The pervasiveness of added sugars in one’s food supply has reached alarming levels, leading to a surge in chronic health conditions. Among the potential health risks, its impact on kidney health is significant. Knowing how excessive sugar intake affects one’s kidneys is pivotal for early intervention and management of this silent threat. Here are some of the common signs and proactive measures that can protect one’s kidneys from the harmful effects of sugar.
The sugar and kidney connection
Store-bought foods, including energy drinks, desserts, packaged snacks, and sauces, contain high levels of processed sweeteners. While one’s body requires sugar for energy, too much of it can lead to various health risks, including kidney problems. Sugar doesn’t directly affect one’s kidney, but high glucose in one’s blood can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the kidneys and put pressure on the organ to filter out and remove toxins. Over time, this strain on the kidneys can impair their function and ultimately lead to organ damage.
Signs of kidney disease
- Frequent urination
Excessive sugar intake can cause the kidneys to work harder to filter and excrete the sugar, resulting in increased urine production. If one feels the need to urinate more frequently than usual, especially during the night, it could be a sign of kidney dysfunction. - Protein in urine
Healthy kidneys filter out waste and excess substances from the blood but retain essential proteins. But diabetes or high blood sugar can lead to protein loss. This can, however, be diagnosed only with lab tests. So, getting one’s urine sampled and tested can help determine if there’s protein loss in one’s urine. - Fatigue
The accumulation of toxins due to kidney disease can cause weariness and keep one tired throughout the day, despite getting enough rest. So if one feels fatigued even with no lifestyle shifts, it may be due to kidney issues. - Fluid retention and swelling
Kidney damage can bring fluid retention and cause swelling in one’s hands, feet, ankles, and face. Inflammation is also a common sign of diabetes. - Changes in urine color
If one notices any unusual changes in one’s urine, either in color or consistency, like blood or darker urine, it can be a potential kidney issue. - High blood pressure
Kidney disease and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. Excessive sugar in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of hypertension, which, in turn, can lead to kidney damage. - Constipation or bowel disorder
High blood sugar can affect one’s digestive system and lead to a build-up of toxins, further compromising kidney health. In addition, straining during bowel movements due to constipation can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
It’s best to get these abnormalities checked by a doctor since these early signs can often lead to severe health complications if left untreated.
Ways to maintain kidney health
At the behest, it’s important to cut back on one’s sugar intake. For this, one must review the ingredients list before buying packaged items. Sugar has many names, like sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, cane sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, high fructose corn syrup, and more. One can choose healthier alternatives like fresh fruits or fruit juices to satiate one’s sweet cravings. Eating whole grains and balanced foods that are rich in nutrients can also support kidney function. Alternatively, staying adequately hydrated can help the body to flush out toxins, while physical activity can help the body to use excess sugar for energy. It’s best to go for regular check-ups to monitor kidney function and detect any potential issues early on.
