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Kidney Disease

Causes

There are many different things that can cause problems with the kidneys. Causes of kidney disease include physical injury, infection, cysts in the kidneys, the backward flow of urine from the bladder, or hereditary causes. The kidneys can also be damaged by misuse of some pain killers and legal and illegal drugs.

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The most common cause of kidney disease in Australia is diabetes. This is sometimes called diabetic nephropathy. About one-third of all people with diabetes develop kidney disease when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, stopping them from filtering wastes properly.

High blood pressure can also lead to kidney disease. So can glomerulonephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidneys that can be inherited or can follow an infection.

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Site: (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-causes-kidney-disease)

Prevention

 

There is plenty you can do to help keep your kidneys healthy and help prevent kidney disease.

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  • Watch your weight – being overweight increases your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, which in turn increase your risk of kidney disease.

  • Eat healthily – a diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in salt, sugar and fats is best.

  • Drink plenty of water – avoid sugary drinks like soft drinks.

  • Exercise regularly.

  • Don’t smoke.

  • Limit your alcohol intake.

  • Do things that help you relax and reduce stress.

  • Be aware of your risk factors – if you know you are at risk of kidney disease, you can have your kidneys regularly checked.

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Site: (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/kidney-disease-prevention)

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