Let's admit, apart from some psychological and mental highs, smoking has no benefits. It damages your lungs, heart, arteries, and blood vessels, among several other body parts. But, there is one more organ smoking harms in a big way and that is your pair of kidneys. Dr. Abhyuday Singh Rana, Associate Consultant, DNB (Nephrology), DNB (Medicine), MBBS (MD Physician), tells us more.
Smoking and Kidneys: The Hidden Connection
As per Dr. Singh Rana, smoking poses a significant risk factor for CKD or Chronic Kidney Disease, which is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid.
"Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to develop CKD than non-smokers," he says, adding that this bad habit can escalate the kidney-related condition in people who already are suffering from it.
"People who smoke and have diabetes or high blood pressure are particularly at risk for developing kidney disease. Both diabetes and hypertension can damage the kidneys on their own, but when combined with the harmful effects of smoking, the risk of kidney failure increases dramatically," Dr. Singh Rana warns.
5 Ways Quitting Smoking Can Benefit Kidney Health
According to Dr. Singh Rana, quitting smoking can benefit your kidney health in the following 5 ways:
1. Improved Blood Flow
Quitting smoking helps improve blood circulation and restores normal blood flow to the kidneys. This allows the kidneys to filter blood more effectively and reduces the risk of kidney damage.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
Stopping smoking helps lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on the kidneys. Lower blood pressure helps protect kidney function and lowers the risk of developing kidney disease.
3. Reduced Toxin Exposure
When you quit smoking, you stop exposing your kidneys to the harmful toxins found in cigarette smoke. This reduces the inflammation and oxidative stress that damage kidney tissue and contribute to kidney disease.
4. Slower Progression of Kidney Disease
For individuals with existing kidney disease, quitting smoking can slow the progression of the disease and improve kidney function. Research shows that smokers with kidney disease who quit smoking experience better outcomes and a slower decline in kidney function.
5. Lower Risk of Kidney Stones
Quitting smoking may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, as it can help improve calcium metabolism and reduce the factors that lead to stone formation.
"If you already have kidney disease or are at risk for it, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to protect your kidneys and slow the progression of the disease. Remember, it's never too late to quit. Seek support from healthcare providers, counselling services, or smoking cessation programs to help you stop smoking and improve your health," Dr. Singh Rana wraps up.
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