Damaged Kidney: Causes, Symptoms, and Easy Natural Remedies
The kidney is a very important organ of our body that works tirelessly day and night to filter the blood, remove excess water and toxins from the body, maintain the balance of minerals, and control blood pressure.
If the kidney does not function properly, dangerous amounts of toxins start accumulating in our body. If ignored in time, this condition can lead to kidney damage or kidney failure, which can even be life-threatening.
In today’s time, due to poor diet, high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle, kidney-related problems are increasing rapidly. The good news is that with timely precautions and healthy habits, kidneys can be protected from damage.
Main Causes of Kidney Damage
1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
When our blood pressure remains high for a long time, constant pressure is exerted on the blood vessels of the kidneys. This weakens their filtering capacity and gradually causes permanent kidney damage.
2. Diabetes (Sugar)
Diabetes is the biggest cause of kidney damage. Constant high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) of the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood.
3. Lack of Water (Dehydration)
Not drinking enough water makes urine concentrated, causing toxins to accumulate in the kidneys and increasing the risk of stone formation.
4. Excess Salt and Processed Food Consumption
Excess salt and sodium present in packaged snacks increase blood pressure and put extra pressure on the kidneys, so we should avoid consuming these things.
5. Excess Use of Medicines
Long-term use of painkillers or certain antibiotics can be harmful to the kidneys, so we should avoid using painkillers for too long.
6. Smoking and Alcohol
Both these habits affect blood flow and weaken the kidneys, so these bad habits should be avoided.
7. Other Causes
Obesity
Frequent urinary infections
Family history (genetic risk)
Early and Severe Symptoms of Kidney Damage
The early symptoms of kidney damage are often mild, but over time they can become severe:
Early Symptoms
Frequent urination or less urination
Foamy or bloody urine
Fatigue and weakness
Mild swelling in the face, eyes, and legs
Loss of appetite
Severe Symptoms
Severe swelling in the body
Difficulty in breathing
Vomiting and nausea
Muscle cramps
Confusion or difficulty in concentrating
10 Easy and Natural Ways to Protect Kidneys from Damage
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1. Drink Enough Water
To keep the kidneys healthy, we should drink at least 8–10 glasses of water a day. Water dilutes urine and helps us flush out stones and toxins.
2. Control Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, take medicines and follow your diet on time, and check your blood sugar and BP regularly.
3. Limit Salt Intake
Excess salt increases our blood pressure and puts pressure on the kidneys. Do not take more than 1 teaspoon of salt in a day and avoid processed food.
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4. Include Green Vegetables and Fruits
Low-oxalate vegetables like cabbage, bottle gourd, round gourd, capsicum, cucumber, and fruits like apple, pear, watermelon are good for the kidneys.
5. Stay Away from Smoking and Alcohol
These habits damage the blood vessels of the kidneys and disrupt their functioning.
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6. Exercise Regularly
Brisk walking, yoga, and light workouts improve blood flow and keep the kidneys healthy, so we should exercise regularly, even if only for 30 minutes.
7. Limit the Use of Medicines
Use painkillers and antibiotics only on the advice of a doctor.
8. Urinate on Time
Holding urine can cause urinary tract infections (UTI) and increase pressure on the kidneys, so never make the mistake of holding it in.
9. Maintain Healthy Weight
Obesity puts extra strain on the kidneys, so it is important to maintain a balanced weight — for this, exercise, eat well, and stay hydrated.
10. Get Annual Kidney Check-Ups
Kidney function tests (KFT) and urine analysis should be done at least once a year, especially if you are in the high-risk group.
Kidney-Friendly Foods
Cucumber and bottle gourd (hydrating and low-oxalate)
Cabbage and round gourd
Capsicum
Coriander leaves
Apple and pear
Lemon water and coconut water
Watermelon and muskmelon
Foods to Avoid
Excess salt, pickles, and papads
Packaged snacks and fast food
Red meat and high-protein diets
Soda and sugary drinks
Raw spinach, beetroot (high-oxalate foods – take in limited quantity)
Conclusion
The kidney is the cleaning machine of our body, and if it gets damaged, life can be in danger.
The good thing is that with a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, enough water, and regular check-ups, kidneys can be kept healthy for a long time.
If you experience frequent changes in urination, swelling in the body, fatigue, or difficulty in breathing, consult a doctor immediately.