Most recently, the case of a Vietnamese actress younger than 30 who was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure sent shockwaves across the country, but her case is not unique. Many others have faced the same and nephrologists around the world are raising the alarm: kidney failure is getting younger. They also agree that the condition is largely preventable at the younger population because the risk factors leading to kidney failure are driven by lifestyle, most precisely by two destructive habits.
When trying to lose weight or build muscle, many adults turn to protein-rich supplements. The large amounts of “high-protein” place strain on your kidneys by raising urea and uric acid levels, overloading the kidneys and increasing the risk of kidney stones and damage.
A 2020 study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology links high-sodium, low-potassium diets to kidney decline—even in healthy young adults.
2. Lack of Exercise and Sedentary Lifestyle
Another major risk is inactivity, which leads to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes — conditions contributing to kidney damage.
A 2023 study in Kidney International Reports linked sedentary lifestyle to rapid declines in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)—the key measure of kidney function.
It is estimated that young people spend 10-12 hours a day on their lap tops, scrolling on their phones, and binge-watching TV.
The kidneys are very resilient, meaning they can do their job even if they lose up to 90 percent of their function, according to Healthline.
- confusion
- decreased urine output
- fatigue
- itching
- muscle twitches and cramping
- metallic taste in your mouth
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- seizures
- swelling in your body
- shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in your lungs
- weakness
While kidney failure cannot always be prevented, there are things you can do to minimize the risks.
Except for a balanced diet and avoidance of processed foods, as well as minimizing a sedentary lifestyle as described before, other ways to protect your kidneys include: managing blood sugar levels, managing high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, drinking enough water, limiting the consumption of alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress among the rest.
Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.
Bored Daddy
Love and Peace
