Dr Topoti Mukherjee, Lead Consultant, Nephrology & Kidney Transplant,  Aster Whitefield Hospital

Kidneys function as highly durable organs, yet their ability to recover from damage remains
extremely limited. A new study reveals that even doctors can miss the early signs of disease due to
“normal” kidney test results. However, these results can signal danger if they’re unusually low for
someone’s age.

This can lead to the silent progression of kidney disease, which presents a major threat because
most individuals fail to identify their condition until they reach a point of losing half their kidney
function. While there may be gaps that need to be corrected, it’s best to prevent the problem by
taking a careful approach.

Dr Topoti Mukherjee, Lead Consultant, Nephrology & Kidney Transplant at Aster Whitefield Hospital,
told Moneycontrol, “People can safeguard their kidney health through their daily decision-making
processes. The development of chronic kidney disease together with its extended health effects can
be prevented through the implementation of specific behaviour patterns which people need to
maintain throughout their lives.”

How to protect your kidneys
Dr Mukherjee suggested five simple, science-backed ways to look after your kidney health. These
include:

Controlling Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
High blood pressure and diabetes together account for nearly two-thirds of chronic kidney disease
cases worldwide. “High blood sugar levels that continue to rise throughout the day cause damage to
the small blood vessels which exist within the kidneys while high blood pressure creates excessive
force inside the kidney’s filtering systems which results in gradual tissue damage. The most effective
measures to protect kidneys involve regular monitoring together with prompt medical treatment
and lifestyle modifications that maintain stable health measurements,” Dr Mukherjee said.

Eating Kidney-Friendly, Not Just “Healthy”
The kidneys receive protection from a balanced diet because it reduces both metabolic stress and
inflammatory responses. The nephrologist added, “The kidneys must work harder when people
consume too much salt because sodium intake causes increased blood pressure while ultra-
processed foods create acidic substances that lead to oxidative damage in the body.” Kidney health
improves through diets that contain fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant proteins and healthy fats.
The kidneys need water to remove waste materials, but people must drink enough fluids during their
daily activities.

Be Cautious with Painkillers and Supplements
One of the important causes which results in kidney damage from untreated pain medication which
includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs remains unknown. “High-dose consumption of
herbal supplements and detox products over extended periods of time creates dangerous risks to
kidney health. Medical professionals must guide patients who use both medications and
supplements because their current health problems already increase their risk of adverse effects,”
Dr Mukherjee pointed out.

Move Regularly and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Physical activity enhances blood flow and insulin absorption and hypertension management which
help maintain kidney health. The doctor said, “The combination of obesity and obesity-related
factors leads to higher kidney disease risk because it increases both inflammation and metabolic
stress. The kidneys benefit from regular movement because even moderate activities such as
walking help decrease the organ’s workload.”

Get Routine Kidney Check-Ups
Doctors use basic blood tests and urine tests to find kidney damage which occurs before patients
show any signs of the condition. “People with diabetes and high blood pressure and heart disease
should pay special attention to their health because of their family history of kidney problems. Early
detection allows timely intervention and prevents progression.”

Protecting your kidneys does not require extreme measures—just consistent, informed choices. By
managing blood pressure and sugar, eating thoughtfully, using medications wisely, staying active,
and testing early, kidney disease can often be delayed or prevented altogether.