Frequent use of anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may pose a significant threat to kidney health, according to recent expert warnings. Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) are advising consumers, especially those with diabetes or high blood pressure, to exercise caution with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Understanding the Risks of NSAIDs
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, emphasized the dual nature of medications. "Medicines have the power to harm as well as to heal," he stated. "Although NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are effective and safe medicines, patients should be aware of their impact – particularly if a patient is at increased risk of developing kidney disease – and consider alternative medication where appropriate."
Picard further advised that individuals with concerns about NSAID usage should consult their pharmacist. "Pharmacists are experts in medicines and are best placed to offer advice to people who may be concerned about any potential long-term effect of some medicines and can help patients effectively manage pain."
The Vital Role of Kidneys
Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK, highlighted the crucial functions of our kidneys. "We have two kidneys in our body, one on either side towards our back, and they are vital organs," she explained. "They help regulate our blood pressure, keep our bones healthy, filter our blood and help get rid of the toxins, and are an important part of our excretion system."
Loud also noted the close relationship between kidney and heart health. "Keeping your blood pressure healthy keeps your kidneys healthy. If your kidneys are not working so well, the heart has to pump harder and that places significant strain on the cardiovascular system."
Eight Simple Ways to Maintain Kidney Health
1. Stay Hydrated
"Staying hydrated helps your kidneys filter out those toxins through your body and get rid of waste," says Loud. "Try to aim for six to eight glasses of water a day."
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
"Eating lots of fruit and vegetables helps keep your blood pressure and cholesterol healthy – and if you're looking after your heart, you're looking after your kidneys," Loud advises. "Eating your five-a-day is great, and even doing small things like adding fruit to cereal and using frozen vegetables, can all add up. Try to avoid ultra-processed foods, or only have them as an occasional treat."
3. Check Your Blood Pressure
"You can get your blood pressure checked very easily at a pharmacy, as many pharmacies have blood pressure machines," Loud notes.
4. Reduce Your Salt Intake
"Try to reduce your salt intake as too much can have a negative impact on your blood pressure and could increase your risk of kidney stones," she recommends. "I would recommend replacing salt with herbs, lemon or garlic for extra flavour."
5. Stay Active
Regular physical activity is crucial for kidney health by managing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. "Aiming for around 150 minutes of exercise a week is a really good thing to do to keep your kidneys healthy, as it helps get all the blood pumping around your body," Loud says. "You don't have to run marathons – you could just do some yoga or go out walking."
6. Regular Kidney Check-ups
"High blood pressure and diabetes are the two biggest risks for chronic kidney disease, so if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, having regular kidney checks is incredibly important," Loud emphasizes.
7. Give Up Smoking
According to Kidney Care UK, smokers are four times more likely than non-smokers to develop kidney failure. "Smoking can cause the build-up of fatty deposits in your blood vessels which means that your heart has to work harder to pump the blood around your body, which raises your blood pressure," Loud explains. "In addition, smoking can also increase your risk of kidney cancer."
8. Check Your Risk Online
"Our online kidney health checker is a quick and easy way to learn about your kidney health and to check your risk of kidney disease," Loud suggests. "Depending on what the health check results say, you may be given a recommendation to go and talk to your GP about this."
