Obesity And Kidney Disease: 5 Ways The Chronic Disease Affects Your Organs, How To Prevent, And More

5 Ways Obesity Affects Your Kidneys

As per Dr Narendra K Shetty, obesity is a major but underappreciated risk factor for kidney disease. It leads to kidney disease through the following 5 mechanisms:

1) IncreasedWorkloadon the Kidneys

Excessbodyfatrequiresthe kidneystofilter more blood,puttingadditionalpressureon the nephrons.This puts a strain on themovera period oftime,causingglomerular hyperfiltration andultimatelykidney damage.

2) Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Abdominal fat promotes insulin resistance, a major risk factor for Type-2 diabetes. High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste.

3) Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Obesity isalsoassociatedwithelevatedblood pressure, anothersignificant reasonforkidneyinjury.Highpressuredamagesthe blood vesselswithinthe kidneysandreducestheirfunctionality.

4) Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Visceralfatin obesity releases inflammatorymediatorsthatinitiatechronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Thisworsensthe damage tokidneycells.

5) Fat Deposition in the Kidneys

Studiesindicatethat obesity cancausethebuildup offatinthe kidneys themselves,leadingtoscarring (fibrosis) andimpairingtheirfunctioning.

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6 Strategies To Prevent Obesity-Related Kidney Disease

While obesity-related kidney disease is a serious concern, there are natural ways to reduce risk and maintain healthy kidneys. Dr Narendra K Shetty suggests the following six:

1) Maintain a Healthy Weight

Weight loss of only 5–10% can lower kidney disease risk by a great margin.

2) Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Increase consumption of fiber foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. Use less salt to manage blood pressure and choose plant-based proteins over red meat. Drinking plenty of water is necessary for healthy kidneys.

3) Exercise Regularly

Attempt 30 minutes of moderate exercise (brisk walking, swimming) on most days for weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar management.

4) Control Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure

Maintain regular checking and lifestyle adjustments, such as minimizing sugar and stress, for prevention of diabetes and hypertension.

5) Reduce Inflammation

Take antioxidant foods like greens and berries. Turmeric and ginger herbal plants also decrease inflammation.

6) Decrease Stress and Improve Sleep

Good sleep (7–8 hours) and stress management practices such as meditation can enhance your overall kidney health.

"With healthy lifestyle modifications, one can lower their risk and safeguard their kidneys in the long run," wraps up Dr Narendra K Shetty.

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