Doctors explain why a high-salt, high-protein diet is bad for your kidneys.

Kidney illness affects one out of every ten persons on the planet : Kidneys are bean-shaped organs in the human body that filter water and waste while also regulating minerals and nutrients in the blood. Kidneys are one of the body's important organs that assist manage blood pressure, regulate red blood cell formation, and determine the general health of the bones.

Every year on the second Thursday in March, World Kidney Day, a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), is observed to raise awareness of the importance of kidneys and to reduce the global impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.

The 10th of March is World Kidney Day this year. According to a government report, renal illness affects one out of every ten persons worldwide.

How do the kidneys keep the human body in check : Apart from the well-known function of the kidney in removing excess waste and fluid from the body, these organs collaborate on a variety of other tasks. "Your kidneys also eliminate acid created by your body's cells and keep a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals in your blood, such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium," according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

The kidney maintains bone strength by controlling blood pressure and regulating red blood cell production.

Nephrons, glomerulus, and tubule make up the kidneys. The glomerulus filters the blood, while the tubule stores the body's important nutrients and eliminates waste.

The renal artery supplies blood to the kidney.

What are the symptoms of renal disease : Kidney illnesses happen when the kidneys are damaged and can no longer filter the blood properly. Chronic kidney disease, which is caused by high blood pressure, kidney stones, which are formed when minerals in the blood crystallise in the kidneys, glomerulonephritis, which is an inflammation of the glomeruli, polycystic kidney disease, in which cysts grow in the kidneys, and urinary tract infections, which are bacterial infections of the urinary system and are most commonly seen in females, are the most common kidney diseases.

What are the symptoms of renal disease in its early stages : Kidney illness, according to specialists, is manageable provided you recognise the symptoms early and take action.

Trouble sleeping, dry and itchy skin, frequent urination, blood in urine, lethargy, puffiness around the eyes, and frothy urine are all common symptoms of kidney disease.

"People with dysfunctional kidneys typically experience swelling in their legs and ankles, lower urine output, poor appetite, and muscular cramps," says Dr Haresh Patel, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad.

How may the risk of renal disease be reduced :  Controlling high blood pressure if hypertensive, controlling blood sugar if diabetic, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking enough water, eating healthy foods, limiting alcohol intake, taking medications as prescribed by a doctor, being cautious with over-the-counter medicines, and exercising regularly are all things that Dr Patel recommends to reduce the risk of kidney disease.

How does nutrition play a role in reducing the risk of renal disease : Experts claim that eating a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of renal disease. A low-sodium diet is beneficial to one's health. Low salt levels will place less strain on kidney function, giving the organ more time to repair and slowing the progression of the condition.

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"You should minimise your salt intake because it can affect your kidneys" (3-4 gm per day). Dr. Neeru P Aggarwal, Senior Director Of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Max Hospital Vaishali, recommends a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, as well as fibre, minerals, vitamins, and omega-3.

Protein, phosphorus, and potassium-rich foods should be avoided, according to the expert.

Is there a link between COVID and kidney disease : Yes, there is a connection between COVID and kidney health. Kidney illness has been identified as a predictor of COVID severity by a number of researchers. According to a study, the risk of developing renal illness in COVID patients is nearly double that of non-infected COVID patients. 

"High protein meals (without exercise - as recommended) result in high protein (albumin) levels in the body. Poor bodily functioning is caused by a combination of high cholesterol and insufficient protein levels. Nephrotic Syndrome is a condition in which a group of symptoms persists and impairs the kidneys' ability to operate properly. Though no specific study has been developed to definitively verify the virus's harmful effects on kidneys, "when the infection is higher, the odds of poor renal functions also increase," says Dr. Aggarwal, who blames a lack of physical activity during the pandemic for bad kidney health.

Who is more likely to get renal problems :  Kidney disease can be caused by smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. "Nephrotic syndrome affects twice as many males as it does women. Another important comorbidity that causes this illness is adult-onset diabetes, which not only limits kidney function but also leads to renal failure. Patients with diabetes and hypertension, which account for more than 60% of chronic kidney disease cases in India, are at a higher risk because these are the main risk factors for renal disease, according to Dr. Aggarwal. Obese people, people with high blood pressure, people with a family history of renal failure, and people aged 60 and up are also at a higher risk of kidney disease.