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8 bad habits that could lead to kidney failure

8 bad habits that could lead to kidney failure

The kidneys’ primary function is as the body’s natural detoxifier. They filter all the toxins from the blood and turn waste into urine. In addition, they regulate electrolytes, release hormones, and control blood pressure levels. Since kidneys perform these essential functions, taking good care of them is paramount. And one can do so by avoiding certain unhealthy practices and bad habits that could lead to kidney failure. Let’s take a look.

Overeating of processed foods
Packaged snacks, cold cuts of meat, pre-packaged meals, and other processed foods contain high percentages of sodium, sugar, unhealthy fats, phosphorus, and artificial additives and preservatives. An overconsumption of such foods increases the risk of developing hypertension and heart diseases. Moreover, the high amount of sodium and phosphorus in these foods disrupt the normal functioning of the kidneys. Thus, overeating processed foods must be avoided for better kidney health.

Not drinking enough water
When one has enough water throughout the day, it helps the kidneys to filter out the excess sodium and toxins from the body. Also, being sufficiently hydrated is an excellent way to prevent kidney stones from developing. So it is essential to drink an adequate amount of water. Being dehydrated too frequently puts pressure on the kidneys. Due to this, the kidneys cannot function properly, increasing the risk of kidney disease.

Adding excessive salt to foods
When salt is added liberally to meals, it runs the risk of increasing sodium levels in the blood. When there is excess sodium, the kidneys cannot filtrate and remove it. The additional sodium starts to accumulate in the bloodstream. This results in high blood pressure which also affects the kidneys’ function. So instead of adding too much salt to foods, use spices and herbs to balance the flavors.

Having sugary foods
It’s essential to be mindful of the amount of sugar we consume, as it can increase the likelihood of kidney disease. Overindulging in sugary foods and drinks, such as adding extra sugar to tea, coffee, baked goods, or desserts, can also put us at risk for diabetes, further harming our kidneys. To minimize the risk, it’s best to limit or avoid sugary options and instead choose healthier alternatives or sugar substitutes like stevia, agave, fruit pulp, coconut sugar, or date sugar.

Not exercising regularly
Staying physically active can help you burn extra calories and maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Engaging in activities like swimming, walking, running, dancing, or other exercises can reduce your risk of health issues like kidney disease and keep your heart and kidneys in good shape. It’s important to include a variety of exercise routines in your daily routine that match your overall health and age.

Overeating meat
Consuming excessive meat can cause a rise in acid levels in your blood after digestion due to the proteins it contains. Consistently eating meat-heavy meals may increase the acidity in your blood, which can harm your kidneys’ normal function. This is because the kidneys may be unable to eliminate the excess acids, leading to acidosis quickly. However, as protein is an important nutrient, balancing your meat intake with fruits, vegetables, and lentils is beneficial.

Having an irregular sleep schedule
Maintaining a regular sleep routine is important to prevent health issues like kidney problems. The kidneys function best when regulated according to the body’s natural circadian rhythm, the 24-hour internal clock that controls our sleep cycle. A fixed sleeping routine helps maintain this rhythm and optimizes all bodily functions, including the kidneys. This prevents extra pressure on the kidneys, as their workload is evenly distributed over the 24 hours.

Doing strenuous workouts
It is essential to have an active exercise routine. But going overboard can be damaging to the kidneys. When one works out for too long or too hard, it can cause damage to muscle tissues. These tissues start to break down quickly. This condition is known as rhabdomyolysis. Due to this, toxic substances enter the bloodstream. When the kidneys filter this blood, these substances cause damage. So when one continues to overtrain over a long period, it increases the risk of kidney failure.

If you have been advised to limit your potassium or phosphorus intake, contacting your dietitian or nephrologist is essential. Additionally, regular checkups are crucial to stay informed about your health. Doing so allows you to effectively manage your health and enjoy a stress-free life.

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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 reasons to consider permanent hair removal

Hair removal is more than just about maintaining aesthetics. It’s a necessary task for keeping general hygiene. Note that many underlying factors, including good genetics, daily nutrition, overall immunity, and overall general hygiene, determine hair growth. As a result, some people may struggle with excessive hair growth in unwanted areas. Here are some compelling reasons to consider permanent hair removal a viable solution for adults of all ages. Reduced maintenance Unwanted hair clusters under the armpits, back, chest, legs, neck, and even shoulders all add up to extra maintenance. You’ll be forced to trim these growths, as leaving hair growth unattended traps a lot of body heat and causes skin problems. For example, getting a laser hair removal treatment done permanently eliminates the need for trimming and maintenance. You save time and effort, not to mention the savings on grooming products. Improved hygiene Hair follicles and thick portions of growth trap all sorts of dirt, debris, and sweat. It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and increases the risk of infections. This is most common for areas under the armpits, pubic hair, chest hair, and hair on the back. Also, repeatedly shaving and trimming these areas only exposes the skin to some harsh chemicals and products that further cause problems to develop on the surface. So, removing unwanted hair permanently improves hygiene to a great extent. Prevents body odor from worsening Body odor develops as the pores of the skin trap heat and releases sweat. In fact, as people age, body odor becomes more noticeable despite using the best deodorants and antiperspirants. Removing unwanted thick body hair minimizes the chances of odor lingering. The skin pores also release sweat without hair follicles growing thickly and obstructing the surface. Some people develop acute and chronic infections that trigger excessive sweating. Removing unwanted hair can prevent the symptoms from worsening and causing skin infections. Avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs One of the biggest drawbacks of shaving and trimming unwanted hair regularly is razor burn. For underarm and pubic hair, it’s advisable to avoid using a straight razor as the skin here is quite sensitive. Razor burns cause inflammation and skin irritation that can persist for days. Also, cutting off the hair follicles above the surface increases the risk of ingrown hairs. This is because the top layer of the skin grows over the roots leading to the hair follicles getting trapped under the skin. Ingrown hair can become discolored and infected. Laser hair removal can provide a permanent solution to these problems. Enhanced appearance People have different perceptions when it comes to body hair. While some people don’t mind natural growth, others may perceive excessive hair growth as unappealing. These preferences are, of course, subjective and shouldn’t necessarily influence anyone to consider hair removal. However, permanent hair removal is an option for those who have to constantly trim body hair, a task that is time-consuming and quite a hassle. Laser hair removal is quick, painless, and has fewer side effects when compared to other forms. On the downside, it is more expensive and requires at least half a dozen sessions to permanently maintain the look. Hair removal for better athletic performance Sportspersons and athletes participating in events like running, swimming, and cycling consider permanent hair removal to improve body aerodynamics. Now you’d wonder how much of a difference a few growth patches can make. Conclusive studies conducted by sports research institutes suggest complete body hair removal reduces the drag swimmers experience in water by about 7%. That number is the difference between winning and losing in competitive sports. Personal preference One of the biggest reasons for considering hair removal is personal preference. You don’t have to do it just because someone makes a compelling reason. Unless one experiences some discomfort due to thick hair growth or potentially struggles with an underlying condition that causes excessive sweating or inflammation of the skin, it’s really more of a personal grooming choice. Permanent hair removal is not a necessary choice for everyone. You can always rely on temporary solutions like getting body wax once in a while and generally maintaining good hygiene. Always consult a skin specialist or trichologist to understand the pros and cons of hair removal. Permanent treatments are expensive and should only be done by a trained professional.

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