23-year-old Zhang Wei began taking statins to control blood lipids due to high blood pressure and high blood lipids. However, Zhang Wei did not pay attention to the side effects of drugs and neglected the regulation of diet. Prolonged statin use and poor eating habits eventually led to severe impairment of kidney function, and he was diagnosed with kidney failure. He had missed the best time for treatment and had to undergo kidney dialysis treatment, which greatly affected his life.
First, the relationship between statin drugs and renal failure
Statin drugs are commonly used lipid-lowering drugs, which work by inhibiting cholesterol synthetase, reducing the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing blood lipid levels. However, long-term use of statin drugs can also lead to some side effects, including kidney failure.
The main mechanism of statin-induced renal failure is through myofibrolysis, which leads to the release of myofibrous proteins (such as myoglobin and creatine kinase) into the bloodstream, which impair the filtering function of the kidneys. In addition, statin drugs may also exacerbate kidney damage by affecting the functioning of the renal tubules.
When using statin drugs, you need to pay attention to the following:
Pay attention to the dosage
The dose of statins needs to be adjusted according to individual circumstances to avoid overdose. If kidney function is already impaired, dose adjustment or discontinuation is required.
Avoid simultaneous use with other drugs
Some medications (eg, NSAIDs, antibiotics, etc.) can affect the metabolism and excretion of statins, increasing the risk of muscle damage and kidney damage, so concomitant use needs to be avoided.
Check kidney function regularly
Patients taking statins need regular checks on kidney function in order to detect kidney damage in time. If abnormal renal function is found, prompt treatment is required.
Dietary regulation
Reasonable dietary modification is also important to prevent kidney damage, and it is necessary to avoid foods high in salt, sugar and fat, ensure adequate water intake, and moderate protein intake.
Second, three types of foods to avoid
High-salt diet: A high-salt diet increases blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate, leading to increased renal burden and worsening kidney disease. Therefore, we need to avoid consuming too much salt. Daily salt intake should be limited to no more than 6 grams. It is recommended to reduce the consumption of foods that contain high salt, such as preserved foods, canned foods, etc.
High-sugar diet: However, a high-sugar diet will increase blood sugar and blood lipid levels, resulting in increased burden on the kidneys and aggravating kidney lesions. It is necessary to avoid eating too many sugary foods, such as cakes, chocolates, biscuits, etc. It is recommended to choose healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and fiber, which are beneficial to the health of the body.
High-fat diet: However, a high-fat diet increases blood lipid levels, resulting in increased burden on the kidneys and aggravating kidney lesions. It is necessary to avoid eating too many high-fat foods, such as fatty meats, fried foods, etc. It is recommended to choose low-fat, high-fiber foods such as fish, legumes, etc., which are rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, which are good for kidney health.
Third, the importance of dietary regulation
Reasonable diet regulation of the protective effect on the kidneys
The kidneys are one of the very important organs in the human body, and diet plays a vital role in maintaining kidney health. Through reasonable dietary adjustment, the burden on the kidneys can be effectively reduced and the risk of kidney disease can be reduced. We should focus on eating a healthy diet to protect our kidneys.
Control salt intake. Too much salt can cause blood pressure to rise and worsen kidney disease. Daily salt intake should be limited to no more than 6 grams.
Control sugar and fat intake. Too much sugar and fat can increase the burden on the kidneys and aggravate kidney disease. It is recommended to choose low-sugar, low-fat foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, etc.
Moderate protein intake. Protein is essential for kidney function, but consuming excess protein can increase the burden on the kidneys and exacerbate the development of kidney disease. It is recommended to consume protein in moderation, and you can choose some high-quality protein sources, such as fish and legumes.
The importance of dietary modification in preventing renal impairment caused by statin drugs
Statins are commonly used lipid-lowering drugs, but long-term use may also cause renal impairment. Therefore, dietary modification is also particularly important in the process of using statins.
Control salt, sugar and fat intake. A diet high in salt, sugar, and fat can overburden the kidneys, which in turn increases the risk of kidney disease.
Moderate protein intake. Reasonable protein intake can improve muscle mass, prevent muscle damage, and reduce the burden on the kidneys.
Increase water intake. Increasing water intake is beneficial for the kidneys to metabolize waste and protect kidney health.
Although we cannot avoid the occurrence of diseases, we can prevent and mitigate the effects of diseases through scientific drug use and reasonable dietary regulation. However, long-term use of statins may increase the risk of renal failure. We need regular checks on kidney function to protect our health. These simple precautions can effectively reduce the risk of disease and allow us to live healthier lives.