consensus is that it harms one’s health. The pitfalls of excessive sugar intake include poor liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye, and mental health. It can build a bed of severe conditions such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and gastrointestinal distress. High sugar levels severely impact your gut health, giving rise to various unpleasant symptoms. To avoid complications, switching to a less sugar-dependant lifestyle is prudent. Acid reflux Heavy reliance on sugary foods can lead to symptoms like acid reflux. It is a concerning sign of gastrointestinal disorders caused by excessive sugar intake. High amounts of sugar in the body can result in restricted functioning of the pancreas, causing bacterial overgrowth. It can lead to excessive acid in the digestive tract and a suppressed absorption of nutrients. This acid is known as acid reflux when it finds its way back up into the esophagus. Bloating Bloating is a result of various factors. Some might experience it as a combination of menstruation symptoms, food sensitivities or intolerances, overeating, and swallowing air. Another common factor for bloating is the intake of excessive sugar. The intestine works hard to absorb water needed by the body. However, sugar can stop that and draw water away from the intestinal cells. This can cause a feeling of heaviness or bloating. If this continues for a long time, it is essential to consult a doctor and seek an appropriate solution. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of digestive distress. Gastrointestinal disorders often cause loose or watery stools making frequent bathroom visits a necessary evil. Based on the cause of diarrhea, it can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. If not dealt with properly, it can cause severe dehydration in the individual. Triggers for diarrhea include food intolerance, excessive sugar intake, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease. Sugar can cause the gut to release electrolytes and water back into the body, causing stool loosening. If one experiences prolonged diarrhea, it is prudent to speak to a doctor and find out the cause of it. Constipation A meal that lacks the appropriate amount of fiber can cause bowel movements to slow down. So does the presence of excessive sugar in meals, contributing to constipation. When the dehydrating effect of sugar is combined with insufficient fiber in meal plans, it can harden stools and cause constipation. It can be resolved by switching to high-fiber and low-sugar meal plans. However, if the problem persists, it could be a sign of poor gastrointestinal condition and indicate the presence of an underlying condition caused by excessive sugar. Gas Gas is another common symptom associated with gastrointestinal disorders that can occur because of excessive sugar intake. When too much sugar is present, the body might have difficulty breaking it down. As a result, the food remains in the intestine for a long time and can start to ferment. When fermented sugar moves through the large intestine, it feeds unhealthy bacteria and yeast leading to gaseous buildup. Someone who experiences gas due to excessive sugar intake may also have to deal with painful spasming or cramping of the stomach region.

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