Many men pay special attention to their strength and fitness. Going to the gym, building muscles and taking care of his heart health are his priorities. But in the process, a very important aspect of health – kidney health – often gets ignored.
One of the early and very silent signs of kidney problems is the presence of protein in the urine, which is medically called proteinuria.
In the early stages, proteinuria may not cause any obvious symptoms, but it may be a sign of internal kidney damage. If it is not treated, it can cause serious diseases later. According to Dr. Manish Jain, Senior Director, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Medanta, Gurugram, men often fail to recognize this hidden sign. He has explained about it in detail.
How do kidneys work?
Kidneys are the filtering system of our body. They filter wastes and excess fluid from the blood and expel it through urine. They also play an important role in controlling blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance in the body and producing red blood cells. In healthy kidneys, special filters (glomeruli) ensure that larger substances such as proteins do not pass into the urine.
What is proteinuria and why is it dangerous?
When these kidney filters begin to deteriorate, protein begins to leak into the urine. If this condition persists for a long time, ignoring it can be dangerous. There is no problem initially, that is why it is also called silent kidney disease. But as the damage progresses, problems like swelling in feet and ankles, fatigue, foamy urine and frequent urination at night start appearing.
Why do men suffer from this problem more?
Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure at a young age, which is a major cause of kidney damage. Additionally, men are also at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, which causes kidney damage over time. In older age, an enlarged prostate can also cause blockage in the urinary tract, which puts pressure on the kidneys. Lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking excessive alcohol and eating processed food and red meat are also harmful for the kidneys. Ignoring symptoms may delay diagnosis and treatment.
How to identify proteinuria?
Diagnosis of proteinuria does not require any complex test. Protein in urine can be detected with a simple urine test. If protein is found in the report, the doctor will do more tests like spot urine protein-creatinine ratio, 24-hour urine test, and blood test to determine kidney function.
Easy ways to keep kidneys healthy
The most important thing for kidney health is to keep blood pressure and blood sugar under control. If you have any related problems, follow your doctor’s advice regarding medication, proper diet and regular exercise. Keep your weight at a healthy weight, as obesity increases the risk of both high blood pressure and diabetes. Reduce your intake of processed foods, red meat and sugary drinks, and include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins in your daily diet. Also, keep getting regular health checkups done.