Global alert: chronic kidney disease is advancing; 5 daily habits harm kidney health

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is emerging as a global public health crisis, accounting for 1.5 million deaths annually across the world. The silent advancement and increasing prevalence of the condition demand urgent attention for prevention and early diagnosis, as pointed out by experts in the field.

Data reveal that the number of people with reduced kidney function has almost doubled in the last three decades, from 378 million in 1990 to 788 million in 2023.

Given this alarming scenario, the discussion about kidney health goes beyond individual care. Ela requires the implementation of effective public policies, a robust organization of the health system and concrete actions aimed at equal access to treatment and the promotion of a more sustainable future for all.

Global alert and the advancement of CKD

The Dia Mundial of the Rim, celebrated annually on the second Thursday of March, reinforces the vital importance of prevention and early diagnosis of kidney diseases. In 2026, the campaign completed 20 years, addressing the theme “Caring for people and protecting the planet”, which expands the debate by connecting environmental sustainability with kidney health, highlighting climate risks, the high consumption of resources in dialysis and the need to reduce inequalities in access to essential therapies.

Experts warn of the urgency of the situation. Chronic kidney disease, previously described as a “silent threat”, has had its progress documented in studies such as the one published in the scientific journal The Lancet. Este material highlighted the significant increase in the incidence of the condition, which imposes an increasing burden on health systems and individuals’ quality of life.

Daily habits: small silent attacks on the kidneys

For nephrologist Daphnne Camaroske, the root of the problem often lies in everyday practices that, although they seem harmless, represent continuous attacks on the kidneys. The doctor explains that these organs have a remarkable capacity for compensation, allowing the loss of function to develop for years without showing noticeable symptoms, which makes early diagnosis difficult.

This characteristic makes CKD particularly insidious, as when symptoms appear, the disease may already be at an advanced stage, limiting treatment options and increasing the complexity of clinical management. Awareness of risk factors and the adoption of healthy habits are, therefore, crucial tools in the fight against this progressive condition.

Among the main causes of kidney disease, high blood pressure and diabetes stand out, conditions that are widely prevalent and which are often not adequately controlled by the population. The last Censo Brasileiro of Diálise indicates that hypertension is the main cause of chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing dialysis in the country, while diabetes contributes to about 32% of cases. Estima-se que uma parcela considerável, entre 20% e 40%, das pessoas com diabetes desenvolverá a doença renal do diabetes (DRD) ao longo da vida, sublinhando a interconexão dessas comorbidades.

Five common practices that compromise kidney function

Maintaining kidney health is a fundamental but often overlooked pillar of overall well-being. Muitos of our daily behaviors, driven by fast-paced routine or misinformation, may be silently eroding our kidneys’ ability to filter blood and eliminate toxins efficiently. Compreender and modifying these habits is essential to protect these vital organs. Below, we explore five common practices that experts say pose a significant risk to your kidney health.

1. Uso frequent use of anti-inflammatories and analgesics

The habit of resorting to anti-inflammatories and analgesics to relieve muscle pain, menstrual cramps or hangover discomfort is extremely common, but can be dangerous for kidney health. While these medications are effective in reducing inflammation and pain, they also have the ability to interfere with renal blood flow. Especificamente, act on the glomerulus, the renal structure responsible for filtering the blood.

Doctor Daphnne Camaroske warns that these drugs reduce the production of substances that help maintain the dilation of renal vessels. Consequentemente, the blood reaches the kidney filters with less pressure, which can lead to a drop in the filtration rate. Pessoas in advanced age, individuals with hypertension, diabetes, dehydration, or those who use diuretics and medications to control blood pressure, are particularly more vulnerable to the adverse effects of these medications on the kidneys.

2. Dietas rich in proteins, especially of animal origin

Diets that favor a high consumption of proteins, particularly those of animal origin, require special attention in the context of kidney health. Excessive protein intake can induce an increase in glomerular filtration, generating a state of hyperfiltration that, over time, overloads the kidneys. Este effect is amplified in individuals who already have conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or a genetic predisposition to kidney disease.

Furthermore, the consumption of processed meats and ultra-processed foods, which are generally loaded with sodium, saturated fats and chemical additives, is intrinsically linked to inflammatory processes and metabolic changes that directly impact kidney function. The expert emphasizes that, although in completely healthy individuals, high protein consumption may not be harmful, the problem lies in the fact that many people are unaware of the slight reduction in kidney function or the presence of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, making the practice dangerous without proper guidance.

3. Insufficient Hidratação: the dangers of drinking too little water

Inadequate daily water intake subjects the kidneys to continuous stress, fundamentally because dehydration decreases renal blood flow. Essa condition not only makes the organs’ filtration work difficult, but also creates an environment conducive to the development of kidney stones and increases the risk of urinary infections. In more serious and persistent scenarios, chronic lack of hydration can even precipitate acute kidney injury, a medical emergency.

The doctor points out that the first and most obvious sign that the kidneys and body are under water stress is thirst, an immediate warning that water supplies are running out. Outros common symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, dry skin, persistent headaches, severe fatigue and, in some cases, constipation, all indications that the body urgently needs fluids to function properly.

4. Alto consumption of salt and ultra-processed foods

Excessive salt consumption is directly linked to increased blood pressure, one of the main risk factors for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Fluid retention induced by excess sodium increases pressure within the glomeruli, the delicate filtering units of the kidneys, contributing to their wear and tear over time.

This impact is not restricted to hypertension alone. Quando the body accumulates too much sodium, the kidneys are forced to work under greater overload, and the excess mineral alters the functioning of the small renal vessels, which can increase the loss of protein in the urine. It is equally crucial to control your intake of ultra-processed foods, such as sausages, ready-made sauces and soft drinks, especially cola. Esses produtos contêm elevadas quantidades de sódio e fósforo, além de açúcares e gorduras de baixa qualidade, que, em conjunto, favorecem o desenvolvimento de hipertensão, resistência à insulina e inflamação crônica, condições diretamente associadas ao avanço da doença renal crônica.

5. Ingestão excessive alcoholic beverages

Excessive alcohol consumption directly affects water balance and blood pressure regulation, two critical functions for health and the proper functioning of the kidneys, as detailed by the specialist. Alcohol has a diuretic effect, as it inhibits the action of antidiuretic hormone. Isso causes the person to urinate more frequently and in greater volume, resulting in the significant loss of essential fluids and electrolytes for the body.

This dehydration and subsequent electrolyte imbalance cause a reduction in renal blood flow, overloading the nephrons, which are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering blood plasma and forming urine. In situations of abusive consumption, especially when associated with factors such as intense heat, pre-existing dehydration or the concomitant use of anti-inflammatories, acute kidney injury can develop, a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.