With recent changes in people’s lifestyles and nutritional patterns, there has been an alarming increase in chronic kidney disease. According to health professionals, one out of every ten adults has kidney disease, and at least one member of every second or third household has some kind of nephrological condition.

As the state’s medical institutes and health societies prepare to commemorate ‘World Renal Day’ on Thursday, specialists warn the public against the indiscriminate use of medications and junk food, which always leads to kidney problems. They claim that early identification and treatment can prevent chronic kidney disease from worsening.

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According to Dr Satish Kumar of Nalanda Medical College Hospital, renal illnesses were not as common three to four decades ago as they are now. Every second or third house in each neighbourhood has a renal sufferer. “Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension frequently cause renal diseases,” Dr Kumar explained, adding that with the growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, the incidence of chronic kidney disease has also grown significantly.

He went on to say that many medicines, particularly pain relievers, have negative effects and that long-term usage may harm the kidney’s function. He stated, “One should think twice before taking any drug on the advice of a medicine merchant or a quack.”

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Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, head of the medical faculty of Aryabhatta Knowledge University, stated that renal illnesses are silent killers. They can be caused by societal factors such as poverty, a lack of education, occupational dangers, and pollution, but they are mostly caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and other illnesses. “Excessive drug usage without seeking counsel from licensed medical practitioners frequently results in renal issues,” he stated.

Dr Prasad went on to say that individuals should be encouraged to adopt healthy diets and lifestyles in order to keep their kidneys healthy. For the sake of humanity’s suffering, national planners and policymakers must pay close attention to chronic renal illnesses.

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Dr Sampurnanad Tiwari, principal of Government Ayurvedic College Hospital, acknowledged that there has been a meteoric rise in renal problems in recent years, owing mostly to rapidly changing lifestyle and dietary habits. Kidney diseases are frequently caused by indiscriminate fast food intake and increasing consumption of mutton and chicken.

Individuals must do “yogic asanas” and exercises, as well as avoid consuming extremely hot and cold foods and beverages, to keep protected against kidney disorders, Tiwari said, adding that people must also be treated for chronic constipation and urinary tract blockage.