Latest news with #ChronicKidneyDisease


Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
3 times makhana may be bad for you: Nutritionist cautions against the ‘guilt-free' snack
Fox nuts or makhana may seem like a miracle snack, but moderation is key. Nutritionist Nandini Agarwal highlights three scenarios where overindulgence can backfire—chronic constipation, excessive calorie intake while dieting, and complications for those with kidney ailments. Though rich in protein and antioxidants, makhana's dark side proves even healthy snacks need a balanced approach. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Constipation Conundrum The Calorie Trap in a Healthy Cloak Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Kidneys and Potassium: A Caution for CKD Patients A Grain of Salt with Every Superfood In the age of kale chips and quinoa bowls, makhana —those light, airy lotus seeds—have become India's answer to guilt-free snacking . Touted for their health benefits and endorsed by fitness influencers and wellness gurus alike, these fox nuts have carved a niche in the ' superfood ' club. But, as it turns out, even the healthiest of snacks come with Nandini Agarwal recently took to Instagram to drop a reel that's stirring up the wellness world. While makhana is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse , Agarwal's reel highlighted that it's not always the best choice for everyone. Her three-point warning isn't a dismissal of makhana's benefits—it's a gentle but timely reminder that 'healthy' isn't always you've been leaning on makhana as your go-to midday snack and have also been noticing trouble in the gut, it might be time to reassess. Agarwal points out that makhana is relatively low in fiber. That means for individuals already dealing with constipation, consuming makhana regularly can worsen the issue. It's ironic, considering how makhana is often grouped with other fiber-rich snacks—but in reality, it's the texture, not the fiber, that fools many into thinking it's good for her reel, Agarwal advises, 'Under constipation, these nuts do not have too much fiber and can cause more constipation.' So, while makhana may seem light and digestible, it doesn't do much for keeping your digestive tract moving—something worth noting before your next weight loss regimes in full swing on social media, makhana has become a darling of the diet world. Roasted, spiced, and presented as a 'binge-worthy' alternative to chips, it feels harmless. But as Agarwal notes, 'If you're trying to lose weight then 100 grams of makhana is still okay—but if you're overdoing it, it is definitely not okay.' The reason? Makhana, though low in fat, contains considerable carbohydrates. Eat too much, and those calories stack up faster than you'd other words, just because it's not deep-fried doesn't mean it's diet-proof. Mindful munching is key—even with the healthiest of the most critical warning Agarwal gives is for those with kidney issues or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Makhana is naturally high in potassium—a mineral often restricted in low-potassium renal diets. 'If you have kidney issues or CKD and you are on a low potassium diet, then you should definitely avoid eating makhanas totally,' she third reason is a vital reminder that what's good for one body might not suit another. In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional before adopting trendy dietary habits becomes makhana remains a versatile and nutrient-rich snack—high in protein, antioxidants, and minerals—it's important to remember that even superfoods have their shadows. Nandini Agarwal's Instagram reel doesn't vilify makhana, but rather humanizes it in a world where nutrition is too often reduced to black-and-white labels.


News18
6 days ago
- Health
- News18
High Protein In Urine: Is It Time To Screen For Chronic Kidney Disease?
Last Updated: Chronic Kidney Disease can move silently with little to no symptoms until months or even years One of the most common red flag that doctors look out for is the presence of protein in the urine, as this could significantly deteriorate the kidneys. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive illness that frequently goes unrecognized until significant kidney damage has already occurred. The Lancet states that CKD is present in approximately 10% of the adult population globally. Moreover, its incidence is on the rise due to the increasing rates of diabetes, hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. The effective way to manage CKD is through early detection and intervention. Dr Nitin Shrivastava, Lead Consultant, Urologist, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram shares all you need to know: What does protein in the urine indicate? The presence of high levels of protein in the urine indicates the chances are that the kidneys are not functioning as well as they should. This is because protein and other important nutrients are easily able to pass through healthy kidneys and ultimately return to the blood. On the other hand, proteins like albumin leak through the kidney's filters and into the urine in case of dysfunction which is referred to as proteinuria or albuminuria and is among the first and most common signs of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Other symptoms that may imply that the kidneys are not functioning properly include: ● Loss of appetite: Sudden or rapid weight loss without explanation can be attributed to the buildup of toxins in the body that the kidneys can no longer filter. ● Fatigue: Patients may experience a high level of fatigue or weakness and may even have difficulty sleeping. Cramping of muscles is also a common symptom. ● Changes in urination: Frequent urination or a reduced urge to urinate can both be pointing towards damaged kidney function and are often the earliest signs of trouble. It is typically at this stage that individuals decide to go for CKD screening. ● High blood pressure: Chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes put individuals more at risk of developing kidney disorders. Additionally, impaired kidney function can make it difficult to keep blood pressure under control. ● Swelling in feet and ankles: The inability of kidneys to filter out excess fluid leads to retention, which develops as visible puffiness in the lower limbs. Why does early screening matter? Chronic Kidney Disease can move silently with little to no symptoms until months or even years. When individuals finally get tested, the kidneys have already been damaged significantly. In advanced stages, dialysis or a complete kidney transplantation (KTP) are needed to restore function. This involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into the patient's body, offering a more permanent and effective solution in case of kidney failure. The presence of protein in urine should never be ignored, as it may be the body's earliest warning of silent but progressive kidney damage. However, Regular screening is even more important for individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease. A simple urine testing can become a life-saving intervention if timely action is taken to prevent further complications. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 18:11 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Business Wire
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Revelation Biosciences Inc. Completes Dosing of Patients in PRIME Study
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Revelation Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: REVB) (the 'Company' or 'Revelation'), a clinical-stage life sciences company focused on rebalancing inflammation to optimize health, today announced dosing has been completed for the PRIME (PReconditioning IMmunostimulatory Evaluation) Phase 1b clinical study of escalating doses of intravenously administered Gemini in patients with Stage 3 and 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). As planned, a total of 5 cohorts were enrolled at 3 clinics in the United States. Several study data sets are expected during Q3 2025: these will include safety parameters, changes in hematologic parameters, in vitro evaluation of the inflammatory response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from study participants, and multiple biomarkers of activity. 'We thank our Investigators and participants for the rapid completion of dosing,' said James Rolke, Chief Executive Officer of Revelation. 'We are looking forward to sharing the study data shortly, and engaging the FDA to discuss future clinical development and approval pathways later this year.' About Gemini Gemini is an intravenously administered, proprietary formulation of phosphorylated hexaacyl disaccharide (PHAD ®) that reduces the damage associated with inflammation by reprograming the innate immune system to respond to stress (trauma, infection, etc.) in an attenuated manner. Gemini is being developed for multiple indications including as a pretreatment to prevent or reduce the severity and duration of acute kidney injury (GEMINI-AKI program), and as pretreatment to prevent or reduce the severity and duration of post-surgical infection (GEMINI-PSI program), or infection post severe burn (GEMINI-PBI). Gemini may also be a treatment to stop or slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (GEMINI-CKD program). Revelation has conducted multiple preclinical studies demonstrating the therapeutic potential of Gemini in the target indications. Revelation previously announced positive Phase 1 clinical data for intravenous treatment with Gemini: the primary safety endpoint was met in the Phase 1 study, and results demonstrated statistically significant pharmacodynamic activity, as observed through expected changes in multiple biomarkers including upregulation of IL-10. About CKD Chronic kidney disease is a pervasive problem in the United States and world-wide. CKD is caused by chronic inflammation and can be initiated and propagated in several ways. One prevalent condition is the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes (either Type 1 or Type 2): high blood sugar is toxic to kidney cells – it creates stress, which imitates the inflammatory process, leading to the demise of these cells with subsequent fibrosis, ultimately resulting in continuous loss of kidney function over time. High arterial blood pressure is another source of stress that initiates the inflammatory process that results in CKD. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, family history of CKD, or advanced age. Progression of chronic kidney damage often leads to end stage renal disease with the need for renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation), resulting in significant morbidity and mortality for affected patients. Kidney disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. About AKI AKI, also known as acute renal failure, is a rapid loss of kidney function. AKI causes a build-up of waste products in the blood, making it more difficult for kidneys to maintain the correct balance of fluid in the body. AKI can also have a significant impact on other organs, such as the brain, the heart, and the lungs. About Revelation Biosciences, Inc. Revelation Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage life sciences company focused on rebalancing inflammation to optimize health using its proprietary formulation, Gemini. Revelation has multiple ongoing programs to evaluate Gemini, including as a prevention for post-surgical infection, for post-severe burn infection, as a prevention for acute kidney injury, and for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. For more information on Revelation, please visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "plan", "outlook", and "project" and other similar expressions. We caution investors that forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and are only predictions or statements of current expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Revelation cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: the ability of Revelation to meet its financial and strategic goals, due to, among other things, competition; the ability of Revelation to grow and manage growth profitability and retain its key employees; the possibility that the Revelation may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; risks relating to the successful development of Revelation's product candidates; the ability to successfully complete planned clinical studies of its product candidates; the risk that we may not fully enroll our clinical studies or enrollment will take longer than expected; risks relating to the occurrence of adverse safety events and/or unexpected concerns that may arise from data or analysis from our clinical studies; changes in applicable laws or regulations; expected initiation of the clinical studies, the timing of clinical data; the outcome of the clinical data, including whether the results of such study is positive or whether it can be replicated; the outcome of data collected, including whether the results of such data and/or correlation can be replicated; the timing, costs, conduct and outcome of our other clinical studies; the anticipated treatment of future clinical data by the FDA, the EMA or other regulatory authorities, including whether such data will be sufficient for approval; the success of future development activities for its product candidates; potential indications for which product candidates may be developed; the ability of Revelation to maintain the listing of its securities on NASDAQ; the expected duration over which Revelation's balances will fund its operations; and other risks and uncertainties described herein, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed from time to time in other reports and other public filings with the SEC by Revelation.


Sinar Daily
12-07-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
The silent epidemic, why chronic kidney disease remains largely ignored in Malaysia
DESPITE being one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Malaysia, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) continues to fly under the radar. Often referred to as a 'silent killer,' CKD develops slowly and without obvious symptoms, only becoming apparent when it has reached an advanced stage, by which point lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. The rise in CKD cases is concerning. In 2018, its prevalence in Malaysia jumped to 15.48 per cent up from 9.07 per cent in 2011. Today, more than 50,000 Malaysians are on dialysis, with projections from the Health Ministry estimating that this number could double to over 100,000 by 2040 if preventive measures and early detection efforts remain inadequate. Yet, despite these alarming figures, CKD continues to go largely unnoticed. In response, Sunway Medical Centre Damansara (SMCD) is taking a proactive role in closing this awareness gap, championing early detection and public education as critical tools in combating the nation's growing CKD burden. Understanding CKD and its silent progression One of the key reasons CKD often goes undiagnosed until it's too late is its subtle progression. In its early stages, the condition rarely causes discomfort or symptoms, leading many to assume they're healthy until serious damage has already occurred. Dr Chong Yip Boon - Photo: Sunway Medical Centre Damansara SMCD, Consultant Nephrologist and Physician, Dr Chong Yip Boon stated that Chronic Kidney Disease is particularly dangerous because it progresses silently, often going unnoticed. 'When left undetected, CKD can result in life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular disease, symptomatic anemia, metabolic bone diseases, fluid overload and ultimately, irreversible renal failure and death. 'Its insidious onset and silent progressive nature make early detection both challenging and critical. Lack of public awareness and regular health screenings further increase the difficulty in its early diagnosis,' he said. Why Malaysians are missing the warning signs One of the major challenges in tackling CKD in Malaysia is the lack of public awareness around kidney health and the importance of regular check-ups. Most people associate good health with feeling well, and because CKD shows few to no early symptoms, it's often overlooked. Even when signs do appear, such as fatigue, swollen limbs, or changes in urination, they're frequently dismissed or misattributed to other, less serious conditions. 'The issue isn't that kidney tests aren't available. In fact, they are included in most health screening packages. The problem is that people simply don't come in for check-ups until it's too late,' Dr Chong added. Despite being one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Malaysia, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) continues to fly under the radar. - Photo: Sunway Medical Centre Damansara He highlighted that early screening is crucial for high-risk individuals, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, or a family history of kidney issues. Older adults and frequent users of painkillers or self-medication are also more susceptible and should prioritise regular check-ups. 'Among these patients, common pitfalls include missing regular appointments, skipping blood or urine tests, self-treatment, and a lack of understanding about their condition,' he said. Some early signs, though subtle, are more noticeable than people realise, such as bubbly or foamy urine, which may indicate protein leakage, an early sign of kidney damage. A simple urine test can help determine whether this is benign or something more serious. Prevention begins with awareness and lifestyle Dr Chong also emphasised practical lifestyle habits to support kidney health, such as staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. He advised against excessive use of painkillers, self-medication, and unregulated supplements, while also urging individuals to limit alcohol, avoid smoking, and keep existing conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol under control through routine medical check-ups. Changing the narrative around kidney health Sunway Medical Centre Damansara is actively working to shift public perception of kidney health in Malaysia. SMCD urged the public to stay on top of medical appointments, go for regular screenings, and consult healthcare professionals about their risk of CKD, before it's too late. - Photo: Sunway Medical Centre Damansara Acknowledging that early detection is essential in managing CKD, the hospital is prioritising greater awareness, encouraging early screening among high-risk groups, and addressing the stigma and misconceptions that often surround kidney testing. 'Malaysians must begin to see kidney health as an essential part of general wellbeing, not something to think about only when symptoms appear. 'Routine screening, especially among at-risk individuals, can lead to early detection, delay disease progression, improve quality of life, and significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs,' Dr Chong said. Don't wait for symptoms, act early Ultimately, SMCD hopes to shift the national mindset from reactive care to preventive action. By helping Malaysians recognise the importance of kidney health as part of routine medical care, more lives can be improved, or even saved. The message is simple but urgent: early detection makes all the difference. SMCD urged the public to stay on top of medical appointments, go for regular screenings, and consult healthcare professionals about their risk of CKD, before it's too late.


NDTV
10-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
As Kidney Damage Rises Among Children, Experts Explain What Parents Must Know
Kidney damage is not associated only with adults; now, children are also facing similar issues globally. Data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) published in June 2025 shows that the incidence of kidney failure is rising among adults, but in the past two decades, the occurrence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in children has increased at an alarming rate. "CKD, which we often see in the older generation, happens because of the changes that start in childhood," Dr Sushmita Banerjee, Paediatrician, CMRI Kolkata, told NDTV. What Do The Parents Need To Know? CKD often progresses to kidney failure and also leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hence, the parents need to focus on their child's health and the early signs of kidney issues. CKD can also affect growth and development in children, and there's an increased susceptibility to infections, particularly in children with kidney transplants or undergoing dialysis. Kidney diseases in children also include congenital kidney disorders, conditions like multicystic dysplastic kidney, posterior urethral valve obstruction and fetal hydronephrosis, which are present at birth. Some children also suffer from inflammation of the kidneys due to infection or autoimmune disease, and nephrotic syndrome, which is a condition characterised by excessive protein loss through urine, leading to swelling and complications. "A part of this early damage has been linked to changes in the modern diet, like increasing salt, sugars and processed foods in the diet," Dr Banerjee said. The doctor also explained that diet imbalances for a long period, along with reduced activity and increased screen time, can lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome, which is associated with diabetes, high uric acid and hypertension. All of which are risk factors for kidney disease. "Air pollution as well as surface and soil pollution caused by environmental toxins are also risk factors for CKD," Dr Banerjee added. "Increasing global temperatures can also be a risk due to inadequate water intake and chronic dehydration." Experts have said that kidney damage due to these factors can begin silently in childhood and progress if the exposure is sustained. "Parents should be alert if their child has urine-related issues during early years, such as recurrent urinary tract infections, frequent urination (polyuria), or urinary incontinence," Dr Suman Lata, HOD & Consultant - Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, told NDTV. The doctor revealed that timely consultation with a paediatrician or nephrologist is essential to ensure early diagnosis and management. What Are Some Of The Striking Early Signs? Early signs of kidney disease in children can include puffiness around the eyes, swelling in the ankles, frothy or foamy urine, poor physical growth, high blood pressure or persistently low haemoglobin levels. "These symptoms are often subtle and may be mistaken for other common childhood issues, so early evaluation is important," Dr Lata explained. What Are The Preventive Measures? "CKD in children often develops silently in children, and if undetected it may lead to lifelong complications. Early detection and lifestyle corrections can prevent long-term damage and ensure healthy kidney function in children," Dr Shyam Sunder Nowal, Consultant - Nephrology and Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital Jaipur, told NDTV. 1) Diet: A healthy and balanced diet focusing on fresh, locally available and traditional foods is important. Junk food, processed foods, fried foods with excess salt, or sugary drinks should not be consumed regularly. Cleanliness and hygiene are vital in the preparation of food and drinking water. 2) Water Intake: Plenty of water is needed when the weather is hot and humid and after exercise. 3) Exercise: Children must exercise daily and avoid excessive screen time to avoid obesity. 4) Medical Check-Ups: Regular medical check-ups, including annual blood pressure checking for kids above three years, should be mandatory. 5) Medication: Avoid over-the-counter medications, which can be nephrotoxic. Patients with known risk factors for CKD, like premature delivery, poor fetal growth, urinary tract malformations, or spinal defects, need particular attention and monitoring.