Trying to keep your kidneys safe? Watch out for the effect of pollutants
Humans are exposed to PFAS through contaminated soil, food, water, soil, and air.
By PTI |
WASHINGTON DC: Certain highly pervasive environmental pollutants may have a harmful effect on your kidney health, a study warns. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of non-biodegradable compounds used in industrial processes and consumer products, and they are everywhere in the environment, said researchers from Duke University in the US.
Humans are exposed to PFAS through contaminated soil, food, water, soil, and air, they said.
The findings, which appear in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN), point to the need for additional research to clarify and address these effects.
Invest In The Right Masks, Consumer Immunity-Boosting Foods: Tips To Stay Healthy As Delhi Chokes
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The past week has seen hazardous air quality levels in India's National Capital. Delhi has been covered in a thick layer of haze and dust, compromising the health of its residents.
As air quality worsens, a health emergency has been declared in Delhi - schools are closed, cars on the roads have been reduced with the 'odd-even' scheme, and construction has been halted.
The current crisis, that led Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to describe the National Capital as a 'gas chamber', has turned into the worst in three years. Smog levels have exceeded those of Beijing by more than three times, according to a report in news agency AFP.
Fourteen Indian cities including the capital are among the world's top 15 most polluted cities, according to the World Health Organization.
Even as environmentalists and residents call for measures to fight the pollution, there are some precautions that you need to take to stay safe during such severe conditions.
The past week has seen hazardous air quality levels in India's National Capital. Delhi has been covered in a thick layer of haze and dust, compromising the health of its residents. As air quality w..
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Small dust particles can lead to moderate to severe respiratory conditions like hay fever, common cold, cough, eyes and throat irritation, asthma, dust pneumonia chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD) and emphysema. It is advisable to spend more time indoors, rather than venturing out unnecessarily. Do keep the doors and windows closed as much as possible.
Small dust particles can lead to moderate to severe respiratory conditions like hay fever, common cold, cough, eyes and throat irritation, asthma, dust pneumonia chronic obstructive airways disease..
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The quality of air takes a deep dip during and after the dust storms. The miniscule dust particles that include pollens, heavy metals, arsenic, fertilizers, virus, bacteria, salts, sulphur and pesticides can easily enter the lungs. People with respiratory problems and allergies face a lot of difficulty during this time. Health experts suggest wearing a mask both indoors and outdoors. Avoid the basic surgical and comfort masks. Opt for N95/N99/FFP3 or 'NIOSH Approved' that filter out more than 95% of particles (larger than 0.3 microns).
The quality of air takes a deep dip during and after the dust storms. The miniscule dust particles that include pollens, heavy metals, arsenic, fertilizers, virus, bacteria, salts, sulphur and pest..
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Sticking to the right dietary plan is one of the most crucial things to do during dust storms. The weather can lead to various illnesses like common cold, tiredness, sore throat, irritation in eyes and nose, ceaseless cough, wheezing and other respiratory problems.
To keep yourself safe and boost immunity in the changing season, plan your diet properly and include gooseberries, flaxseed oil, hot soups, olive oil, vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, vitamin E-rich diet, omega-3 diet, honey, garlic, neem, oatmeal, green tea, carrot juice, and pineapple extract.
Stay hydrated, opt to drink lukewarm water, and working out regularly to stay healthy.
Sticking to the right dietary plan is one of the most crucial things to do during dust storms. The weather can lead to various illnesses like common cold, tiredness, sore throat, irritation in eyes a..
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No matter how many precautions you take, the indoor air quality is bound to get impacted by the outside air. If it becomes too oppressive, it makes sense to invest in an air purifier that helps remove up to 99.99% pollutants.
When deciding to buy an air purifier (starting from Rs 10,000), avoid ionizers and UV light-based air purifiers as they produce ozone. Always look for high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The size of the room, the device placement, air changes per hour (ACH), and clean air delivery rate (CADR) are few factors that determine the efficiency of the air purifier.
No matter how many precautions you take, the indoor air quality is bound to get impacted by the outside air. If it becomes too oppressive, it makes sense to invest in an air purifier that helps rem..
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Ensure that children, elders and ill people stay at home, and are well hydrated. Keep a constant check on their health and look for flu-like symptoms. If the condition persists for long or gets severe, visit a doctor immediately.
Ensure that children, elders and ill people stay at home, and are well hydrated. Keep a constant check on their health and look for flu-like symptoms. If the condition persists for long or gets sev..
To investigate whether PFAS exposure may be affecting kidney health, researchers searched the medical literature for relevant studies.
"The kidneys are very sensitive organs, particularly when it comes to environmental toxins that can get in our bloodstream," said John Stanifer from Duke University.
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"Because so many people are now exposed to these PFAS chemicals, and to the newer, increasingly-produced alternative PFAS agents such as GenX, it is critical to understand if and how these chemicals may be contributing to kidney disease," he said.
The Smog Can Choke You: Eat These Five Foods To Protect Yourself
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Changing weather and a thick layer of smog can result in various kinds of illnesses like common cold, sore throat, ceaseless cough and other respiratory problems.
While staying hydrated and working out is a must, one must consume the right foods to boost their immunity.
Dolly Kumar, founder and director at Gaia, and a wellness enthusiast, shares benefits of five foods that help build immunity and keep you healthy in the changing season.
Changing weather and a thick layer of smog can result in various kinds of illnesses like common cold, sore throat, ceaseless cough and other respiratory problems.
While staying hydrated and working ..
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Bugged with a sore throat and the medicines just don't work? Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, honey is proven to have a soothing effect on sore throat.
Grate half a ginger, add a spoonful of honey, and voila! You have the perfect home-made remedy for sore throat.
A spoonful of honey in warm water is one of the perfect ingredients to solve many health problems like high blood pressure, blood purification, etc.
Bugged with a sore throat and the medicines just don't work? Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, honey is proven to have a soothing effect on sore throat.
Grate half a ginger, add a spoonfu..
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Neem has blood purifying properties which helps clear toxins and impurities from the blood. It also helps boost the immune system while cooling down the body, internally.
Neem also possesses both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help keep the skin clean, radiant and healthy.
Neem has blood purifying properties which helps clear toxins and impurities from the blood. It also helps boost the immune system while cooling down the body, internally.
Neem also possesses both an..
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The best way to keep yourself nourished from the inside is to indulge in a bowl of oats. Rich in dietary fibre and protein, oats are a low-calorie food that keeps you fuller for longer.
Oats also help manage cholesterol levels, maintain healthy body weight, and reduce the risk of blood sugar and diabetes.
The best way to keep yourself nourished from the inside is to indulge in a bowl of oats. Rich in dietary fibre and protein, oats are a low-calorie food that keeps you fuller for longer.
Oats also he..
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Reach out for a warm cup of green tea and give your body the best detox it needs.
Green tea contains various powerful anti-oxidants and nutrients that regulate blood sugar, improve brain function and enhance metabolism.
This 'super-drink' also has essential minerals, bioactive compounds and fat-burning qualities that helps you stay in shape.
Reach out for a warm cup of green tea and give your body the best detox it needs.
Green tea contains various powerful anti-oxidants and nutrients that regulate blood sugar, improve brain function an..
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Olive oil is rich in mono-saturated fatty acids and has a light texture that works as a great alternative to regular cooking oil.
Packed with anti-oxidants, it also reduces the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer.
Olive oil is rich in mono-saturated fatty acids and has a light texture that works as a great alternative to regular cooking oil.
Packed with anti-oxidants, it also reduces the risk of cancer, type ..
In the 74 studies identified, there were many adverse outcomes linked to PFAS exposure, including worse kidney function, derangements in the proximal tubules in the kidney, and dysregulated metabolic pathways linked to kidney disease.
It was also particularly concerning that children are exposed to these chemicals to a greater extent than adults, researchers said.
"By searching all the known studies published on the topic, we concluded that there are several potential ways in which these chemicals can cause kidney damage," said Stanifer.
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"We discovered that there have already been multiple reports suggesting that these chemicals are associated with worse kidney outcomes," he said.
Air Pollution Causing Acne And Dull Skin? Quick Beauty Hacks To Get The Glow Back
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The air pollution index has reached the 'severe' mark in Delhi and neighbouring cities are enveloped in a blanket of smog. It is not easy to avoid skin problems like acne when surrounded by poor air quality.
Uma Singh, medical consultant at Ozone Organic Advantage, and The Body Shop's Head Trainer Shikhee Agrawal, share some simple, precautionary tips that will let your skin breathe.
(Image: ThinkStock Photos)
The air pollution index has reached the 'severe' mark in Delhi and neighbouring cities are enveloped in a blanket of smog. It is not easy to avoid skin problems like acne when surrounded by poor air ..
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For glowing skin, drinking a glass of water every hour is key. Try to consume eight to 10 glasses of water a day. This will remove toxins from your body, accelerating a healthy blood flow. This also helps in boosting metabolism.
For glowing skin, drinking a glass of water every hour is key. Try to consume eight to 10 glasses of water a day. This will remove toxins from your body, accelerating a healthy blood flow. This also ..
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Keeping your skin healthy is as simple as eating right. Avoid oily snacks and trans-fat food. Adding fresh fruits, green vegetables, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet will help detoxify skin.
Keeping your skin healthy is as simple as eating right. Avoid oily snacks and trans-fat food. Adding fresh fruits, green vegetables, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids to your diet will help detoxify skin.
Don't take fitness lightly. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and delivers the right amount of oxygen to the skin cells. Perspiring during workout will keep toxins away, and make your skin healthy and acne-free.
Don't take fitness lightly. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and delivers the right amount of oxygen to the skin cells. Perspiring during workout will keep toxins away, and make your skin heal..
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Avoid touching your pimples and breakouts as it triggers infection. Popping a pimple will cause skin irritated or inflamed resulting in swelling, scarring and redness. Wash hands regularly with anti-bacterial soap/hand wash before touching your face.
Apart from that, keep your face clean with facial scrubs, moisturisers and masks. Opt for an acne medication that has a potent pimple/acne reduction activity or the ability to prevent occurrence of pimples/acne.
Also, always use a sunscreen.
Avoid touching your pimples and breakouts as it triggers infection. Popping a pimple will cause skin irritated or inflamed resulting in swelling, scarring and redness. Wash hands regularly with anti-..
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Make sure you thoroughly clean your razors, blade and electric shaver. Before shaving, always soften skin with lukewarm, soapy water.
Make sure you thoroughly clean your razors, blade and electric shaver. Before shaving, always soften skin with lukewarm, soapy water.
It is extremely important to keep your hair clean and dandruff-free. Negligence can result in acne.
To protect your hair against pollution, always wear washed caps, headbands and scarves. When visiting a salon, avoid using another person's towel as it may carry infections resulting in risk of acne, redness and skin inflammation.
It is extremely important to keep your hair clean and dandruff-free. Negligence can result in acne.
To protect your hair against pollution, always wear washed caps, headbands and scarves. When visit..
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Remove make-up before going to bed as this lowers the risk of breakouts. Also, go for the minimal make-up as it lets the skin breathe and look natural.
Essential oils help in treating skin inflammations and acne. A combination of various essential oils like tea tree oil, moringa oil, lemon oil, chamomile oil and lavender oil will treat the acne effectively.
(Inputs from IANS)
Remove make-up before going to bed as this lowers the risk of breakouts. Also, go for the minimal make-up as it lets the skin breathe and look natural.
Essential oils help in treating skin inflammat..
