Latest news with #NIDDK
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Nephrologists bust 7 common myths about kidney disease: Is it actually preventable to is dialysis inevitable
According to the US-based National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), chronic kidney disease means that the kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood as they should. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Saiprasad Sahoo, senior consultant – nephrology, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, shared that when it comes to maintaining kidney health, there are several myths that prevent people from taking the right steps to protect their kidneys. Also read | Do you overuse paracetamol? Urologist says it can increase kidney cancer risk; know these 10 everyday habits to avoid Dr Sahoo said, 'Kidneys are the silent warriors of the body – they filter waste, regulate electrolyte balance and blood pressure (BP), and keep us healthy. However, kidneys are susceptible to damage from various factors like poor diet, lifestyle habits, and underlying health conditions. Apart from lifestyle factors, kidney disease is also aggravated by known risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure.' He added that to maintain kidney health, make conscious dietary choices and healthy lifestyle habits: 'Track your health parameters, eat good food, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and manage your stress to ensure that your kidneys remain functional for a long time.' According to Dr Maria Bethsaida Manual, consultant, nephrology, and transplant physician, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, there are several myths surrounding kidney disease that 'lead to confusion, and delayed diagnosis and treatment'. Dr Sahoo and Dr Manual shared a bunch of myths they wish you would stop believing: 1. 'One such myth is that only the elderly are at risk of kidney disease. In reality, kidney issues can affect people of all ages, especially those with diabetes, high BP, or a family history of kidney issues,' Dr Sahoo said. 2. Does drinking water prevent kidney disease? According to Dr Manual: 'Staying hydrated is important to kidney health, but in some kidney diseases, such as End-Stage Renal Disease or Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5, overhydration can be harmful.' 3. Dr Manual said that people think no symptoms mean the kidneys are fine. 'Kidney disease progresses silently, which means there are no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred,' she said. 4. 'Another popular belief is that herbal products can cure kidney disease. However, many herbal remedies contain unregulated and toxic substances that may be harmful to the kidneys. Therefore, please visit your doctor before using them exclusively,' Dr Sahoo said. 5. He added, 'Many people think that painkillers are harmless. But not many realise that overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can damage the kidneys in people with existing risk factors.' 6. Another myth is that dialysis is inevitable if you have kidney disease. However, according to Dr Manual, 'Not all patients progress to ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease). Many patients can maintain stable kidney function for years with proper lifestyle and medical treatment.' 7. Many also think that kidney disease is not preventable. Reacting to which, Dr Manual said, 'While not all forms are preventable, healthy lifestyle changes like controlling BP, blood glucose, and staying active gradually reduce the risk of disease progression.' 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.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is gestational diabetes?
(NewsNation) — Diabetes affects the lives of tens of millions of Americans. Gestational diabetes is part of this total but specifically affects 5% to 9% of pregnant women in America, per the CDC. As the name suggests, it is a variant of diabetes that forms in a woman during pregnancy. Oftentimes, it develops around the 24th week of pregnancy in cases where the body is unable to produce adequate amounts of insulin to combat increased blood sugar levels. The increased blood sugar levels are a result of hormonal changes throughout the gestation period. Per the Centers for Disease Controla nd Prevention, symptoms often do not appear. If they do exist, they are generally mild and can involve urinating more frequently than usual and being thirstier than usual. The CDC recommends that women be tested to determine if they have gestational diabetes. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends losing extra weight before getting pregnant if you are overweight. Regularly being physically active before and during pregnancy can decrease the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. If one develops gestational diabetes, the likelihood of type 2 diabetes can be heightened, but can be somewhat curtailed by making healthy choices, per the NIDDK. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Active ingredient in weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat type of fatty liver disease: Study
The active ingredient in the popular weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat a type of fatty liver disease, according to new research. The disease, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), occurs where fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. MASH can lead to scarring and even permanent liver damage. It can also lead to liver failure or cancer -- increasing the risk of transplant or chemotherapy -- and significantly raise the risk of liver-related death. MORE: Active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease: Study The condition is believed to affect an estimated 1.5% to 6.5% of U.S. adults, according to the NIDDK. In the study, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and conducted by researchers in the U.S., U.K., Denmark, France. Italy and Germany, patients received doses of semaglutide, the active ingredient used to treat diabetes in Ozempic and obesity in Wegovy. The patients started on low doses and increased gradually, reaching the full Wegovy dose over 72 weeks. Researchers found that about two-thirds of patients had less liver inflammation, and about one-third had improvement in liver scarring, a more advanced stage of damage. Additionally, one-third of patients improved in both inflammation and scarring. These benefits appeared in people with and without diabetes. Patients also lost an average of 8.5% of their body weight during the 72-week study. "We knew from studies of lifestyle interventions that as little as five to 10% weight loss was associated with substantial improvements in liver fat and MASH," Dr. Robert Brown Jr., chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and who was not involved in the study, told ABC News. In addition to direct health issues, MASH is linked to metabolic syndrome -- a group of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. MASH falls within a larger category of liver disease called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a fatty liver disease which affects about 24% of U.S. adults, according to the NIDDK. MORE: Excessive drinking during the pandemic increased rates of liver disease, transplants "It's a problem because obesity and Type 2 diabetes have been increasing in this country year over year for decades," Brown said. "And so right now, it's estimated that one-third of the population ... has obesity or Type 2 diabetes. So that's over 100 million people." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the medication resmetirom for treatment of MASH in 2024, but the response observed in both inflammation and scarring was more modest in comparison to what was seen with Wegovy, according to FDA data. Brown said people can lower their risk for fatty liver disease by eating healthy meals, staying active and losing weight. Drinking filtered coffee, without too much sugar or cream, may also help protect the liver, he said. Wegovy addresses the root cause of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease by helping regulate blood sugar, reduce body fat and improve insulin sensitivity, the study authors suggested. These changes can ease the strain on the liver and reduce the buildup of fat that leads to inflammation and scarring. "MASH and MASLD are going to be an increasing health burden, and we are going to need drugs that target the liver fibrosis as well as the underlying metabolic parameters," said Brown. "I'll be excited when we have multiple different drugs that work in different ways, so that we can treat all of the patients who had this problem in the future." Dr. Allen Chang is the chief resident of the geriatric medicine subspecialty residency program at Dalhousie University and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Active ingredient in weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat type of fatty liver disease: Study originally appeared on
30-04-2025
- Health
Active ingredient in weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat type of fatty liver disease: Study
The active ingredient in the popular weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat a type of fatty liver disease, according to new research. The disease, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), occurs where fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. MASH can lead to scarring and even permanent liver damage. It can also lead to liver failure or cancer -- increasing the risk of transplant or chemotherapy -- and significantly raise the risk of liver-related death. The condition is believed to affect an estimated 1.5% to 6.5% of U.S. adults, according to the NIDDK. In the study, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and conducted by researchers in the U.S., U.K., Denmark, France. Italy and Germany, patients received doses of semaglutide, the active ingredient used to treat diabetes in Ozempic and obesity in Wegovy. The patients started on low doses and increased gradually, reaching the full Wegovy dose over 72 weeks. Researchers found that about two-thirds of patients had less liver inflammation, and about one-third had improvement in liver scarring, a more advanced stage of damage. Additionally, one-third of patients improved in both inflammation and scarring. These benefits appeared in people with and without diabetes. Patients also lost an average of 8.5% of their body weight during the 72-week study. "We knew from studies of lifestyle interventions that as little as five to 10% weight loss was associated with substantial improvements in liver fat and MASH," Dr. Robert Brown Jr., chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and who was not involved in the study, told ABC News. In addition to direct health issues, MASH is linked to metabolic syndrome -- a group of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. MASH falls within a larger category of liver disease called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a fatty liver disease which affects about 24% of U.S. adults, according to the NIDDK. "It's a problem because obesity and Type 2 diabetes have been increasing in this country year over year for decades," Brown said. "And so right now, it's estimated that one-third of the population ... has obesity or Type 2 diabetes. So that's over 100 million people." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the medication resmetirom for treatment of MASH in 2024, but the response observed in both inflammation and scarring was more modest in comparison to what was seen with Wegovy, according to FDA data. Brown said people can lower their risk for fatty liver disease by eating healthy meals, staying active and losing weight. Drinking filtered coffee, without too much sugar or cream, may also help protect the liver, he said. Wegovy addresses the root cause of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease by helping regulate blood sugar, reduce body fat and improve insulin sensitivity, the study authors suggested. These changes can ease the strain on the liver and reduce the buildup of fat that leads to inflammation and scarring. "MASH and MASLD are going to be an increasing health burden, and we are going to need drugs that target the liver fibrosis as well as the underlying metabolic parameters," said Brown. "I'll be excited when we have multiple different drugs that work in different ways, so that we can treat all of the patients who had this problem in the future."
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
These Foods Are The Culprits Behind Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive disorder that causes a burning sensation in the chest, often referred to as heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, irritating the lining. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diet plays a significant role in triggering or alleviating acid reflux symptoms. Certain foods weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) or increase stomach acid, making reflux more likely. Identifying and limiting these dietary culprits is key to managing acid reflux and maintaining a healthy digestive system. Identifying triggers is the first step toward lasting relief While over-the-counter medications can offer temporary relief from acid reflux, long-term management often begins in the kitchen. Some foods and drinks act as direct irritants or relax the valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. By knowing what to avoid, individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease can significantly reduce flare-ups and discomfort. Below are some of the most common dietary culprits that may be making your acid reflux worse. 1. Spicy foods Chillies, hot peppers, and spicy sauces can irritate the oesophageal lining and worsen acid reflux. Capsaicin, found in chilli peppers, is known to slow the digestion process, which can increase the chances of reflux. The Cleveland Clinic suggests people with GERD limit or avoid spicy dishes altogether. 2. Citrus fruits and juices While fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, their high acidity can trigger reflux symptoms. Citrus juices can increase the stomach's acidity and lead to a burning sensation. Opt for non-citrus fruits like bananas and melons, which are gentler on the digestive system. 3. Tomatoes and tomato-based products Tomatoes are naturally acidic and often worsen acid reflux. Foods like pasta sauce, ketchup, and pizza can aggravate symptoms. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should limit their intake of tomato-based foods to reduce flare-ups. 4. Chocolate Chocolate contains caffeine, theobromine, and fat, all of which can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and encourage acid to escape into the oesophagus. Even small amounts can cause issues for sensitive individuals. White chocolate, though caffeine-free, still contains fat and should also be consumed cautiously. 5. Fried and fatty foods High-fat foods delay stomach emptying and put pressure on the LES. This includes fried snacks, creamy sauces, full-fat dairy products, and red meat. A diet rich in unhealthy fats is linked to increased acid reflux. The Harvard Medical School recommends choosing grilled, steamed, or baked options instead. 6. Caffeinated drinks Coffee, tea, and energy drinks stimulate acid production and can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter. Even decaffeinated coffee has been reported to cause reflux in some individuals. Limiting caffeine intake can go a long way in reducing discomfort. 7. Carbonated beverages Sodas and fizzy drinks can cause bloating, which increases abdominal pressure and encourages acid to flow upward. Additionally, most carbonated beverages are acidic in nature. Replace these with still water or herbal teas like chamomile or ginger, which may help soothe the digestive tract. 8. Alcohol Alcohol can relax the LES and stimulate acid production in the stomach. Wine, beer, and spirits, especially when consumed on an empty stomach, are known to aggravate acid reflux symptoms. The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises moderation or avoidance of alcohol in people with digestive issues. Diet plays a pivotal role in managing acid reflux, and identifying personal triggers is key to long-term relief. While medications can help, lifestyle and dietary changes offer sustainable solutions. If you suffer from frequent heartburn or digestive discomfort, consider limiting or eliminating these foods. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice and to rule out more serious underlying conditions. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
