On an ordinary day, Aunt Zhang, a retired teacher, habitually took painkillers for long-term headaches. She thought the drugs were safe until a routine check-up revealed abnormalities in her kidney function. Auntie Zhang's story is not an isolated case, and it reveals a widely overlooked truth: it is the poison of medicines, some of which even pose a threat to our kidneys.
The kidneys, this small but powerful organ located inside our body, work tirelessly every day to remove metabolic waste, regulate fluid balance, and keep our blood clean and healthy. However, they are also extremely sensitive, and some seemingly ordinary drugs, with long-term or improper use, can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys.
The Effects of Drugs on the Kidneys: Demystifying High-Risk Drugs and Strategies for Protection
Drug metabolism: the burden on the kidneys
The kidneys are important detoxification organs in the body, responsible for removing metabolic waste and excess substances. Many drugs also need to be metabolized and excreted by the kidneys while providing therapeutic benefits. This process can increase the burden on the kidneys, especially when certain medications are used for long periods of time or in high doses. For example, the kidneys need to process chemicals produced by the breakdown of drugs, which can sometimes cause direct damage to kidney cells or affect their function.
Demystifying high-risk drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs widely used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen, may reduce the production of chemicals that protect the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney damage with long-term use.
Certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, may cause temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys while being effective against bacteria.
Diuretics: Although used to regulate water and salt in the body and help treat hypertension and heart disease, improper use may cause electrolyte imbalance and increase the burden on the kidneys.
Protective strategy: Protect kidney health
Individualized drug selection and dose adjustment: Physicians should adjust the type and dose of drugs to reduce the burden on the kidneys, taking into account individual differences, such as age, weight, and underlying health conditions.
Avoid drug interactions: When taking multiple medications, you should discuss potential drug interactions with your doctor, especially those that may increase the risk of kidney damage.
Monitor kidney function regularly: Blood and urine tests are used to regularly monitor kidney function indicators, such as serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, to detect kidney health problems.
There are 3 issues to be aware of during the course of taking the drug
Individualized dosing: Tailored drug use
The effects of drugs on the human body are individualized, especially on kidney health. An individual's age, weight, existing health conditions, and even genetics can affect how quickly a drug is metabolized and how potent it is. Excessive or inappropriate drug use can lead to increased burden on the kidneys, which can impair kidney function. Therefore, adjusting the dosage of the drug appropriately and tailoring it to the individual's health status is the key to protecting the kidneys from drug damage. It is recommended that for drugs known to affect kidney health, regular evaluation of kidney function indicators, such as serum creatinine levels, under the guidance of a doctor, to adjust the dosage of the drug.
Be wary of drug interactions: Avoid invisible kidney risks
Combining multiple drugs may trigger drug-drug interactions, increasing the risk of kidney damage. Certain drug combinations may increase the concentration of the drug in the blood, increase the burden on the kidneys, and even directly damage kidney tissue. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), when used with certain blood pressure medications, may reduce blood flow to the kidneys and affect kidney function. Understanding and avoiding these potential drug interactions is critical to maintaining kidney health. When taking a new drug or multiple drug treatments, you should communicate with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure the safety of the drug combination.
Regular renal function monitoring: early detection, early intervention
Regular monitoring of kidney function is an effective way to detect the potential effects of drugs on the kidneys early. Changes in kidney function may be detected early in the course of drug-induced kidney damage, allowing for timely adjustment of treatment regimens to avoid further kidney damage. Regular blood creatinine and urea nitrogen tests, as well as quantitative urine protein tests, are recommended for patients who have been taking drugs for a long time, particularly those known to be likely to damage the kidneys. With these tests, doctors can assess the kidneys' filtering function and detect and treat drug-induced changes in kidney function in a timely manner.
The top three warnings for drug use – individualized dose adjustments, vigilance for drug interactions, and regular kidney function monitoring – are not only critical steps in protecting kidney health, but also smart practices for anyone taking medication for long-term health. With these measures, the potential damage to the kidneys can be minimized and a good quality of life can be maintained. Remember, use your medicine wisely and protect every "bean of your body" - your kidneys.
Healthy lifestyle with kidney protection
Maintaining a balanced diet: the key to kidney health
Proper eating habits are essential for maintaining kidney health. Foods high in salt, sugar and fat increase the burden on the kidneys, and long-term intake of these foods may lead to abnormal glucose metabolism and increased blood pressure in systemic arteries, which are risk factors for kidney disease. It is recommended to increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and limit the consumption of processed foods and animal fats. At the same time, ensure adequate protein intake, and give preference to fish, lean meat and soy products, which can not only meet the needs of the body, but also reduce the burden on the kidneys.
Moderate exercise: strengthens kidney function
Moderate exercise can help control weight and prevent abnormal glucose metabolism and increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries, thereby reducing the risk of kidney disease. It is recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Exercise not only strengthens the heart and lungs, but also improves blood circulation and reduces the occurrence of kidney disease.
Maintain a healthy weight: Reduce the burden on your kidneys
Being overweight or obese is one of the important factors that lead to kidney disease. Weight gain increases the burden on the kidneys, which can lead to a decline in kidney function over time. Maintaining an ideal weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can be an effective way to reduce stress on your kidneys.
Maintain good hydration: the best companion for the kidneys
Adequate water intake is extremely important for kidney health. Water helps the kidneys remove waste and toxins from the body and prevent the formation of stones. The recommended daily water intake for adults is 8 glasses of water (about 2 liters), but this also needs to be adjusted according to the individual's activity level and ambient temperature. Drinking too much water and not enough water is not good for kidney health, so you need to drink the right amount of water according to your condition.
Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: Protect your kidneys from damage
The harmful substances in tobacco can damage blood vessels, reduce blood flow to the kidneys, and lead to a decline in kidney function. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also put pressure on the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney disease. To protect kidney health, you should stop smoking and limit alcohol.
By implementing these lifestyle changes, you can not only protect your kidneys, but also promote overall health. Everyone's lifestyle habits and physical condition are unique, so it's best to consult a medical professional for personalized advice when adjusting your diet and lifestyle habits.