New Delhi: Air pollution and dropping temperatures can affect your health, but mindful choices can help you stay resilient. It is recommended that outdoor exposure during peak pollution is limited, especially for young and older adults. If stepping out in the open cannot be avoided, consider using masks and eye gear to protect yourself from continually increasing pollution levels. To strengthen your defenses, include immunity-boosting foods like citrus fruits, turmeric, jaggery, garlic, and nuts. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries and green leafy vegetables help combat the oxidative stress caused by the toxic air we breathe.
How does pollution affect the kidneys?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Saurabh Pokriyal, Chief Medical Officer, of VitusCare, explained how pollution can affect the kidneys.
Increased Risk of Kidney Disease: Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are harmful to various organs including kidneys. It can also accelerate the decline of kidney function, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, which are common risk factors for kidney disease.
Aggravating Pre-existing Kidney Conditions: For those who already suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), the environmental stress caused by high AQI can worsen their condition, leading to further renal impairment. Pollutants can contribute to higher blood pressure and create an inflammatory response, both of which can accelerate kidney deterioration.
Increased Blood Pressure and Cardio-renal Risks: Poor air quality has been linked to higher blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is a key risk factor for kidney disease, and long-term exposure to air pollution can contribute to the development of hypertension or worsen it, thereby directly impacting kidney health.
Kidney Damage via Immune System Response: Inhaling pollutants can weaken the immune system which can increase the risk of systemic infections that can affect the kidneys. This can further lead to progressive kidney damage over time.
Toxin Build-Up: Air pollution can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, overwhelming the kidneys and impairing their function.
Protective Measures for Kidney Health:
Limit Outdoor Exposure: Avoid outdoor activities during high AQI days.
Wear Masks: Wearing high-quality N95 masks can help filter harmful particulate matter when stepping outside, offering better protection against pollution.
Improve Indoor Air Quality: Use air purifiers and keep windows closed to limit exposure to outdoor pollutants.
Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, low in sodium, and high in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the impact of pollution on the kidneys.
Hydrate Regularly: Adequate water intake helps flush out toxins.
Furthermore, talking about the air quality woes in Delhi, Dr Geetanjali Gupta, Director of Technical Operations and Quality Assurance at Redcliffe Labs, said, “The air quality crisis in Delhi is not just a concern; it’s a severe threat to your health. It’s impacting your kidney health, respiratory system, skin, eyes, and hair. Long-term exposure to high PM 2.5 and NO2 can harm kidneys and degrade renal functioning by 20%. If you face symptoms like muscle cramps, loss of appetite, dry and itchy skin, back pain, puffy eyes, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, inflammation in the body, and issues urinating, whether too much or too little, the pollution is impacting your overall well-being, including your kidney health.”
Why and how pollution is impacting your kidney health?
Spike In Blood Pressure Levels: Breathing toxic air with hazardous AQI, including harmful pollutants, can increase blood pressure and cause renal diseases.
Oxidative Stress: Air pollution can cause oxidative stress, which can cause inflammation in the kidneys and the formation of kidney stones.
Worsen Pre-Existing Conditions: For people who already have conditions like diabetes or hypertension, their kidneys can be easily inflamed due to air pollution impairing kidney function.
Heavy Metal Deposition: Pollutants in the air can damage kidneys by depositing lead, potassium, and even arsenic, which can cause toxicity.
Ways to Protect Your Kidneys:
Avoid fried foods, especially street foods, and, most importantly, smoking, as they weaken your immune system, exposing you to harmful health risks. Be cautious when using medication to prevent unnecessary strain on your kidneys. AQI levels in most regions of Delhi are above 500. While you can’t control the levels outside, controlling the AQI inside your home is very much possible. Consider filling your homes with lovely indoor plants, adding pure oxygen, and installing air purifiers. Apart from all the abovementioned steps, regularly monitoring your immunity levels through preventive health checks can provide valuable insights to prepare your body for environmental challenges better. While we may not control external factors, taking these proactive steps ensures you face pollution and falling temperatures without compromising your health.
AQI levels in most regions of Delhi are above 500. While you can’t control the levels outside, controlling the AQI inside your home is very much possible. Consider filling your homes with lovely indoor plants, adding pure oxygen, and installing air purifiers. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
