With plastic being so widely used in our daily lives, many are left wondering – does frequent plastic exposure put our kidney health at risk? In a recent interview, doctors discussed some potential hazards plastics can pose and what it means for kidney patients.
Plastics are known to contain chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates that can leach out, especially when items get heated or come into contact with fatty or acidic foods and drinks. These endocrine-disrupting compounds have been linked to issues affecting the reproductive, developmental and hormonal systems. For the kidneys, they may induce oxidative stress and inflammation – early signs of potential damage down the road.
As Max Hospital nephrologist Dr. Meenakshi Jain explains, “Kidney patients are already at a higher risk of complications due to their existing condition. Constant plastic usage could worsen their disease progression and make treatment more difficult.” The toxins tend to accumulate in the body over time if the kidneys can't efficiently filter them out.
Dr. Prakash Shetty from Mumbai's Hiranandani Hospital highlighted another concern – plastic compounds reducing kidney efficiency. When filtration is compromised, waste starts building up in the bloodstream, potentially escalating into chronic kidney disease without caution. Even healthy individuals consuming plastic-leached chemicals regularly may experience mild symptoms like protein in urine initially.
While occasional plastic use likely won't cause immediate harm, making conscious choices can help protect long-term kidney wellness, say doctors. They recommend minimizing direct food contact with plastic, checking items for recycle labels and going plastic-free whenever practical for those with kidney problems or risk factors. Small lifestyle tweaks go a long way in keeping our vital organs running smoothly.
