Taking painkillers every day

Many people turn to over-the-counter painkillers to manage chronic aches and pains. Dr. Sabharwal says frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also referred to as NSAIDs, can decrease blood flow to the kidneys and cause long-term damage. So this kind of injury, analgesic nephropathy, develops silently. Most people do not notice symptoms until the damage has reached an advanced stage.Pain relievers are usually safe if taken infrequently; however, overusing them without medical supervision is dangerous. Other treatment options include physical therapy or stretching exercises, or medications that have a lesser effect on the kidneys. People who may use painkillers often must be tested for kidney function frequently in order to catch early signs of stress or damage to the organs.

Use of unregulated herbal supplements

Many people assume herbal remedies are safe, but Dr. Sabharwal says that some supplements contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, or arsenic. The kidneys can, over time, accumulate these toxins and suffer serious damage. In fact, studies reported in PubMed indicate that contaminated herbal products have been associated with acute and chronic kidney disease.For renal protective purposes, herbal supplements should be selected from some proper and well-regulated sources.

One can indicate all types of supplements to a healthcare provider. Avoid untested or unlicensed products and are wary of claims promising quick or miraculous results. Even natural products can have unintended consequences if they contain toxic substances.

Ignoring high blood sugar

Chronic high blood sugar is a leading cause of kidney diseases. Continuous stress to the filtering units in the kidneys by elevated HbA1c levels can cause impairment in their blood and fluid balancing act. According to Dr. Sabharwal, prolonged, uncontrolled blood sugar greatly increases the risk for diabetic kidney disease. This risk is compounded by frequent use of painkillers or exposure to contaminated supplements.

Good blood sugar control is important for protecting the kidneys from damage. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and following medications can help to keep blood sugar levels in control.

Regular urine and blood tests are very important for early detection of kidney damage before symptoms appear.How to protect your kidneysKidney damage often occurs silently, with symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, bone pain, or changes in urination not appearing until significant damage is done. According to Dr. Sabharwal, it is advisable to protect kidney function proactively.

Key strategies include:

Limiting the long-term use of painkillers and finding safer alternativesAvoiding unregulated herbal supplements that may carry heavy metalsManagement and control of blood sugar levels through lifestyle modifications and medicationEarly detection of developing renal impairment through regular monitoring of renal function. Being conscious of these habits would make it possible to minimize the danger of kidney disease and assist in long-term health. Awareness and small adjustments daily can bring long-lasting results, ensuring your kidneys continue their performance effectively.