Acute kidney injury, aka AKI
Meet mild, reversible acute kidney injury (AKI) -- a sudden loss of kidney function that can go away within 24 hours or, if unchecked, can lead to chronic kidney failure, dialysis or transplant! It can be triggered by dehydration, reduced blood flow to the kidneys caused by heart failure, blocked urine flow, or damage to the kidneys from medication, a toxin or physical trauma. Because it's related to Type 2 diabetes and age -- and we're in an epidemic of diabetes and our population is increasingly older -- the rate of AKI has tripled since 2007.
Fortunately, promptly administering fluids and antibiotics and/or stopping damaging medication can help restore nearly normal kidney function. But even mild AKI can have longer-term repercussions. A study in Kidney Medicine shows that in older folks, mild and reversible AKI is associated with an increased risk for cognition problems -- especially in those who also have serious cardiovascular disease.
To reduce your risk for AKI, you want to control or reverse Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and stay well-hydrated (use sugarless sports drinks to replenish electrolytes when sweating). And be aware of adverse reactions to DAMN -- that's Diuretics, the blood pressure meds called ACE-inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBS), Metformin and NSAIDs. These drugs are especially AKI-risky.
When AKI causes symptoms, they may include reduced urination, swollen legs, shortness of breath, confusion, belly or side pain, irregular heartbeat and nausea. If you have symptoms, see a doctor pronto. For long-range kidney health, check out our book "YOU: An Owner's Manual, revised."
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2025 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Comments