Kidney failure has long been associated with old age, but the disease is now increasingly affecting younger people. Lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and increased consumption of drinks high in sugar and salt are factors that make young people susceptible to kidney dysfunction.
If not recognized early, kidney damage can develop slowly without any typical symptoms until it eventually requires long-term medical therapy such as dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Why Are Young People at Risk?
Some seemingly trivial daily habits can actually put a strain on kidney function. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks can trigger insulin resistance and the risk of diabetes, a leading cause of kidney failure.
Similarly, foods high in salt, flavorings, and fast food can contribute to high blood pressure in young people. Young people also often delay drinking, lack sleep, and indiscriminately consume painkillers or supplements, which, if used long-term, can damage kidney tissue.
Lack of physical activity and smoking habits also increase the risk, so it is important for the younger generation to be more aware of kidney health from now on.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure to Watch Out For
Early kidney failure often doesn't show any significant symptoms. However, there are several signs to watch out for:
- Swelling in the legs and face due to fluid buildup.
- Often tired and weak, even though you haven't done any heavy activity.
- Changes in urine, such as too dark, too little, or frequent urination, especially at night.
- Nausea and loss of appetite, which may be accompanied by an ammonia-like breath odor.
- Dry and itchy skin, due to the accumulation of toxins in the body.
- Decreased concentration, dizziness, or chronic headaches.
If these symptoms appear, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Simple laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, kidney function tests (urea and creatinine), and blood pressure, can help detect kidney problems early.
How to Prevent Kidney Failure from a Young Age
Prevention is the best way to keep your kidneys healthy. Here's what you can do:
- Drink plenty of water, at least 6–8 glasses per day, to help your kidneys remove toxins.
- Limit consumption of sugary drinks and high-salt foods, including fast food, chips, and packaged foods.
- Maintain blood pressure and blood sugar with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
- Avoid prolonged use of pain relievers without medical supervision.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption as it can worsen kidney health.
- Have regular medical check-ups, especially if you have a family history of diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease.
Kidney failure is no longer a disease of the elderly, but a real threat to young people due to unhealthy modern lifestyles. By recognizing early symptoms and adopting a healthy lifestyle, the risk of kidney damage can be significantly reduced. Taking care of your kidneys today is a long-term investment that cannot be postponed.
Article written by Dr. Fenny Elvina Ridho, Sp.PD – FINASIM (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Cikarang Hospital).