Latest news with #NationalKidneyFoundation
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
10 Everyday habits that could lead to kidney damage without you knowing
Your kidneys are essential for filtering waste, balancing body fluids, and managing blood pressure—yet they're often overlooked in daily health routines. Surprisingly, many common lifestyle habits may be silently damaging these vital organs over time. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From overusing painkillers to eating too much salt or processed food, even seemingly harmless choices can strain your kidneys. Add in poor hydration, lack of sleep, or excessive protein, and the risks multiply. Fortunately, small, conscious changes can make a big difference. According to the National Kidney Foundation, here are 10 everyday habits that may contribute to kidney damage and offer practical tips to protect and support long-term kidney health. Kidney damage can start with these daily habits Overusing painkillers Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin are widely used to ease aches, inflammation, or fever. But frequent or high-dose use—especially without medical guidance—can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and potentially lead to long-term damage. This risk is even higher for people already living with kidney disease. To protect your kidneys, use NSAIDs sparingly and never exceed the recommended dosage. Eating too much salt Excess sodium is a known contributor to high blood pressure, one of the leading causes of kidney damage. Most of this salt doesn't come from the salt shaker but from processed and packaged foods. Over time, high sodium levels can strain kidney function. Try seasoning meals with herbs, lemon juice, or garlic to reduce your salt intake without sacrificing flavor. Consuming too many processed foods A 2022 study revealed that diets heavy in ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease by 24%. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These foods are high in sodium, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and chemical additives—yet low in fiber and essential nutrients. Swap them out for whole foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains to support kidney and overall health. Not drinking enough water Water helps your kidneys remove toxins through urine. Dehydration, especially during intense activity or hot weather, can lead to kidney stones or impair how well your kidneys filter waste. While those with late-stage kidney disease may need to limit fluid intake, most people should aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Always consult your doctor to determine what's right for you. Skimping on sleep Your kidneys, like the rest of your body, follow a daily rhythm. Sleep regulates hormones that affect kidney function and fluid balance. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to higher risks of high blood pressure and kidney problems. Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night to give your kidneys time to recover and regenerate. Eating too much protein Protein is essential for health, but excessive consumption—especially from red meat—can put extra stress on your kidneys. Animal proteins produce waste products that kidneys must filter out. In people with pre-existing kidney conditions, this burden can accelerate damage. Opt for lean proteins like fish or plant-based alternatives, and talk to your healthcare provider about how much protein is appropriate for you. Overindulging in sugar Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, obesity, and eventually diabetes—all of which increase your risk of kidney disease. Added sugars are found not just in sweets but in seemingly healthy foods like flavored yogurt, breakfast cereals, and sauces. Reading nutrition labels and cutting back on sugary drinks and snacks can help safeguard your kidneys. Smoking Smoking doesn't just harm your lungs and heart—it also affects your kidneys. Nicotine can impair blood flow and damage kidney tissue. Additionally, smokers are more likely to have protein in their urine, a marker of kidney damage. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk and improve your overall health. Drinking too much alcohol Heavy alcohol consumption disrupts how kidneys regulate fluid and electrolytes in your body. It can also dehydrate you, increase blood pressure, and worsen liver health—making your kidneys work harder. Moderate drinking is generally considered one drink per day for women and two for men. Anything beyond that may raise your risk of kidney and liver complications. Living a sedentary lifestyle Lack of physical activity is linked to weight gain, poor circulation, and higher blood pressure—all of which can negatively impact kidney health. Regular exercise helps manage weight and cholesterol and improves heart and kidney function. Even light activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can benefit your kidneys when done consistently. Key lifestyle habits that can prevent kidney damage naturally Stay well-hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys flush out waste and prevent kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps your kidneys flush out waste and prevent kidney stones. Eat more whole foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and home-cooked meals instead of processed or salty foods. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and home-cooked meals instead of processed or salty foods. Limit salt and sugar intake: Reducing sodium and added sugars can help control blood pressure and lower your risk of diabetes—both major causes of kidney disease. Reducing sodium and added sugars can help control blood pressure and lower your risk of diabetes—both major causes of kidney disease. Be mindful of medications: Avoid overusing NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and always follow dosage instructions. Avoid overusing NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and always follow dosage instructions. Prioritise quality sleep: Your kidneys rely on a regular sleep-wake cycle to function efficiently. Your kidneys rely on a regular sleep-wake cycle to function efficiently. Stay physically active: Regular exercise helps regulate blood pressure, manage weight, and improve overall kidney function. Regular exercise helps regulate blood pressure, manage weight, and improve overall kidney function. Monitor protein consumption: While protein is important, too much—especially from animal sources—can burden your kidneys, especially if you already have kidney concerns. While protein is important, too much—especially from animal sources—can burden your kidneys, especially if you already have kidney concerns. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys; excessive alcohol can dehydrate and strain them. Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys; excessive alcohol can dehydrate and strain them. Get regular checkups: Especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney issues. Also Read |
Free Malaysia Today
14-06-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Foundation applauds World Health Assembly's landmark resolution on kidney disease
The World Health Assembly's recent adoption of a groundbreaking resolution is aimed at reducing the global burden of kidney disease. (Envato Elements pic) PETALING JAYA : With prevalence among adults increasing from 9.07% in 2011 to 15.48% in 2018, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern in Malaysia. Alarmingly, only 5% of individuals with CKD are aware of their condition. Cases of end-stage renal disease are also on the rise: annually, more than 10,000 people are newly diagnosed as requiring renal replacement therapy or dialysis. Indeed, over 50,000 Malaysians currently require dialysis treatments. If trends persist, it is projected this number could exceed 106,000 by 2040. In light of this, the National Kidney Foundation Malaysia commends the World Health Assembly's (WHA) recent adoption of a groundbreaking resolution aimed at reducing the global burden of kidney disease. The WHA is the top decision-making body of the World Health Organization. This pivotal move underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat kidney-related ailments, which have reached alarming levels in Malaysia. Notably, this marks the first time kidney health has been formally prioritised within WHO's non-communicable disease (NCD) agenda. It also aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third through prevention and treatment, while promoting mental health and well-being by 2030; and Target 3.8, which aims to achieve universal health coverage by that year. Over 50,000 Malaysians currently require dialysis treatments – a number that could exceed 106,000 by 2040. (Bernama pic) The adoption of the resolution represents a historic commitment by the global community to prioritise kidney health. With full implementation in Malaysia, it aims to achieve the following: strengthen national kidney-disease prevention programmes, encouraging early screening and intervention to reduce new cases of CKD; improve access to affordable, quality kidney care including dialysis and transplantation, especially for vulnerable groups such as the B40 community; enhance health workforce capacity by training more nephrologists, dialysis nurses, and community health workers; foster multisectoral collaboration involving health authorities, NGOs, the private sector, and community stakeholders to implement effective policies; increase funding and resource allocation towards kidney health, supporting sustainable dialysis services and infrastructure expansion; promote patient-centred care and equity, ensuring no Malaysian is denied access to life-saving treatment due to financial hardship or geographic barriers; support data collection and research, enabling better understanding of the burden of kidney disease in Malaysia and guiding evidence-based interventions. National Kidney Foundation chairman Dr Zaki Morad Zaher said the resolution's call for equitable and sustainable financing underscores the urgent need for universal access to kidney care, particularly for underserved communities such as those in rural Sabah and Sarawak, and among B40 groups. 'We hope this global commitment will inspire the government to enhance support through increased funding, expanded insurance coverage, and improved infrastructure,' he added. 'This includes greater investment in peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation, and early-stage interventions to slow the progression of kidney disease in Malaysia.'
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Give Your Kidneys Some Love With These 13 Superfoods
Your kidneys are vital to your overall health. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in seven adults in the United States has chronic kidney disease. Your kidneys work around the clock to filter out waste and excess fluid, helping to prevent serious health problems like heart disease, infections, anemia, depression and even loss of appetite. Your diet and gut health also play a major role in your wellness, especially when it comes to keeping your kidneys healthy. There are 13 superfoods you should keep in mind when considering natural ways to give your kidney health a boost. Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health Best Meal Delivery Services See at Cnet This nutrient-dense vegetable is low in both potassium and sodium while packing in fiber, vitamins C and K and more. Plus, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads and slaws, but you can also use it as a wrap for tacos, sandwiches and more. Fish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it's best to consult with your doctor. Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis. Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types. You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example. Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
CNET
06-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Give Your Kidneys Some Love With These 13 Superfoods
Your kidneys are vital to your overall health. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in seven adults in the United States has chronic kidney disease. Your kidneys work around the clock to filter out waste and excess fluid, helping to prevent serious health problems like heart disease, infections, anemia, depression and even loss of appetite. Your diet and gut health also play a major role in your wellness, especially when it comes to keeping your kidneys healthy. There are 13 superfoods you should keep in mind when considering natural ways to give your kidney health a boost. Read more: 6 Important Blood Tests You May Need for Your Overall Health 13 superfoods for kidney health 1. Cabbage This nutrient-dense vegetable is low in both potassium and sodium while packing in fiber, vitamins C and K and more. Plus, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads and slaws, but you can also use it as a wrap for tacos, sandwiches and more. 2. Fatty fish Fish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it's best to consult with your doctor. Jacobs3. Bell peppers Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. 4. Cranberries Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. 5. Blueberries We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. 6. Dark, leafy greens There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. 7. Olive oil Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. 8. Garlic Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. 9. Onions From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Getty Images 10. Cauliflower Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. 11. Egg whites Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis. 12. Arugula Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types. You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example. 13. Apples Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Former FOX 26 Houston anchor José Griñán dies at 72
Veteran broadcaster José Griñán, a longtime anchor for FOX 26 Houston, has died at the age of 72. Griñán, who spent over three decades at the station, passed away leaving behind a powerful legacy in Houston's media landscape. José joined FOX 26 in 1993 and quickly became a beloved figure across the city. Known for his warm presence and journalistic integrity, he anchored thousands of stories ranging from breaking news to human interest features. He became FOX 26's first male morning show anchor, shaping morning news coverage in the city. Before his television career, Griñán served as a cinematographer in the U.S. Army, where he developed his passion for storytelling. His broadcasting career spanned major cities including El Paso, Tampa, Miami, New York, and Dallas before settling in Houston. He was also one of the first reporters to cover the Waco Branch Davidian siege in the 1990s. Off-camera, José was a pillar in the Houston community. He volunteered for organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation, Special Olympics, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He also served on the boards of the Dive Pirate Foundation, Houston Read Commission, and Keep Houston Beautiful. Born July 24, 1952, in Tampa, Florida, José was proud of his Cuban heritage. He is survived by his wife Kathy, two daughters, and a community of colleagues and viewers who admired his work. A member of both the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, José Griñán's legacy lives on in the city he served so passionately.
