Lung function is important. Without a strong respiratory system, you can find yourself gasping for air at the drop of a hat. Over time, experts have put an emphasis on air quality and keeping a strong set of lungs. However, air quality has the same impact on so many other parts of your overall health, including your kidneys. Here are just some of the links between the air you’re breathing and your renal health.
Indoor Air Quality
Keeping a clean indoor living space is key to bettering your overall health. This starts with keeping a clean environment. This prevents the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew in high-traffic areas of your home that can lead to long-term health concerns. These particles enter your airways, finding their way into the bloodstream from the lungs and circulating throughout your whole body. This can lead to kidney filtration that can create potential organ failure in the future.
If your home has an HVAC system, it’s important to keep track of routine maintenance. That includes replacing filters, regular technician check-ups, and cleaning out ducts to prevent dust and allergens from clogging up your air vents. If you’re purchasing a new HVAC unit, you may want to look into the benefits of custom ductwork. This will accommodate the exact specifications of your home and your HVAC system. Rather than have miles of ducts running through the inner workings of your house, you’ll have custom ductwork suited to just enough in order to keep the cold or hot air flowing properly.
Outdoor Pollution
While fresh air and a proper ventilation system is a great way to boost your indoor air quality, you do have to worry about areas where pollution is prevalent. The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that air pollution increases the risk of new cases of kidney disease, and quicker progression of needing dialysis treatments. This research also took into account other pre-existing conditions that could impact the development of renal illness.
The rise of chronic kidney disease in some parts of the United States has been linked to an increase in air pollution as a result of factories that are producing dangerous levels of chemicals and smog. Heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium in raw materials and through various industries has been linked to significant kidney problems. In fact, chronic lead exposure can cause gout with kidney disease, known as “saturnine gout with nephropathy.” This can lead to multiple issues that will inhibit overall wellness, such as blood and urinary abnormalities, which can be warning signs of chronic kidney disease.
Smoking
Smoking and second-hand smoke put all facets of your overall wellness in jeopardy, including putting you at risk for kidney disease and renal cancer. If you are a tobacco user, the best way to reduce this risk is to quit use as quickly as possible. Whether it’s cold turkey or nicotine patches, this will do wonders for your overall health. It’s important to also monitor your routine and regiments to make sure you are doing what’s in the best interest of your longevity.
You may want to look into private label supplements that can provide the multivitamins you need to help boost your metabolism and better regulate your body’s processes. Coming in various forms from capsules and gels to creams and liquids, these custom formulas give the body an extra push when accompanied by a proper diet and regular exercise. Be sure to consult with your primary care providers before using nutritional supplements to get an understanding of what these products have to offer, and specific vitamins that you may need a greater dosage of.
