The biggest enemy in your kitchen: Driving your kidneys to dialysis
Kidney disease is often called the “silent killer.” Up to 90 percent of kidney function can be lost before symptoms appear. According to the International Society of Nephrology, kidney disease affects more than 850 million people worldwide, encompassing both chronic kidney disease and acute kidney failure. Seemingly harmless habits can further threaten kidney health. Research shows that behaviors like excessive painkiller use, excessive soda consumption, or irregular sleep patterns can lead to kidney damage. However, one of the most common risk factors is daily salt intake.
High salt intake causes the kidneys to work harder to manage fluid balance. This raises blood pressure and, over time, leads to kidney damage. Large-scale studies show that consistently consuming too much salt negatively impacts kidney function and increases the risk of kidney-related death. For example, a British study published in JAMA found that people who regularly add salt to their meals have a 29% higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease than those who rarely or never add it. Tulane University researchers confirmed these findings. In people with existing kidney disease, excess salt worsens symptoms such as edema, high blood pressure, and protein loss in the urine. Experts recommend keeping sodium intake below 2 grams per day (about 5 grams of salt).
Health officials recommend limiting daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg, with lower targets of 1,500 mg for those at risk. The World Health Organization recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams per day. However, these limits can easily be exceeded through processed foods, restaurant meals, and snacks.
Instead of salt at the table, add a small amount to your food if necessary. Choose herbs, spices, lemon juice, or vinegar instead of salt. Avoid canned, processed, and fast food. Blood pressure-lowering diets like DASH are beneficial for both heart and kidney health. Potassium-based alternatives may be beneficial in some cases; however, if you have kidney problems, seek medical approval. Experts emphasize that these simple kidney measures can prevent serious health problems in the long term. This article is written for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. ntv.com.tr is not responsible for any self-diagnosis based on the content of this article. If you have any concerns about your health, consult your doctor.
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