Translation: Does Overindulgence Cause Kidney Disease? Will All Kidney Diseases Progress to Uremia?

Every field has its myths, and nephrology is no exception! Does poor kidney health stem from overindulgence? Should kidney disease patients avoid salt entirely? Will all kidney diseases inevitably lead to uremia? Is leek a taboo for kidney patients? …
Find answers to these questions in this article, as Director Yang Ning explains in detail!

1. Does poor kidney health result from overindulgence?
This is the most disheartening misconception pinned on kidney disease!
The causes of kidney disease are complex and varied, including infections, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, hypertension, medications, tumors, ischemia, environmental factors, and genetics—but overindulgence is not among them.
Kidney disease is highly prevalent in modern populations. No one who eats ordinary food can claim immunity from illness. Empathize: mocking patients with ignorance today may leave you voiceless when disease strikes tomorrow.

2. Should kidney disease patients avoid salt entirely?
Moderation is key; extremes are harmful.
Completely eliminating salt not only fails to promote health but may reduce blood volume, decrease blood flow to the kidneys, and harm them further.

3. Will all kidney diseases inevitably progress to uremia?
Basic medical knowledge dispels this myth. In the U.S., kidney disease affects 1 in 7 people; in China, 1 in 10. If all cases progressed to uremia, the economic burden would cripple nations.
Overall, only 1–2% of chronic kidney disease cases develop into uremia. However, due to the large number of kidney disease patients, new uremia cases rise quickly each year. Good prognosis relies on early diagnosis and proper management.

4. Will half of IgA nephropathy patients develop kidney failure in 20 years?
Don’t blindly apply statistical data to yourself—it might scare you into illness!
Misleading claims like “half of IgA nephropathy patients develop kidney failure in 10–20 years” confuse many. A long-term study of over 1,000 IgA nephropathy cases at Nanjing Military General Hospital’s Nephrology Department shows:
Patients with early control, stable conditions, urine protein below 0.5g, and well-managed blood pressure rarely progress to kidney failure after 20 years. Conversely, those with uncontrolled conditions, high proteinuria, and hypertension may reach kidney failure in just a few years.
For kidney patients under medical guidance with stable conditions, don’t fear the 10- or 20-year mark. For those neglecting management, don’t be lulled by the “20 years” timeline. This applies to many kidney diseases: stable conditions lower uremia risk, while poor control heightens it. Averages mean little; personal management is key.

5. Can supplements boost immunity for frequent colds or fatigue?
Many kidney patients skip proper meals, overly restrict diets, avoid exercise, stay up late, smoke, or drink heavily, yet hope supplements or special foods will boost immunity. This is wishful thinking.

6. Should kidney disease patients avoid soy products?
Textbooks aren’t gospel and can sometimes mislead.
Modern research shows soy is nutrient-rich, packed with protein, vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. Soy protein is an excellent, bioavailable protein source for chronic kidney disease patients.

7. Does swimming harm the kidneys?
The kidneys aren’t as robust as you might think, but they’re not fragile either.
Swimming is a great aerobic exercise, and moderate activity aids recovery. Recommended exercises include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, or cycling.

8. Should kidney disease patients avoid sexual activity?
Sex and kidneys are unrelated in modern medicine—don’t conflate them!
Moderate sexual activity promotes physical and mental health and family harmony, benefiting kidney disease recovery. “Moderate” varies individually, ideally leaving you energized the next day without affecting work or study.

9. Are leeks harmful for kidney disease patients?
No need to act like leeks are the enemy!
No research suggests leeks worsen kidney disease. Like other green vegetables, leeks offer fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. Kidney patients can eat them in moderation without worry.

10. Does foamy urine always indicate poor kidney health?
Foamy urine is a common symptom of kidney disease, often due to increased urinary protein altering liquid surface tension.
However, foamy urine doesn’t always signal kidney issues. Concentrated urine, rapid urination, or increased secretions can cause foam in healthy individuals.
If you’re concerned about foamy urine, get a urine test instead of speculating. Early diagnosis and treatment improve kidney disease outcomes; normal results spare unnecessary worry.
For stable kidney patients, urine test strips are a more accurate way to monitor potential proteinuria recurrence than observing foam.

Rumors stop with the wise. May readers of Kidney Online’s science-based insights become “myth-busting champions,” embracing scientific care for a healthier recovery journey.