Urologist explains role of gut microbiota in kidney health and diseases: ‘To avoid kidney issues, focus on gut health'
Your gut is one of the most important parts of your body. Several studies now show that a healthy gut means overall wellbeing, and have linked it to a healthy immune system, good mental health, and lower risk of autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Did you know that a healthy gut is also associated with your kidney health? To avoid kidney-related issues and maintain good overall health, focus on gut health. (Freepik)
Also Read | Hepatologist calls Satvic Movement 'utter nonsense'; explains why people should stop falling for influencer sweet talks
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr AK Jayaraj, MBBS, MS -Urology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai, explained the role of gut microbiota in kidney health and disease. The role of gut microbiota
Known for its role in digestion and immune function, microbiota involves gazillions of microorganisms existing in the human gut. According to the urologist, if there is an imbalance of the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, it leads to health issues. 'During this stage, it could trigger kidney disease and hamper everyday life. Dysbiosis induces uremic toxins like indole and p-cresol, causing the buildup of harmful substances,' he explained. In individuals facing kidney issues, the toxins accumulate or, worse, mingle with the blood flow. (Shutterstock)
He also stated that: 'Usually, healthy gut toxins get filtered out by the kidneys, but with individuals facing kidney issues, for example, chronic kidney disease or intestinal permeability (leaky gut), the toxins accumulate or, worse, mingle with the blood flow.'
In such situations, the patient often faces several issues, such as: Cardiovascular issues
Inflammation in the body
Toxin buildup, leading to kidney impairment or a reduction in kidney function A healthy gut means a healthy kidney
Per Dr Jayaraj, to improve health or address gut problems, medical examinations or routine checkups are necessary. He explained: 'For instance, an individual needs to get checked with urine and blood tests. In some extreme cases, stool tests are advised to evaluate the status of gut health and prescribe medications to reduce toxins.'
In conclusion, he added, 'To avoid kidney-related issues and maintain good overall health, focusing on gut health plays a vital role. Indulging in regular medical examinations keeps individuals informed and diagnoses any early diseases.'
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
9 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
How daily yoga practice can calm your thoughts, release tension and bring you closer to inner balance
Yoga isn't just about touching your toes or mastering picture-perfect poses. It's a timeless Indian practice that brings harmony not only to your body but to your entire being. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, yoga helps you reconnect with yourself and restore inner balance. Yoga releases emotional tension in the body, promoting clarity and balance. (Unsplash) In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Rohan Jajodia, Senior Yoga Instructor at Santushti Yoga Lounge, and Lavleen Kaur, Chief Dietitian and Founder of Santushti Holistic Health and Healing, share how yoga can transform your well-being from the inside out. (Also read: Man who lost 30 kg shares how yoga helped him lose weight: 'It's gentle but powerful way to burn fat' ) Sage Patanjali says in the yoga sutras: 'Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah', yoga is the calming of the fluctuations of the mind. Through simple breathwork and regular meditation, yoga helps reduce stress, anxiety, and constant overthinking. You begin to respond to life with more clarity and calm, not just react out of habit. Yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and posture while fostering body awareness.(Unsplash) 2. Strong, aware body Yes, yoga improves flexibility, but it also builds strength, improves posture, and brings deep body awareness. You learn to respect your body's limits while gently expanding them. As the Bhagavad Gita says, 'Yoga is a skill in action.' Every pose becomes an act of mindfulness and self-care, not performance. 3. Breathe better, feel better Your breath (prana) is the bridge between body and mind. Pranayama practices help balance emotions, calm the nervous system, and energise the body. You begin to move with your breath, not against it, making every movement more intentional and peaceful. 4. Stay balanced, not perfect Krishna tells Arjuna in the Gita, 'Be steady in success and failure, that is yoga.' Life isn't always in our control, but yoga helps us stay grounded in both highs and lows. You learn to stay centred, even when things aren't perfect. Yoga is more than a physical practice; it's a holistic approach to well-being. (Unsplash) 5. Let go of stored stress Our body holds emotional tension, especially in the hips, shoulders, and jaw. Yoga gently releases this stress. Over time, you feel lighter, clearer, and more emotionally balanced. 6. Yoga off the mat Yoga is not just a workout, it's a way of living. The Yamas and Niyamas from the Sutras offer timeless values: honesty, kindness, contentment, discipline, and self-reflection. When practised daily, yoga becomes a lifestyle of balance and awareness. Yoga isn't about how deep your backbend is, it's about how calm your mind is and how peaceful your heart feels. Start slow, stay regular, and let yoga do its quiet magic, one breath at a time. 'Do your duty without attachment to the outcome, this is true yoga.' — Bhagavad Gita, 2.47 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
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Kidney cysts vs. kidney tumour: Urologist shares how to spot the differences
Jun 28, 2025 06:10 PM IST Often kidney cyst and kidney tumour induce the same kind of fear. But according to Dr. Sumit Bansal, consultant – urology, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, they are distinctly different. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sumit Bansal said, 'They vary significantly in their nature and implications, even though some of the symptoms overlap. Understanding the distinction between the two conditions is important for early detection.' Also read | Ayurveda for kidney: 7 reasons for kidney disease in women, Ayurvedic tips that can help in managing them Know the early warning signs of kidney cysts and kidney tumour.(Shutterstock) 'Kidney cysts are water-filled cavities in the kidney. Simple cysts are not cancerous and usually do not cause any problems, but if the cyst has a solid component or it has septa that get enhanced on contrast CT scan, then these cysts are cancerous,' the urologist said. He added, while symptoms are generally not noticeable, if a cyst grows large enough, you may experience these symptoms: Abdominal pain : A cyst is characterized by dull pain in the side, back or upper abdomen. It may come and go or feel like pressure rather than sharp pain. : A cyst is characterized by dull pain in the side, back or upper abdomen. It may come and go or feel like pressure rather than sharp pain. Fever or chills : An infected cyst presents itself with fever, chills, or even high blood pressure if kidney function is affected. : An infected cyst presents itself with fever, chills, or even high blood pressure if kidney function is affected. Changes in urination patterns: Cysts can press on the urinary tract, leading you to urinate more frequently. You may also experience a burning sensation while urinating. Also read | Signs of kidney stones to watch out for, prevention and treatment tips Know how to spot differences between kidney cysts and kidney tumour.(Freepik) What is a kidney tumour? "Kidney tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue arising from the kidneys. In the majority of cases, kidney tumour is asymptomatic and detected incidentally on ultrasound or if a CT scan is done for other reasons,' said Dr. Sumit Bansal. Some of the early warning signs of kidney tumour are: Blood in the urine : This is a symptom of an advanced tumor. Urine may appear pink or red. Sometimes, blood may not be visible to the naked eye. : This is a symptom of an advanced tumor. Urine may appear pink or red. Sometimes, blood may not be visible to the naked eye. Pain in the side or the lower back : Persistent pain may occur if the tumor grows large and presses on surrounding tissues. People may also notice a lump in the abdominal region. : Persistent pain may occur if the tumor grows large and presses on surrounding tissues. People may also notice a lump in the abdominal region. Unexplained weight loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss is often accompanied by fatigue, anaemia, and fever in case of a kidney tumor Spotting the differences: Cysts are usually non-cancerous, while solid tumors are usually malignant. Cysts grow slowly and do not interfere with the surrounding tissue. In contrast, cancerous tumors grow aggressively and may even spread to surrounding tissues. Also read | Kidney failure: Top reasons why it happens; warning symptoms Cysts require no treatment unless symptoms become pronounced, but tumors may require extensive treatment in the form of surgery, like radical or partial nephrectomy (removal of the kidney or part of it), which is frequently needed for tumors. 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. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Experiencing a burning pain in your stomach? Doctor says it can be ulcers; here's why they happen
Peptic ulcers are open sores on the lining of the stomach that can lead to a burning sensation, especially at night or when we are hungry. But what are ulcers? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Sanjay Khanna, co-chairman - Manipal Institute of Gastroenterology, hepato-biliary and pancreatic sciences, Manipal Hospitals Dwarka said, 'Ulcers occur when the protective layer of mucus is reduced, allowing stomach acid to damage the tissue.' Also read | Ulcer: Doctors reveal causes, symptoms you should never ignore, treatment Having ulcer pain? Know when to consult a doctor.(Shutterstock) Addressing this, Dr Sanjay Khanna said, 'Ulcer pain comes from the sore area being exposed to stomach acid.' This can happen due to multiple reasons: Infection caused by the bacteria that damages the mucous lining of the stomach and small intestine. Long-term and frequent use of certain pain-relieving medications that irritate the lining of the stomach. Consumption of alcohol or spicy foods, which may not necessarily cause an ulcer, but aggravate the symptoms and make the pain worse. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterium weakens the stomach's protective lining, making it more vulnerable to acid Excess stomach acid: Overproduction of acid, often triggered by stress or certain foods, can hamper the lining of the stomach Smoking and alcohol: Both can irritate the digestive tract, increase acid production, and hinder the healing of existing ulcers. Also read | Ulcers and sores? Your mouth may be trying to warn you about lurking internal diseases Here's what can trigger stomach ulcers.(Pexels) When do you need to consult a doctor? A peptic ulcer can be extremely painful and sometimes dangerous. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience severe and persistent pain in the abdominal region. You may also notice the following signs: Burning stomach pain: This is the most common symptom and usually occurs between meals or at night. You may also feel unusually full or bloated. Loss of appetite or weight loss: You may suddenly lose interest in eating. This can also lead to weight loss and feelings of nausea. Dark stools: Bleeding can occur in the digestive tract, which turns black as it passes through the intestines. Look out for tarry or dark stools, as they indicate bleeding. Also read | Do you often get mouth ulcers? Dentist shares what causes them and 4 easy ways to prevent it 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. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
