The kidney is an organ that deserves to be highlighted. It is responsible for filtering all metabolic waste from our body. Today the incidence of people with kidney problems is growing considerably, however, many people have it but don't even know it.
The diagnosis of kidney disease is often confused with the frequency with which one urinates. When you ask someone if they have a kidney problem, they quickly say no, because they urinate frequently. Mistake. Urinating several times a day does not mean having a healthy kidney. People who undergo dialysis (filtration) can also urinate regularly but have kidney problems.
Kidney complications (stones, colic, lithiasis) arise in addition to a low genetic load, poor diet and lack of hydration.
Lack of hydration: If we drink little water, the concentration of minerals, such as calcium, sodium and magnesium, increases in our urine, which becomes less soluble and increases the risk of crystals forming in the kidneys.
High sodium consumption: High sodium consumption contributes greatly to kidney problems. Sodium, like other minerals, is important for the proper functioning of the body, but, in large quantities, it increases the chances of the formation of micro crystals in the kidneys, as it prevents the absorption of calcium by the body. Approximately 70% of kidney stones are formed from this mineral. According to the Ministry of Health, the Brazilian population's sodium consumption is 12 grams – more than double that recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization).
Alcohol: Alcohol is another big villain. It inhibits an antidiuretic hormone produced by the body, called vasopressin. This hormone causes the body to reabsorb a certain amount of water in the urine, which would prevent dehydration. With excessive alcohol consumption, water that would be reused is excreted, facilitating the formation of micro crystals in the kidneys.
Proteins: Proteins, found in large quantities in meat, facilitate the accumulation of uric acid in the joints and kidneys, causing attacks of gout and kidney colic.” Excess uric acid corresponds to 10% in cases of stone formation and, therefore, , anyone who is prone to this problem should be careful with their protein consumption in general.
It is worth remembering that as a result of kidney problems, other diseases such as hypertension can arise, because if the body's filtration is compromised, internal pressure increases and thus, the individual's blood pressure increases, which can even lead to cardiovascular problems.
Our body begins to age on average from the age of 30. Considering that from this point onwards, each year our kidneys decrease their function by 1%, at the age of 70 we only have almost half of them functioning. Therefore, care should begin as soon as possible to avoid future complications.