Who knew that being constipated puts us at risk for kidney disease?
The more severe your constipation is, the higher the risk for a kidney disease
Researchers from the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology studied over 3.5 million health records from veterans in the U.S., and found that those who had constipation had higher risks for developing kidney disease, or kidney failure.
Dr. Csaba Pal Kovesdy, chief of nephrology at the Memphis VA Medical Center said, “We cannot really say that we were very surprised.”
Previous research has connected having constipation with cardiovascular problems, and researchers thought that the effects could also have links to kidney disease.
Constipation affects 30% of the population
Image source: iStock
Dr. Kovesdy adds, “Our results suggest the need for careful observation of kidney function trajectory in patients with constipation, particularly among those with more severe constipation.”
This is very important news since other studies have shown that 30% of the general population have had constipation at one point in their lives. Elderly people and women are the ones that are most affected by constipation.
In addition, the study could also affect how doctors choose to treat patients with constipation. An example would be that instead of giving patients laxatives, they could instead prescribe a probiotic diet or a high-fibre diet, especially if the laxatives can have a potential effect on the kidneys.
The researchers add that more studies are needed to confirm the link, since their study is observational. However, it’s still a good starting point to gain an insight into how people develop kidney disease.
Keep your kidneys in tip-top shape!
Image Source: iStock
While we do know that our kidneys are important organs, most of us don’t really know what we can do to take care of our kidneys.
Here are some useful tips that you should practice to keep your kidneys in tip-top shape!
- Know what factors cause kidney disease. Major risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, obesity, a family history of kidney disease, high blood pressure, and being age 60 and older. If you fit into one of those criteria, you should be extra careful of your kidney health.
- Get a yearly check-up. In some cases, symptoms only appear when it’s too late. That’s why it’s important to get a yearly check-up not only to monitor your kidney health but also your health as a whole. Early detection is very important.
- Know the signs. Signs of possible kidney disease can include the following: fatigue, weakness, painful urination, pink or dark urine, swollen face, and excessive thirst. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s better to consult your doctor about it.
- Try and cut back on salty food. Too much salty food can cause a lot of problems for your kidneys. That’s why it’s important to have everything in moderation.
- Keep fit and healthy. The best way of keeping yourself safe from disease is simply through keeping fit and healthy. Proper diet and exercise both go hand in hand in keeping you safe from disease.
Sources: natureworldnews.com, huffingtonpost.com, kidney.org
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