World Kidney Day: Gym supplements, dehydration linked to rising renal issues in Gen Z

Hyderabad: Kidney-related health issues are becoming increasingly common among Gen Z in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana.

Many young gym-goers are reporting elevated serum creatinine levels, while some individuals are experiencing protein leakage in their urine. Additionally, students in schools and colleges are at a higher risk of urinary tract infections due to inadequate water intake.

Increase in cases among young adults

Dr Avula Naveen Reddy, a consultant nephrologist at AINU, noted a rise in kidney-related cases among young individuals.

“Recently, most of our kidney-related cases involve individuals aged 16-20 years, which primarily includes Gen Z. Many of these cases are in the early stages. On average, we receive three to four cases per month, with issues such as elevated creatinine levels, protein leakage and urinary infections. These problems may have existed a decade ago, but due to a lack of widespread screening at the time, they were not diagnosed as often. Now, routine screenings and comprehensive medical tests—especially those required before studying abroad—are revealing these issues,” he said.

He further explained that if an individual has raised creatinine levels and urinary protein leakage, a kidney biopsy and further testing are recommended.

“If there is no protein leakage and only raised creatinine levels, we advise conservative measures and medications. If there is a persistent rise in creatinine despite these measures, further evaluation is necessary to pinpoint the cause and provide appropriate treatment,” he added.

Preventive measures for kidney health

Dr Reddy outlined several preventive steps to help maintain kidney health:

• Follow a low-to-moderate protein diet.

• Avoid painkillers and unnecessary over-the-counter medications.

• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water and fluids.

• Reduce red meat consumption.

• Engage in moderate exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Minimise the use of whey protein and rely on plant-based protein sources from food instead of unnecessary supplements.

Poor restroom facilities affecting hydration

Another contributing factor to kidney issues among students is the lack of well-maintained restrooms in educational institutions.

“Many residential and day-scholar schools do not have adequately maintained restrooms. As a result, Gen Z students drink less water to avoid using them, leading to dehydration and an increased risk of urinary infections and kidney stones,” Dr Reddy stated.

Symptoms to watch for

Dr Reddy advised young individuals and parents to be vigilant about early signs of kidney issues, including:

• Excessive foam in urine, which may indicate protein leakage.

• Fever, abdominal pain, frequent urination and burning sensation during urination, which are common symptoms of urinary tract infections.

• Traces of blood in the urine, which may signal kidney stones or infections.

He emphasised that while these conditions are not immediately life-threatening, early detection and timely treatment are essential. “Awareness among parents and young individuals has been improving in recent years, which is a positive development,” he added.

World Kidney Day 2025 Theme: Early Detection

World Kidney Day will be observed on March 13 with the theme ‘Prioritising Early Detection for Healthy Kidneys.’ The focus is on identifying kidney issues early before they progress into more severe conditions.