Urologist shares why young Indians are getting kidney diseases without realising it
Did you know actor Rana Daggubati received a kidney transplant a few years ago? While kidney disease doesn't typically get as much attention as the other health conditions like heart disease, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Santosh Gawali, senior consultant urologist and transplant surgeon at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, shared that young people are increasingly being diagnosed with kidney ailments. Also read | Miracles of kidney transplant: Benefits, procedure, everything to know for those suffering from end-stage renal disease
It's important to point out that chronic kidney disease is a broad term for a range of illnesses. Dr Gawali explains, 'Kidney ailments in young age groups can be broadly classified into congenital/ inherited causes and acquired causes. Inherited causes include early-onset hypertension, Type 1 diabetes occurring in young age groups, leading to kidney failure in the long run. The list of rare inherited disorders with renal involvement is rapidly growing due to various factors like increasing recognition by genetic testing/imaging, increased exposure to environmental toxins, maternal diet, lifestyle changes, and increasing maternal age.'
He adds, 'Autoimmune Diseases such as IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis ( SLE ) may trigger kidney inflammation, which in turn can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD). Family history also plays a major role in diseases like Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). CKD may occur as a result of renal scarring due to recurrent urinary tract infections. Some of them may have congenital Vesicoureteric reflux disease.'
According to him, acquired causes include increasing rates of obesity rates among young adults, in their 20s, 'due to modern lifestyle changes including increased exposure to fast food, high screen time, and higher stress levels'. Dr Gawali says, 'Increasing rates of smoking in young age causes early onset of hypertension and a high risk of renal cancer. Recreational drugs have been associated with irreversible kidney injury.'
He adds, 'There is an increased tendency of the younger age groups for consumption of heavy protein supplements, animal protein, steroids, with reduced amounts of vegetable protein and strenous exercises, dehydration, which, along with reduced fluid intake, leads to renal damage over long run. Recurrent urinary tract infections and stone disease too cause renal damage in long run.'
Dr Gawali suggests avoiding excessive protein supplements and pain killers and staying hydrated. He says, 'Diet involving increased vegetable protein intake, reduced animal protein and supplements with adequate fluid intake. Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall health Maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce stress on the kidneys and improve overall health. Cessation of recreational drug use/ smoking/ alcohol. Avoiding excessive protein supplements, pain killers and proper water intake is also important to protect the kidneys.'
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Role of vitamin D in pregnancy: Is sunlight a boon or bane for expecting moms?
The human body produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight so it is commonly known as the 'sunshine vitamin'. This vitamin has a crucial role in aiding both maternal and fetal well-being, as the lack of vitamin D might affect pregnancy outcomes. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Garima Jain, MBBS, DNB, CIMP, CGC, CCCGDM, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Apollo Cradle & Children's Hospital in Bengaluru's Brookefield, explained, 'During pregnancy, the need for calcium rises in the body to support the proper development of the baby's skeletal system. Further, vitamin D can help absorb calcium, which makes it important for the body as it is necessary for the development of stronger teeth and bones. Vitamin D also helps regulate the immune system and reduces inflammation, promoting better health for the mother.' Studies suggest that infants born to mothers with adequate levels of Vitamin D are less likely to develop conditions such as asthma and rickets whereas insufficient levels of Vitamin D in the blood can cause complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Dr Garima Jain shared, 'The body naturally produces Vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. While sunlight is beneficial for producing Vitamin D, excessive exposure can be harmful. If skin is exposed to UV radiation often, the chances of skin damage, sunburn and even skin cancer increase.' She added, 'During pregnancy, women are at risk of heightened skin sensitivity, which exposes them to melasma, skin pigmentation. Half an hour of exposure to the sun during the early morning or late afternoon is mostly safe and healthier compared to remaining under the sun's direct rays at peak times. Applying sunscreen to sensitive areas while leaving some skin exposed allows the body to absorb sunlight for Vitamin D production without risking sun damage.' Dr Garima Jain opined, 'Since sunlight alone may not provide enough vitamin D, including dietary sources such as fortified milk, eggs, salmon, and cod liver oil is very important. Including these in the diet helps in maintaining good health. In some cases, particularly when blood tests identify a deficiency, taking prescribed supplements of Vitamin D is recommended.' Sunlight is vital in helping the body produce vitamin D, particularly during pregnancy. Moderation, however, must be practised to avoid the risks of too much overexposure. Like anything finite or harmful, natural sunlight may be substituted by a balanced diet and supplementation. Getting enough Vitamin D from sunlight, food and supplements may help ensure a healthier pregnancy as well as more positive outcomes for mother and baby. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Yoga expert shares 4 simple asanas to reduce chronic fatigue and inflammation
Staying on top of the game, grinding, hustling at work, and upskilling, may have become the norm in a fast-paced world that romanticises hustle culture, but your health is silently screaming for help. Sadly, sometimes the modern lifestyle leaves little to no room for proper self-care. What happens is your daily exhaustion piles up, which you so conveniently shove under the carpet, slowly building up to chronic fatigue. In turn, fatigue increases inflammation, and as a chain reaction, inflammation raises the chances of chronic diseases. This is why setting time aside for self-care to wind down with yoga is essential for maintaining long-term health. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga expert and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared how yoga can help beat fatigue and inflammation from the fast-paced lifestyle of today. He said, 'The health index of a society is a direct reflection of lifestyle. Most diseases that the world is currently suffering from are autoimmune diseases, which are predominantly lifestyle disorders. With extended work hours, digital exposure, and a sedentary lifestyle, dedicating time for self-care has become a challenge, leading to burnout and fatigue. Yoga provides a holistic approach to overcoming these challenges through simple yet powerful practices." Benefits: Stretches the spine, reduces backache, promotes hip flexibility, reduces fatigue, relieves tension and calms the mind. Benefits: Improves back flexibility, restores spine health, releases tension from the neck, promotes good posture and stimulates abdominal organs reducing inflammation. Benefits: Cleanses the channels and stimulates energy towards the skull. An uplifting practice that activates the nervous system, enhancing mental agility. How to do: Benefits: It is an extremely powerful practice for conscious relaxation and recovery of the organs. It increases awareness of the entire body and helps in mindful observation as well as rejuvenation of all systems. Regular practice of Yoganidra reduces blood pressure, regulates heartbeat, improves sleep quality, enhances emotional health and builds mental strength. While stress is mainly viewed as mental, the body holds a lot of stress, and Yoganidra helps in recognising and consciously releasing the accumulated stress. ALSO READ: Yoga coach shares 7 asanas women suffering from PCOS, PCOD should practise daily for 20 minutes Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Doctors share why smoking with morning tea on empty stomach harms gut and lungs
A cup of steaming tea while taking a puff of a cigarette has been glorified. But this habit may be doing you more harm than you realise, adversely affecting your lungs and gut, setting up for digestive and respiratory conditions in the long run. World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, which advocates for cutting down on tobacco consumption, is an appropriate time to draw attention to this health-wrecking habit. HT Lifestyle reached out to experts, who explained how this simple combination of tea and a cigarette in the morning may be dangerous for your lungs and gut health. Dr Sarat Kumar Behera, senior consultant pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, shared with us how tea combined with smoking in the morning can impair respiratory health. He said, 'Smoking a first cigarette in the morning, when the lungs are most vulnerable, immediately reduces lung function. While sleeping, the lungs are in a resting state, in which they recover from the respiratory system. A first-morning cigarette jolts this system with a hit of poisonous chemicals, which impairs oxygen exchange and destroys the delicate hair-like structures (cilia) that remove mucus and other debris. This interference can result in difficulty breathing, lower energy, and an observable loss of appetite as the body fights to restore balance." Here are some more ways it can damage your respiratory health, as shared by Dr Sarat: Now that you know the ill effects of cigarettes on your lungs and overall respiratory health, let's also take a look at how the tea-cigarette combination impacts your gut when consumed on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Dr Gyan Ranjan Rout, consultant gastroenterologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, explains how this seemingly harmless habit can trigger a chain of negative reactions in your gut, from acid reflux to suppressed appetite. He said, 'From a digestive standpoint, nicotine is a major disruptor. It stimulates excess gastric acid secretion, which is particularly harmful when the stomach is empty, as it usually is in the morning. Combined with caffeine from tea, this creates a hyperacidic environment that aggravates conditions like gastritis and peptic ulcers.' Dr Gyan shared these negative consequences of smoking and sipping on tea in the morning: ALSO READ: World No Tobacco Day: Expert shares 5 ways smoking actively damages your mental health Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
