World Kidney Day 2024: Expert warns misleading diets pose real threat
These diets often focus on drastic weight loss. Ahead of World Kidney Day, a clinical dietician shared that while the quick results may be appealing, the methods employed by such diets such as the severe calorie restriction or drastic changes in nutrient intake can lead to severe adverse health effects like dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.
Dr Vedika Premani, clinical dietician, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, said, “Dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and in turn can hinder their ability to perform their function to filter waste from the bloodstream effectively. Prolonged dehydration and lead to formation of painful kidney stones and can impede normal kidney function.”
Misleading diets: Threat to kidney health
The expert added that several misleading diets also advocate for a high protein intake, often surpassing the recommended dietary allowances. “This excessive protein consumption with a low water consumption can lead to an increased production of nitrogen by-products which can burden the kidney function,” Dr Premani said.
Carbohydrates are major sources of energy for our body. Some misleading diets promote low-carbohydrate intake or even no carbohydrate intake which can lead to a process called ketosis where the body breaks down fats for energy production as an alternative energy source.
She elaborated, “Ketosis can increase the acidity of the blood, putting additional stress on the kidneys to maintain the acid-base balance. Carbohydrates have a protein sparing action and when that is hampered, chances of losing muscle also increase.”
Misleading diets can lead to not only kidney dysfunction but also a deficiency of many vitamins and minerals in the body which overtime, can cause other bodily problems such as fatigue, weakness, skin problems, hair fall, brittle nails, low red blood cells and digestive issues.
It is imperative to approach weight loss and dietary changes with a focus on the right combination and balance of all the macronutrients and micronutrients in the diet to safeguard kidney health and overall well-being.
